To Whom Will You Reach Out?

Merry Christmas and Happy Epiphany Gulf Atlantic Diocese, 

The life of the Church is never truly calm, but my prayer for all of you during this season (when even our culture slows down and takes a break) is that you and your local congregation can find time to rest and to reflect on all of God’s rich blessings towards us in 2024. My prayers are particularly for those facing the loss of loved ones or illness during this season. “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” I am also always comforted by our Lord’s words in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

As we look to 2025, it seemed appropriate to the Diocesan staff that we would focus this issue of the Communique on the same Mark of Flourishing that we built Synod around last October: Evangelistic Mission. What better time than the beginning of the Season of Epiphany to stir up one another to love in good deeds towards those outside the community of Faith?

Each congregation is called to prayerfully seek a vision for those God is calling you to intentionally reach out to (in word and deed) to bring truth of the Gospel. It is my firm conviction that God has placed each parish in a location to uniquely reach people for the gospel in that particular place. Of course, the doors of our churches are open to all, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Yet, God is honored when, by prayerfully consideration, we seek to know specifically whom we as a congregation are called to reach.

This specificity brings focus and strategy to our outreach efforts. When I was in parish ministry, it became clear over time that young professional families, particularly those seeking graduate training, were to be our focus. By God’s grace, we did reach some within this demographic, and in the process it gave focus to decisions we as a parish made. Where should we look for a permanent home? What ministries should we focus on developing? What should our study and home group format look like? Who should be stepping into leadership and how should we prepare for leadership transitions? These and many other questions flowed from the vision to reach a particular group of people. Strategic focus comes from a prayerful vision from the Lord.

Some of you are located in areas where large groups of retirees are moving. Others are living near military bases, or near college campuses. Who is the Lord calling you to work with intentionality to reach? Some of us may struggle when our particular demographic is not the focus. Let me be clear: the Church needs every age and every demographic. I believe over time a flourishing church will seek to reach those of all ages, ethnicities, and economic levels. However, it is likely that God will call you to start with a particular group and build from there.

College-age and single adults are two of the hardest groups to reach, which is why we as a Diocese are so committed to helping our churches develop ministry to those demographics. Failing to reach the next generation will have long-lasting effects for decades to come, and so we must work together to labor for that harvest. I am thankful for Canon Christopher Jones and collegiate partnerships in Savannah (with Drew Ibach) and Gainesville (with Dcn. Megan Trautman), who are making inroads for ministry among this age group. 

In the rest of this issue, the Diocesan staff will offer insights for practical next steps for evangelistic mission, but let me add just a few practical points myself. First, this work must begin with much prayer. Lots and lots of prayer. Second, there will need to be lots of conversation as a parish. Third, your Rector probably has some sense of direction. Are you as a parish ready to hear that vision? Finally, once you have identified your focus, I urge you to reach out to the Diocese to find other parishes who have a similar calling and see what resources or insight might be present. The evangelism and outreach network led by Canon Bill Krizner will be a valuable resource in this process. 

While you seek to identify the group you are called to reach intentionally, two groups should always be a part of every parish vision for evangelistic mission. First, the poor. Having just come through the celebration of the Incarnation, I am struck once again by the humility of the Holy Family entrusted with the care for Christ Our Lord. Mary’s Magnificat proclaims God’s priority and care for the poor and powerless. The poor are near the heart of God. You may not be called to be a church among the poor but you are surely called to be a church that ministers to the poor. Second, the ends of the earth. I would be remiss if I did not remind you that the Great Commission calls each believer to care not just for their local needs and the lost among them, but also for the tongues, tribes, and peoples that have never heard the gospel or are without churches or a bible in their native language. These least reached peoples must remain a focus if we are to be fully-formed disciples of Jesus. How are you as a congregation strategically seeking to bring the nations to a living faith in Jesus?

New Wineskins Global Mission conference (September 17-20, 2025) would be an excellent opportunity to take a team from your church to jumpstart Mission and Outreach. 

Wow, that’s a lot. Be not afraid, God who is faithful will equip you and your congregation for every good work He has prepared for you to walk in. May God continue to bless and lead you step by step as you seek to obediently follow where Our Lord calls us. 

I am praying for you as we walk into this new year together. 

+Alex