Nevin commissioned as a Diocesan Evangelist
Warmest congratulations to Nevin Anderson who was commissioned as a Diocesan Evangelist on Sunday 24 November. Bishop David commissioned Nevin at a service in St Saviour’s Dollingstown in his home parish of Magheralin. The Diocesan Warden of Evangelists, Capt George Newell, gave the address.
Nevin was encouraged to join the two-year Evangelist Training Course by his rector, Revd Simon Genoe, and he completed it alongside running his business.
In September Bishop David appointed Nevin and his wife Lorraine as Pioneer Ministers to serve in Warrenpoint. They were commissioned on 12 November as part of the first group of pioneer leaders in the Church of Ireland selected to be trained under the Church of Ireland’s Pioneer initiative.
Nevin says:
“After Simon suggested the course, I prayed about it and I sensed from God that I should do it. I have always felt the need to share my faith with others and so I felt I would benefit by studying evangelism and understanding it more.
“On the course I really enjoyed meeting other people who have a passion for evangelism. I found that listening to and being with them inspired me and encouraged me so much. Although I really enjoyed the classes and practical exercises, it’s quite demanding on your time but my own year and the years above kept me going when it was tough!"
Nevin says the Diocesan Evangelist Training Course has helped to prepare him for church planting in Warrenpoint.
“I’ve been equipped both in my knowledge and understanding of evangelism, but it has especially given me the confidence in my calling as an Evangelist within the Church. I know I will be able to use all the knowledge and learning that I have received throughout the course in my ministry to the people of Warrenpoint."
Go for it!
"To anyone who is considering doing the Evangelist Training Course I would say that yes, it can be a challenge on yourself and your time, but it also ultimately means that you will learn to depend on God for your strength and as your source. This dependence on God to get you through is really what you also need as an Evangelist and through the course you will meet so many people who like yourself are passionate about sharing your faith.
"George, and the team of facilitators will help stir up your evangelism gifting and encourage you to the finish line and therefore into the role of the Evangelist which is such a necessary role and call within the body of Christ.
"I would not have been able to progress into this next part of my journey in serving Christ if I had not "jumped into" the adventure of the Evangelist Training Course.”
Do you sense a calling to evangelism? Applications for the 2025-26 Evangelist Training Course are open until Monday 16 December 2024.
To find out more, please download the course brochure AT THIS LINK or visit THIS PAGE on our website.