Outreach : Evangelism

Seed of Evangelism

St. John’s Church has maintained a strong evangelistic spirit, with members contributing funds, engaging in personal evangelism, and participating in follow-up work for the Bible Correspondence Course. Small groups within the church have also actively supported evangelistic efforts. On 14th October 1962, the Vellore Evangelistic Council held an Institute on Evangelism at the church, focusing on lay witness opportunities such as hospital evangelism, village preaching, and prison work, led by Dr. Paul Brand.

In 1965, Rev. E. Heideman [RCA Missionary], Presbyter in charge, urged St. John’s Church members to take responsibility for evangelism. The pastorate committee was tasked with leading an evangelistic program, and Rs. 500 was allocated for this purpose. Meetings held in September and October 1965 identified three key focus areas: Reaching English-speaking people in Vellore, organizing church-led evangelistic work, and providing resources and financial support for individual members engaged in evangelism.

Evangelistic Outreach Programs

St. John’s Church actively engages in evangelistic outreach, aiming to share the gospel’s good news and fulfill the message of John 3:16. Financial support for outreach is garnered through designated offertory, monthly offertory covers, annual harvest festivals, and Women’s Fellowship mini-sales.

Activities:

Jawadhi Hills, Tiruvannamalai District (1968)

St. John's Church initiated outreach in Nadanur, Jawadhi Hills.

Initiated outreach in Nadanur, Jawadhi Hills, supporting the National Missionary Society of India (NMSI).
Monthly visits include worship services, medical camps, and house visits.
Constructed buildings & facilities for worship, health care, and residence to foster community growth.
Continues to support missionary families and ongoing ministry.

Andhra Pradesh: Bangarupalayam Pastorate (1979)

Supports the ministry in Ragimanupenta, contributing to salaries and church buildings.
Expanded to six villages under the Bangarupalayam Project, providing financial assistance for church development and community growth.

Vandranthangal Gypsy Colony (2001):

St. John's Church initiated outreach in Nadanur, Jawadhi Hills.

Initiated Christian ministry for a gypsy community near Katpadi.
Supports an evangelist working with the community.
Built houses for the community in 2023

Calcutta Medical Mission (1977):

Launched to assist Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, providing medical services for nearly 10 years.
Sustained for a decade with financial support from St. John’s Church.