Chapter 2 — Forming the Team
How to Form the Initial Evangelism Team
Forming an evangelism team does not require a perfect plan or a large group. It requires a few faithful people, a clear first step, and the blessing of your priest. Here is how to begin.
Step 1: Get the Priest’s Blessing
Begin by speaking directly with your priest. Share your desire to help foster evangelism within the parish and explain what the team hopes to do. You may also wish to share the Chapter 1 — Principles of an Evangelism Team page with him.
This step is essential. Evangelism in parish life should always begin with the blessing and guidance of the priest.
Recommended Resource: Sample email to your priest (Google Doc) (Word Doc)
Step 2: Recruit the First Members
Begin by identifying a small group of parishioners who show genuine interest in the faith and a desire to see others come to know Christ and His Church.
Do not assume you need experts, theologians, or polished speakers. Most healthy evangelism teams begin with ordinary faithful people who are willing to pray, learn, meet regularly, and serve together.
Look for parishioners who are:
- Practicing Orthodox Christians committed to the life of the Church
- Supportive of the priest and parish leadership
- Dependable and consistent in their commitments
- Interested in sharing the Orthodox faith with others
- Open to honest discussion and thoughtful reflection
- Good listeners who work well with others
A small group with these qualities is far stronger than a larger group lacking commitment. What matters most is not credentials, but faithfulness.
Step 3: Inform Your Parish Council
After receiving the priest’s blessing, let the parish council know that an evangelism team is being formed.
This does not need to be complicated. Simply explain the purpose of the team, how it will function, and how it hopes to support the broader mission of the parish. When leadership is informed early, misunderstandings are avoided and trust is built from the start.
Recommended Resource: Sample email to your parish council (Google Doc) (Word Doc)
Step 4: Announce the Team to the Parish
Once the blessing has been received, make a public announcement to the parish. Share the purpose of the team, how often it will meet, and how interested parishioners can get involved.
This creates legitimacy, awareness, and momentum. It also signals to parishioners who already care about evangelism that there is now a place for them.
Recommended Resource: Sample announcement to your parish (Google Doc) (Word Doc)
Step 5: Register Your Team
Please register your team so we know your parish has formed an evangelism team. This allows us to stay connected, provide updated resources, and check in with encouragement and support over time.
Step 6: Hold Your First Meeting
Do not wait for the perfect moment. Begin even if only a few people attend. Begin even if everything is not yet polished.
Momentum comes after beginning, not before. You become ready by doing, not by waiting.
Simple Launch Checklist
- Get the priest’s blessing
- Recruit two to five people
- Inform the parish council
- Announce to the parish
- Register your team
- Hold your first meeting