This episode addresses the heart of Reformed evangelism, featuring a compelling conversation with the Rev. Paul Murphy, pastor of evangelism at Messiah’s Reformed Fellowship in New York, and Dr. Eric Watkins, director of the Center for Missions and Evangelism at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. In this conversation, we explore the unique approach of Reformed theology to evangelism, addressing common stereotypes, and addressing the challenges and opportunities for spreading the gospel in urban settings.

We unpack the misconception that Reformed Christians do not engage in evangelism, shedding light on the historical and theological roots of this stereotype. It also highlights the exciting new opportunities, including church planting and revitalization efforts in Chicago and New York.

Listeners will gain insights into the distinct aspects of Reformed evangelism, as outlined by the Reformed creeds and confessions, and the importance of understanding one’s role within the Body of Christ. The discussion emphasizes the need for a culture of evangelism within local congregations and offers practical suggestions for fostering this culture.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:01:00 Eric Watkins’ Ministry
• 00:05:31 Paul Murphy’s Ministry in Manhattan
• 00:11:19 The Stereotype of Reformed Churches and Evangelism
• 00:20:44 Distinctives of Reformed Evangelism
• 00:28:08 Understanding the Great Commission
• 00:37:48 The Urgency of Evangelism
• 00:55:30 Personal Stories about Evangelism
• 01:02:03 The Vitality of New Believers
• 01:05:28 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Eric Watkins, Paul Murphy

Join us on this episode of the podcast as we speak with Jim Zozzaro and Chris Byrd about the evangelism efforts of the Boardwalk Chapel in Wildwood, New Jersey. Established in the 1940s, the Boardwalk Chapel was founded with a vision to present the Gospel to the thousands of tourists that visit the Atlantic Ocean coastal resort town during the summer season.

The Boardwalk Chapel provides an excellent opportunity for evangelism training for those who seek to share the Gospel with others. During the summer months, the Boardwalk Chapel offers evangelism training to college-aged young people and paid summer interns. The training provides practical tools and strategies for sharing the Gospel with others effectively.

There are numerous opportunities to serve, attend, and be involved at the Boardwalk Chapel. From attending weekly services to participating in evangelism efforts, there is something for everyone to be involved in. The Boardwalk Chapel is a welcoming and supportive community that is committed to sharing the Gospel with others.

Pray for the leaders, staff, and evangelism efforts of the Boardwalk Chapel. The Boardwalk Chapel has several needs, including more staff for the summer and more people coming to the training weeks, specifically for the School of Evangelism.

Rev. James Zozzaro is pastor of Christ the King OPC in Cape May, NJ and director of the Boardwalk Chapel in Wildwood, NJ. Rev. Christopher Byrd is evangelist of Grace OPC in Westfield, NJ.

Links

• The Boardwalk Chapel
• Feature article, “The Boardwalk Chapel“

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 02:34 Becoming Acquainted with the Boardwalk Chapel
• 09:14 Painting a Picture of Ministry on the Boardwalk
• 17:21 Les Dunn and the Beginning of the Boardwalk Chapel
• 27:22 Recent Changes to the Ministry at Boardwalk Chapel
• 33:30 Evangelism and Apologetics Training that Extends to Other Fields
• 46:10 Confirming a Sense of Call
• 49:39 Current Needs at the Boardwalk Chapel
• 52:57 How to Get Involved
• 57:17 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Chris Byrd, Jim Zozzaro

Dr. Eric Watkins joins us to speak about missions and evangelism from a Reformed perspective. Dr. Watkins is senior pastor of Harvest Presbyterian Church (OPC) in San Marcos, California as well as Director of the Center for Missions and Evangelism at Mid-America Reformed Seminary.

The Center for Missions and Evangelism is a new initiative at Mid-America Reformed Seminary designed to enhance the current M.Div. program with a great emphasis upon the Great Commission, as well as developing a new set of classes, conferences, cohorts, and internships focused on areas of evangelism, church planting, discipleship, and foreign missions.

The CME is hosting a conference in just a few weeks. There is still time to register:

More Salt, More Light: Church in an Age of Opportunity
January 28–29, 2022
Anastasia Church
St. Augustine, Florida

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:48 Background to the Center for Missions and Evangelism
• 11:29 Focusing on Missions and Evangelism
• 20:17 The More Salt, More Light Conference
• 30:54 Additional Benefits of the Conference
• 39:44 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Eric Watkins