Episcopalians Attend 'Risk' Evangelism Program
Episcopal News Service. March 25, 1976 [76112]
Kansas City, Kans. -- Three Episcopalians joined with a nationwide conference of 50 Presbyterians -- clergy and laity -- gathered for the presentation of the RISK Evangelism program of the United Presbyterian Church, U. S.A. recently in Kansas City, Kans. They were Mr. Eugene Niednagel, Special Services Director of the Diocese of Indianapolis; the Rev. James Bethell, rector of St. David's Church, Topeka and newly appointed Evangelism Chairman for the Diocese of Kansas; and the Rev. A. Wayne Schwab, Evangelism Officer from the Episcopal Church Center.
Developed by the Synod of the Trinity (Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Eastern Ohio), RISK evangelism is a three-year program emphasizing church renewal the first year, community involvement the second year, and evangelism of the unchurched the third year.
A handbook of 64 options for renewal is available from the Synod Office, 3040 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011 for $6.00. Handbooks for the next two phases are in production. The program is in its third year of pilot development in the Trinity Synod.
Mrs. Ruth Gumbleton, a lay person from Erie, outlined the rationale and operation of the support and reporting system that backs up each congregation as it works its way through the three-year process. Experience has shown the wisdom of this network of support and congregations are advised to attempt the program only after such a network has been set up on a presbytery (or diocesan) basis.
The Synod developed the program as its expression of the United Presbyterian Church's emphasis on evangelism. A consultant in Evangelism, the Rev. Edwin (Mike) Sanford, has been a part of the Synod staff since 1971. Each synod and presbytery will work out its own use of the RISK program.
The Rev. Grady Allison, United Presbyterian executive for Evangelism, comments that the program represents the conviction that "community involvement and social ministry create the context that authenticates the Gospel when it is proclaimed. Our people will be glad to consult with Episcopalians on this and other methods in evangelism."