Project Snowball

A one-year training programme based in Bristol, UK

Summary

Spend a year preparing for a lifetime of effective proclamation evangelism
Receive in-depth training in a range of evangelistic techniques
Take part in regular outreach in partnership with churches and schools in the Bristol area
Go on outreaches in other parts of the UK and in mainland Europe
Follow a theological training programme that has been designed to meet the needs of evangelists, taught by lecturers with experience of frontline evangelism
Understand evangelism from biblical, historical and contemporary perspectives
Study the effect of culture on the way people respond to the Gospel message
Learn how to relate to people with different beliefs, and from different religious backgrounds
Work through the challenges of sustaining evangelistic ministry, with the help of experienced evangelists
Learn how to work in a team in an evangelistic context

Why Europe?

For centuries, political, religious and geographical barriers have hindered the proclamation of the Gospel in many European countries.

But over the last fifty years, international borders have opened up, to the point where the European Union is the largest economic zone in the world.

The grip of traditional religion has weakened, creating fresh opportunities for evangelicals ‡ as well as for many other groups.

Rapid transportation and relaxed immigration controls make travel within Europe easier than ever before. In many ways, it is easier to send evangelists into Europe than at any time since the explosive spread of the Church in the First Century. Yet less than 3% of Europeans describe themselves as evangelical. In most of Southern Europe, the figure is less than 1%.

Why Evangelists?

The apostle Paul describes evangelists as a gift to the church, on the same level as pastors and teachers. Evangelists are called to proclaim the Gospel to those outside the Church, and to motivate and equip Christians to share their faith with others.

Effective pastors are called and equipped by God, but they usually receive extensive vocational training before beginning full-time ministry. Evangelists also need training. They need to get to grips with the biblical truths they are called to proclaim. They need to understand the world around them, and understand their own strengths and weaknesses. They need to learn effective techniques that can be used in a wide range of situations. They need to work alongside experienced evangelists.

This is the goal of Project Snowball

What they say about Snowball

"Seeing the enthusiasm of the team each day was very encouraging. I was impressed by their desire for evangelism, and their willingness to try out new things."
Shirley Shire, St Edyth's Church, Sea Mills

"We have already covered lots of different and interesting subjects, and I am looking forward to the next ones."
Elena, Snowball participant

"Just a brief note to thank you and your team for the excellent puppet show yesterday. The children certainly enjoyed the humorous presentation of the Christmas story ˜ especially the sheep song at the end! I am sure your presentation further developed their understanding of the significance of Jesus‘ birth."
Head teacher, Wheatfield Primary School

"To tell a Bible story in front of 300 children is a great experience. Thank-you to our teachers for good preparation."
Katka, Snowball participant

"I liked King Herod because he looked like a frog and was very funny... I liked the man with the long nose and the big hammer... I liked the big sheep, because they showed me that I could belong to the Good Shepherd Jesus."
Comments from Year 4 children at Fairfield Primary School

The team

Mark Howe has been working as a missionary in France since 1990. He makes regular trips to the UK to teach on the theory and practice of mission.

Paul Hazelden is an experienced preacher, and teaches a variety of subjects. He has been involved in Evangelism Explosion since 1973.

Rob Davis has been working as an evangelist since 1990. He teaches children‘s work, puppetry, open-air preaching and other forms of evangelism.

Stephen Poulard is a trustee of Europe Now, and provides administrative support for the team.

In addition, a wide range of speakers from the UK and other parts of Europe are involved in the teaching.