June 15 1998

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

Mission America, a coalition of 150 parachurch groups and 60 denominations representing more than 40 million people, aims to "pray for and share Christ with every person in America by 2000" through its evangelism initiative Celebrate Jesus 2000.

The outreach, based in Minneapolis, has a budget of $1.2 million financed by donors, foundations, and members. The program encourages churches to collaborate in communitywide evangelism.

Participating churches and ministries are carrying out Celebrate Jesus 2000 in four stages: last year was devoted to prayer; this year is for door-to-door evangelism; next year will feature public events where the gospel is proclaimed; and 2000 will involve follow-up and discipleship of new believers.

Mission America is distributing resource packets to churches that include guidelines on how to present the gospel by telephone and direct mail. Guidelines for initiating evangelism partnerships among local churches are also included. Celebrate Jesus 2000 has been endorsed by the Southern Baptist Convention, Assemblies of God, and the National Association of Evangelicals. Paul Cedar is Mission America chair.