Reflections on the School of Evangelism
by Don Winn, Mt. Liberty Church, Charlotte, TN

Attending a Billy Graham School of Evangelism is like taking a drink of cool water in a time of drought, except it is like taking that drink from a fire hydrant. The School is packed with inspirational and informational meetings, worship experiences, fellowship times with other attendees, and great mealtimes! Rev. Greg Jones and I attended the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Ashville, North Carolina, September 4-6, 2007, along with about 334 other pastors and spouses from 37 different denominations. I was impressed with the passion each of the twelve speakers had for the lost anf for reaching people with the gospel. Their passion was contagious. I agree with the statement that one made, "A passion for the lost displayed in a congregation is birthed in the heart of the pastor."

For all the variety of themes related to evangelism in the different sessions, the School had a unified practical side to it. I heard ways of reaching the 'tweens,' youth, and adults. I heard about developing an evangelistic congregation. Each participant got a notebook with a detailed strategy for leading the congregation in doing lifestyle evangelism through a vehicle of what is called "Operation Andrew." This strategy, modified to fit my congregation's situation, is hte main thing I will be implementing from the School. I hope to form in 2008 at Mt. Liberty an Evangelism and Discipleship Ministry Leadership Team to lead in mobilizing the congregation to relate to their family and friends who have yet come to faith in Jesus Christ.

I would heartily recommend any pastor attending one of these Schools of Evangelism. It would be a great way of "refreshing" your training in doing personal evangelism, or at least pointing you to some great resources. As a plus you can receive a scholarship which covers the cost of your loding, travel, and food (for me about a $350 value). You are expected to pay the $100 registration fee. But you get moe than $100 of free books for your library.

(Editor's note: Don Winn was instrumental in initiating the GA's five-year priority focus on evangelism through his resolution as a commissioner in 2007.)