To Whom Will You Reach Out?
This article is written by The Right Reverend Charles Alexander Farmer, Bishop of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese of the Anglican Church in North America. It was originally published on January 8, 2025 in the January 2025 issue of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese Communiqué and is reposted here with permission.
Hans Schäufelein, 1517, The Birds Eating the Seeds of the Sower, from Hymmelwagen auff dem, wer wol lebt... from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/669894.
Happy Epiphany!
As we look to 2025, it seems appropriate to focus on Evangelistic Mission. What better time than the beginning of the Season of Epiphany to stir up one another to love and good deeds towards those outside the community of Faith?
Each individual and 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. 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.
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?
The 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
Bishop Charles Alexander Farmer was elected and consecrated in 2022 as the second bishop of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese of the Anglican Church in North America. He was first ordained in 2000 after serving a parish for three years as a youth minister. In 2002, he was called to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Gainesville, FL, a declining church in need of revitalization. He and the members of St. Michael’s reorganized in 2006 to found Servants of Christ Anglican Church, now a thriving congregation, where he served as rector until just after his election. Alex also served for many years as the priest-in-charge of Camp Araminta, a week-long summer camp ministry of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese. His ministry over the years has focused on the cost of discipleship, the call to unity, and the essential need to be quiet before the Lord–empowered by the Holy Spirit. He has been married to his wife, Jody, for 31 years. They have three adult children and three grandchildren.