By Don Becker.  On January 26, a training event was held for those planning to lead a six-week Evangelism course in their parish this Lent. 

Eighteen parishioners from St. David’s, Prince Albert & the Parish of MacDowall & St. Louis came to the Synod Office for a  workshop presented by Rev. Norbert Haukenfrers.

Called, 'Becoming a Contagious Christian', the course goal is to help everyday Christians to confidently and effectively share the message of Christ in their own personal, God-given style with their family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.

At the conclusion of the workshop series, which uses a DVD and a workbook, members divided into parish groups of three to lead small groups through the six sessions between now and Easter.

The course is structured this way:

• Session one helped us to realize the difference between our preconceived idea of an evangelist and our role as a contagious Christian as we lead others to Christ.
• Session two showed us what our style of evangelism is and how we might best use it to share the Gospel with individuals.
• Session three demonstrated several ways of cultivating authentic relationships and how to use opportunities for spiritual conversations in that context.
• Session four helped us how to sort out our personal journey: what we were like before Christ, when we met Him, and how He has made a difference in our lives.
• Session five gave us some very simple graphics and stories to help us understand and present the Gospel.
• Session six showed us how to guide someone who is ready, to ask Jesus for His forgiveness and leadership.