FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2010
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, ILL. – Rev. Shane Bishop was presented as the 2010 Distinguished Evangelist of The United Methodist Church on November 21, 2010, during the 8:30 and 10:30 worship services at Christ Church. The presentation was made by Dr. Jack Ewing, executive director of The Foundation for Evangelism. Rev. Bishop’s wife and children accompanied him as the presentation was made. A video of the presentation was shown at the 6:00 pm service that evening.
Dr. Ewing described the worship service this way, “The presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable. I am not sure I have been part of a more powerful worship experience. The music was incredible. It was worshipful from beginning to end.” He had this to say about Rev. Bishop:
Selecting and recognizing the Distinguished Evangelist of the United Methodist Church each year is one of the most significant things that The Foundation for Evangelism does. It shines the spotlight on a person and congregation that is doing what we hope every United Methodist Church would be able to do. It is so inspiring. Shane is an outstanding selection. His love for and support of the United Methodist Church is without question and his commitment to building the Kingdom of God is incredible. We are blessed to have him as a Distinguished Evangelist.
During the presentation, Rev. Gary Wilson of the Mississippi River District of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference brought greetings from Bishop Gregory Palmer. He also offered a word of thanks and commendation to Christ Church.
Rev. Bishop’s sermon focused on Genesis 21:1-7, the story of the birth of Isaac and Abraham and Sara’s faithfulness. He stated that God uses flawed characters to show us what He can do. After all, it’s not about us, he said. A church that does not realize this will never become a dynamic force for Jesus Christ. Relating to the story of Sara bearing Isaac, God does not work within our idea of time, but works in His own time. He blesses us not because we are worthy but because He wants us to do His work in this world. He asks His children to reach outside their comfort zone and do outrageous things for Him. Rev. Bishop went on to say that even though we don’t always understand God’s timing or why some things happen that we should move in obedience.
Rev. Bishop also recognized those in attendance and thanked them for their perseverance, willingness to change, zeal, and faithfulness. He celebrated the past, present and future growth of the church and stated that he sees the “potential to connect even more people to Jesus.” Bishop closed his message with Galations 6:9, encouraging those listening as they entered the holiday season, despite their circumstances, not to lose heart in doing good. He stated “if you’re sowing good seeds, keep on sowing them.” After all, he said, you don’t reap today what you sow today, you reap tomorrow what you sow today. So don’t lose heart. God will be faithful. “Don’t ever give up because we’re not in control. God is in control.”
The Foundation for Evangelism is an affiliate of the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. Founded in 1949 by the late Dr. Harry Denman, the Foundation provides grants to develop leaders with a passion for evangelism who will have a multiplying impact on The United Methodist Church. The Foundation headquarters are located at Lake Junaluska, N.C.
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The Foundation for Evangelism contact information:
Barbara Bowser, Communications
The Foundation for Evangelism
125 N. Lakeshore Drive · PO Box 985
Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
(800) 737.8333 · (828) 454.6800
www.foundationforevangelism.org
bbowser@foundationforevangelism.org
Photos:
Shane Bishop – Head Shot
http://foundationforevangelism.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/shanebishop.jpg (courtesy of Christ UMC)
Want more information?
Christ UMC (www.mychristchurch.com)
The Foundation for Evangelism Website (www.foundationforevangelism.org)
