Written by Matthew Heard
We're thrilled to share a report from the launch of NorwichNet, our new equipping workshop series, run together with New Hope Christian Center and Radical Church. Any other church that wants to grow in evangelism is welcome to come on board. Our first equipping day, on Saturday 17th October, was a huge success, and we're so grateful to God for all He did. Many people from 13 different churches came together to be equipped to share the good news of Jesus with confidence and power.
Unity in the Body
Seeing 13 churches in one room was a testimony in itself. We built new relationships and made connections that will last beyond the day. We learned how others approach evangelism, grew in trust, and were willing to try new things together. We believe this is how the Body of Christ reaches a city.
The Heart Behind Evangelism
I opened the day by sharing why evangelism matters and the heart that should be behind it: a genuine love for people and for the lost. Evangelism isn't a technique. It flows from the compassion of Jesus.
The Pure Gospel
Matt Richards then taught on the pure gospel: what it is, and how to communicate it clearly and simply. His session gave everyone confidence to share the good news without complicating it.
Practical Tips and Safeguarding
Chris Day shared practical tips for going out on the streets, including safeguarding, so that everyone could step out wisely and with care for the people we meet.
Workshop: My Story
The practical session was built around our "My Story" card, which walks you through your testimony in three simple parts, based on Paul's testimony in Acts 26:
• Before Jesus: What was life like before you knew Him? What were you struggling with or searching for?
• Meeting Jesus: How did you encounter Him, and what did you discover about Him? This is where the good news comes in: Jesus died for us, was buried, and rose again on the third day, and through faith in Him we can be forgiven, made new and set free.
• After Jesus: What has He changed in you? What is different now?
Each person chose two aspects of their own story. They then practised sharing how life looked before Jesus, and how He met them and transformed those two areas. The card also gives a simple way to turn the conversation back to the other person. You can ask whether anyone has ever shared the good news with them, or whether there's an area of their life where they'd like to experience transformation. It finishes by offering to pray for them. People tried it out loud and grew in confidence, and it was great to watch.
Out on the Streets
We didn't stop at teaching. We put it into practice with street outreach straight after the workshop on 17th October, and again on 31st October, which was Halloween. Teams handed out tracts and started conversations, and God broke in in a number of ways:
• Healing: One of our teenagers prayed for a lady's back and gave her a flower. She later came back to thank them and tell them her back was completely fine.
• Salvation: On one outreach, someone committed to following Jesus. Several people heard the Good News and how Jesus transforms peoples lives.
• Prophetic words: Several people received words about different parts of their lives.
• Open, loving conversations: Some were challenging, and others were open and warm. People who had struggled with their mental health shared that openly and said they wanted to be free. There was a real fascination with the truth and life we were speaking about.
Fellowship and Testimony
We shared a good meal together, glorifying God and telling stories of what He had done on the outreach. It was a long day of equipping, and people left touched and encouraged.
What's Next
This is only the beginning. Our next NorwichNet workshop is on Saturday 28th November and focuses on one-to-one evangelism. We'll go deeper into having real conversations with people and sharing the good news personally. If you came along on the 17th, bring a friend. If you missed it, you're very welcome to join us.
Sign up here: https://www.kingdomnow.co.uk/events/norwichnet-part2
Thank you to New Hope Christian Center, Radical Church and everyone who prayed, served and gave their time to make the day happen. If your church would like to join NorwichNet and grow in sharing the good news, get in touch through kingdomnow.co.uk. Please keep praying for the series and for the people we met on the streets.
"They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." (Revelation 12:11)
