History:

Life Style Relational Evangelism, now called Loving Relating and Encouraging or LRE was started at Trinity. After much prayer and training this ministry was launched in 1995.  The focus of this ministry is prayer and evangelism visits to new attendees at Trinity.  When time allows teams also visit those in special need within the congregation.  Numerous decisions for Christ have been made through this ministry led by Deny and Ann Gallagher. 

In 1995 the GATEWAY experience was started to incorporate new members into the life of the church.  For about 4 meetings the group experiences “that belonging is more important than joining.”   This small group experience involves presentation of the gospel, a history of Methodism, discovering/using spiritual gifts and exposure  to the various ministries of Trinity.  We have discovered that people who go through this ministry become active members of Trinity.

 Outcomes

1. Through the NCD Health Team meetings it was decided we need to involve lay leaders in this ministry.  Bruce and Carol MacPhail have graciously agreed to assist Pastor in GATEWAY.  Our first trial run was in the Fall of 2008 with three new members.  
2. Continue with a new and expanded Gateway. The planned outcome is a clearer understanding of what membership means, stronger sense of individual’s spiritual gifts, commitment to Christ and Trinity.  We will use GATEWAY as a means to encourage small group and Sunday School attendance.  
3. Do a Spiritual Gifts program for the whole congregation with a small group component either in the Spring or Fall, 2009.
4. Complete a  Discipleship Plan with expected outcomes under the guidance of staff and the Council on Ministries.
5. Continue weekly LRE visits to new comers. 
6. From the pulpit, through teaching help the Trinity congregation develop a culture of evangelism where sharing Jesus becomes natural and frequent in the lives of our people.