By James North, Assistant Archivist
The 1990s marked a significant chapter in the life of the Anglican Communion with the announcement of the Decade of Evangelism. Resolution 43 of the 1988 Lambeth Conference called ‘each province and diocese of the Anglican Communion, in co-operation with other Christians, to make the closing years of this millennium a “Decade of Evangelism” with a renewed and united emphasis on making Christ known to the people of his world’. Jointly led by the Church of England’s Board of Mission (BOM), this initiative sought to reinvigorate evangelistic efforts within and beyond the Church. But while its legacy is mixed, the Decade of Evangelism offers valuable lessons and insights for future mission strategies.
The Vision Behind the Decade
The Decade of Evangelism arose in response to cultural and institutional shifts in the Church. It aimed to reclaim the essence of evangelism, distancing it from the image of commercialised TV evangelists and reaffirming its place as a core element of Christian life. The initiative was supported by global ecumenical efforts, including participation from the Roman Catholic and Lutheran Churches, and from other Christian denominations.
The Decade of Evangelism organised numerous events such as ‘On Fire’, an ecumenical project which sought to ignite a renewed passion in evangelism. The event combined dynamic speakers, worship, and practical workshops to equip participants for effective outreach. Particular focus was given by the ‘On Fire’ planning committee to Pentecost 1994, and a birthday celebration was held to mark the occasion.
The Outcomes: Success and Challenges
While the Decade of Evangelism faced criticisms for failing to deliver its main objective, to increase church attendance numbers, its supporters did point to some notable positives.
The Diocese of London experienced significant success in several key areas, setting a positive example for the wider Church. Despite national trends of decline, the Diocese achieved growth across various indicators, demonstrating the effectiveness of innovative strategies. A strong focus on evangelism marked the decade, normalising outreach efforts and fostering confidence among parishes to share the gospel more actively. Ecumenical collaboration also flourished, with initiatives like the Lent course ‘Have Another Look’ promoting unity and cooperation across denominations. Several dioceses saw growth in baptisms among children aged 1-12, reflecting successful engagement with families and highlighting the fruitfulness of these efforts.
However, the Decade highlighted significant challenges, despite efforts to foster growth and renewal within the Church. Most dioceses reported a decline in church attendance, baptisms, and confirmations, with only the Diocese of London achieving growth. The initiative faced a divided reception, as many non-evangelical churches chose not to fully engage, reflecting underlying tensions within the Church. Revd Robert Warren, a member of the Board of Mission, conducted an audit at the midpoint of the Decade. His resulting report Signs of Life: How Goes the Decade of Evangelism? (1996), noted initial enthusiasm but conceded that there was little evidence of increased attendance by the midpoint of the decade. Additionally, the rise of charismatic evangelicalism during this period introduced theological and practical shifts that did not resonate with all Anglicans, creating divisions and potentially alienating some of the Church’s traditional base.
Moving Forward: Lessons for the Church
The Decade of Evangelism may not have achieved its ambitious goals, but it did broaden the discussion surrounding mission and evangelism. By placing evangelism back on the agenda, fostering ecumenical ties, and creating resources for future mission work, the decade provided a foundation for future efforts.
As the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion continue to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, the lessons of the Decade of Evangelism remain relevant. Evangelism demands innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the communities it seeks to reach. By building on the successes and learning from the shortcomings of the 1990s, the Church can develop strategies that truly resonate with modern society, ensuring its mission to “make Christ known” continues to thrive.
The Board of Mission collection at Lambeth Palace Library, including material relating to the Decade of Evangelism, has recently been catalogued and is now available to readers (subject to closure periods). Search the archives catalogue here.
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