Pre-Synod Conference on Evangelism Outreach North America hosted the Pre-Synod Evangelism Conference with
Dr. Randy Newman. “God uses ordinary Christians to do supernatural work,” Newman said. Raised as a Jew and converted in college, Newman said there is a lot to learn about evangelism today. We should be encouraged by how God used C.S. Lewis. There is the importance of pre-evangelism and building relationships. People should be trained to share their testimonies with images, not just a timeline. “Weave in the imagery of what it felt like to stir the imagination and emotions,” Newman said. on Evangelism Explosion, encouraging everyone to have good questions when en- gaging with people. Focus on the person. Some examples of engaging questions are: Everyone has an interesting story, and I want to hear yours? Where is home? What did you do for fun as a kid? Dr. Newman started session two by challenging everyone to answer ques- tions with questions. Jesus used this method. Acts 17:1-5, “When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thes- salonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. ‘This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,’ he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. But other Jews were jealous, so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.” Newman pointed out that Paul went back several days to “reason” with them. This shows it was more of a process.
He “reassured” implies dialog. “There is power of asking the questions. Not all questions are sincere. Therefore, we must train to hear the words and
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” someone who equips the saints.”
Dr. Newman has written the book “Mere Evangelism.” He is the Senior Fellow for Apologetics and Evangelism at the
Opening Worship
“Let Them Praise His Name” rang out in the Youth Activity Building as Synod 2022 began with Former Moderator Rob Roy McGregor, III playing the organ. Rev. Patrick Malphrus said, “Does it feel like Synod now that we sang this?” The service started with the reading of deceased ministers, elders, and former moderators from the last year. Opening Worship was led by Reverend Patrick Malphrus, encouraging us to look to the Lord to know how to proceed this week during Synod and beyond. “It is an odd time,” Malphrus said, “No matter what kind of year, here we are.” Reading from 2 Chronicles 20:1-12, Malphrus tells the story of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat wasn’t looking for trouble, but it was in the form of “a vast army” (v. 2). “We need to make up our minds to follow God. This starts in His Word. We need to praise the Lord,” Malphrus said. The Lord protects us in many ways we don’t even see. Verse 12 says, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Malphrus closed by saying, “There is a big difference in not knowing what to do and not doing what you know. We must do as God’s word says.”
Chaplain Mitchell Sutton led the time of communion with 16 elders from various
churches. “Paul says we need to examine ourselves. We must be willing to hand things over to God,” Sutton said. The communion bread was made from a 200-year-old Old Provi- dence ARP Church recipe.
July/August 2022 3
Synod 2022
Synod Coverage
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