HELLO!

People who have never belonged to an evangelical church will sometimes ask me about the differences between these denominations and mainline denominations (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United). It’s challenging to know how to answer questions this broad in scope. In answering this question, I think many err on the side of detail, they assume the one asking wants the historical, theological, liturgical, differences when most people want a more general and thematic explanation. One way I explain the difference is to point to how much time and energy we devote to telling others about our faith and our church. In the same way many in society would tell their friends about the best restaurants, musicals, TV series, books…evangelicals want you to know why they believe, what they believe and where they attend church. For many in mainline churches, talking bout one’s faith and where one goes to church feels “pushy” and possibly dismissive toward others who believe differently, who worship in other ways. One reason for this, mainline folks believe there are different pathways to meaning and truth, which means some find their “way” in Christianity, some in other religions. And likewise, some find God in the United Church, some in other denominations. For us to share our preferences, without being asked, feels uncomfortable, it feels like we are suggesting other choices are wrong or dangerous. I will say that while I too am reticent to share my faith and the church, I call home without first being asked, I do think we mainline folks need to become more comfortable sharing our faith. When I ask people why they have chosen to attend our services, newcomers will often say, “my friend recommended your church”.  

Evangelical means “good news”, and Christians who believe God has set them free from whatever it was that held them back, want us to know the good news of God’s love. I have many friends who are evangelical, they love to talk about Jesus, usually with a broad smile. I love how enthused they are about their faith and church but sometimes I lament they are not as keen to hear others do likewise. But there is a smaller group that we in the mainline sometimes confuse with evangelicals, because they share some theological beliefs. “Fundamentalists” may share some common ground with evangelicals but there is one major difference, they feel those who do not accept the “good news” are damned, evil, even Satanic. With my many evangelical friends we agree to disagree on theological matters like Biblical interpretation. But when I attempt to engage fundamentalists, I am labelled “demonic”. It will come as no surprise to you that I have no fundamentalist friends.

In my 36 years as an ordained United Church minister there is only one way I experience the United Church as what typically call “evangelical”, sharing good news we believe others need to know, whether they ask for it or not and that good news is…Berwick Camp. In serving churches located in villages, towns, suburbs, residential urban and inner-city postal codes one common message remains, “Kevin, you need to go to Berwick!” People who love Berwick, love Berwick a lot! They will tell you, “You need to go”, they will tell you once, twice, as often as they can. Given how many people love Berwick you should consider giving it a try. Woodlawn folks, including day visitors, will gather together on Friday July 31^st from 1-3 pm at Holy Wood cabin. Bethe will be there to welcome you. If you want to coordinate with her, call 902-856-0101.

Peace, Kevin

PS Lucian and Kim tell me my evangelism can be found in living more simply, reducing our footprint, purging stuff, finding joy in less, not more.