'The track has been a huge encouragement already- effective evangelism is absolutely imperative, it's incredibly personal, and it's much more possible than you may think' said Anna.

The Evangelism and Apologetics Track (EAT) has hit the ground running with their first training session of the year. The track members travelled to beautiful Oxfordshire in May for an extremely hospitable and intensive Persuaders conference, hosted by Head of UCCF, Richard Cunningham and CU Staff Worker, Ollie Lansdowne. After a hearty meal (the first of many), the conference saw the enthusiastic participants rise to the challenge of persuasive evangelism by giving 15-minute lunch-bar style talks. They then engaged in a Q&A session, before receiving feedback from all in attendance. Talks drilled down into a variety of topics, including Christianity as a psychological crutch, arrogant Christianity, and the problem of pain.

At the conference, track members reflected on Paul's example of persuasion (Acts 17:16-34). He took deliberate care to meet his audience where they were, to challenge their position and then to move them towards God. A framework of 'Identification, Persuasion and Invitation' became the working basis for the talks.

'Men despise religion. They hate it and are afraid it may be true. The cure for this is to show that religion is not contrary to reason, but worthy of reverence and respect. Next, make it attractive. Make good men wish it were true, and then show them that it is.' - Blaise Pascal, 17th century mathematician and physicist

The conference proved a valuable opportunity to meet and learn from friends in UCCF, Mark Pickering (CMF Chief Executive) and Richard Scott (CMF Evangelism Associate). Richard is developing a new evangelism course for track members ready for September.