Good Afternoon,

I hope you’re well. London City Mission have launched a brand new Evangelism Resource Hub and Podcast "Everyday Evangelism" in response to new survey findings.

This new research conducted by Savanta and London City Mission identifies key gaps in evangelism outreach and highlights which groups are often overlooked when Christians share the Gospel. The survey demonstrates the confidence levels of practicing Christians to share their faith and highlights a desire to engage more frequently, while also revealing hesitation in some areas of reaching marginalised and diverse social groups.

Jason Roach, Director of Ministries, shares the need for churches and Christians to extend their outreach into communities unfamiliar with Jesus, providing practical support for willing Christians. “Everyone needs the opportunity to hear the gospel during their lifetime in a way they can understand.”

All the details are included in the press release below and we’ll have a spokesperson available for interview.

Would an article / interview be of interest?

All the best,

Maddie.

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

“Reach outside of your comfort zone and start with one”

London City Mission launches new evangelism resource hub and podcast as revealing research highlights key opportunities for Christians to bridge gaps and share the gospel.

A new survey has identified which groups practising Christians tend to share the gospel with and those people who may miss out on hearing the good news. The research holds significant findings on the attitudes of Christians towards sharing their faith.

The research was conducted by Savanta, and was commissioned by London City Mission, an organisation dedicated to equipping everyday Christians in London and beyond to share their faith. The survey asked practicing Christians to share their confidence levels for sharing their faith with others, with interesting results:

•    Four in five practicing Christians (78%) are confident to share their faith with people who aren’t Christians.

•    Nine in ten (89%) know it’s important to their own faith to share the gospel with others.

•    However, three-quarters (76%) would like to talk more often about their faith with people who aren’t Christians.

Christians surveyed stated they are most likely to share their faith with close friends (42%), family (42%) and work colleagues (37%) who aren’t Christians. Among those groups that people feel less able to connect with and share their faith with are those from a different social background (30%), those who are outside their social circles, and those who are marginalised in society (e.g. homeless, refugees and asylum seekers) (20%).

The data also reveals why Christians may not take the opportunity to talk about their faith more often:

•    A quarter (26%) said they are worried about a negative reaction when sharing about their faith with others.

•    One in five (19%) say they might hold back from talking to more people because they feel they should be 'tolerant' and let others have their own beliefs.

Efrem Buckle, Deputy CEO and Director of Training at London City Mission, shares this encouragement in response to the survey data.

“We know that half of all Londoners live in gospel poverty which means they don't know a Christian who can share their faith with them. We also know that those Londoners who live in gospel poverty are also likely to be part of our most deprived communities. It's down to us to act and start to build bridges to share the gospel with people on our doorsteps. I see opportunity in these numbers – an opportunity to reach someone we haven’t met yet with the life-changing message of Jesus’ love."

This may be outside of our comfort zone, but my advice is to start with one person. There may be someone you see as part of your everyday life that you can open a conversation with. I've got to know the delivery driver who I've been able to share my faith with. I recognise that they're a person to be seen and valued of care, not just to meet my convenience. Let God keep our eyes open as we go about our routine and we will begin to notice those we can start to get to know to begin to share God's love with.”

Jason Roach, Director of Ministries at London City Mission is passionate about churches building bridges into communities where Jesus Christ isn't known.

Jason says "Everyone needs the opportunity to hear the gospel during their lifetime in a way they can understand. There are millions of people on our doorstep, disconnected from church, who may miss out. The problem is clear, the need to act obvious, but knowing exactly what to do in the heat of the moment can seem daunting and unfamiliar. Christians are willing but need encouragement and strengthening."

London City Mission has launched a new resource hub and podcast Everyday Evangelism for everyday Christians, who long to see Jesus change the lives of people yet to hear the good news.

Explore the resources at lcm.org.uk/everyday-evangelism/ or listen to the podcast, “Everyday Evangelism” wherever you listen to podcasts.

ENDS

MEDIA:

London City Mission Deputy CEO, Efrem Buckle and Revd. Dr. Jason Roach, Director of Ministries at London City Mission are both available for interviews via phone, video link, or in person.

Contact Sarah Catterick, at e:sarah@jerseyroadpr.com, t: +44 (0)7562670835 or Maddie Donnelly e: maddie@jerseyroadpr.com, t: +44(0)7561856215

For more information about London City Mission please visit:

Web: https://www.lcm.org.uk/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LondonCM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/londoncm

Notes to the Editor

About London City Mission

London City Mission wants to reach everyone in communities least likely to hear the gospel. They partner with churches who share a vision to see everyone in London personally invited to follow Jesus Christ. LCM equips local churches to step out in faith, build connections with the communities around them and lovingly share the amazing news of the grace found in Jesus Christ.

About the survey

Savanta surveyed 1,007 practicing Christians online between 13th and 27th September 2023. Data were weighted by gender and age to be representative of the UK adult population. Practicing Christians were defined as who identify as Christian and who attend church, read the Bible and pray at least weekly. Savanta is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.