August 12, 2026

            Last Saturday was our Kansas Regional assembly held in Salina.  Five of us from PVCC attended- not that it’s a competition, but it is uncommon to have such representation (especially considering we are currently a small church). It is always refreshing to meet up with old friends and meet new folks.

            There were many affirmations of the mission and vision of PVCC and the work we are doing in building relationships in our neighborhood.

            The keynote speaker was a personal highlight for me: Rev. F. Douglas Powe Jr., PhD is President of Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His morning session was about evangelism. The very word that makes many of us cringe. Yet, his explanation made it historical, current and most importantly relevant. His breakdown of the word makes it easier to lean into: “good messenger.”

 Dr. Powe referenced Luke 4:18

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me

        to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,

        to set free those who are oppressed.”

            A couple thoughts from my chicken scratch notes (there is video available later this week and I will make it available in a future Communicator):

            We received a reminder of the four “legs” of evangelism (in Greek, but I will utilize English meanings) Proclamation. Community. Service. Witness. Dr. Powe challenged us to utilize all four in our evangelism.

            Some helpful reminders about evangelism: the why is, we are participating in God’s transforming work. The realization that “I am God’s ambassador, and the heart of evangelism is authentic relationships.”

            In evangelism, we help others experience God.

            The affirmation that in making a difference we start small, we can’t do everything. He encouraged us to not focus on size, or the busyness trap. To make a difference in formation, meaning; help people grow into God’s transforming work.

            Some of Dr. Powe’s closing reminders when Reimagining Evangelism:

                        Evangelism is not transactional.

                        Evangelism is about God’s transforming work.

                        Evangelism is formed by biblical narrative that alters the way we form community.

                        Evangelism is creating authentic relationships.