Department of Mission and Evangelism

When all is said and done, a church justifies its existence only by its obedience to the last great command of its Lord and Master:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.'

(Matthew 28:19)

The Church in Tirunelveli has ever been obedient to these marching orders of Christ.  If it is called a "Church building Church” it does not only mean that it goes on building churches of brick and mortar for itself, but that it endeavours to carry the Gospel for and near and help in planting His Church wherever possible. The Department of Mission and Evangelism has ever been given the utmost importance.  It began with the Indian Missionary Society which is still the main outreach arm of the Diocese, backed, so faithfully by the prayers and offerings of every local Church in the Diocese- accounting for 65% of' the Society's income. I.M.S. has also in recent years cast its net in a big way in its fields spread over 12 States in India; and its labours among hitherto unreached tribal areas are found very rewarding indeed.

The Department of Mission and Evangelism is doing its Missionary work in 10 areas.

I. Proclamation - T.D.E. Band

The T.D.E. Band with 8 full time workers camp for 20 days in a month and covers villages within a radius of 20 Km. A van is being used for this purpose. They proclaim Gospel among Hindus as well as Christians. Street preaching, individual evangelism, family prayers and preaching in the Sunday services are the important programmes of this Gospel team. They arrange for the adult Baptism also. Every month they change the camp spot.

II. Missionary Enterprises

The Northern part of the Tirunelveli District is socially and economically backward and so the pastorates in the other parts of the Diocese are sponsoring native missionaries to work in North-Tirunelveli area. Under this programme, there are 47 Mission centres and full-time Missionaries are stationed in these. New Churches are built. All the pastorates in the area are involved in this inland mission to strengthen the Church.
The second stage of the Missionary work by the Church Councils has been extended to places outside the District, but within the boundaries of the Tamil Dioceses. The aim of the Councils is to do Missionary work outside the Diocese to foster friendship and co?operation. The following are the Mission fields sponsored by the respective council:
1. Pennagram (Coimbatore Diocese) - Sponsored by South, East and South-East Church Councils
2. Thoppur (Dharmapuri Diocese) - Sponsored by West Church Council
3. Srivilliputhur (Madurai - Ramnad Diocese) - Sponsored by Central Church Council
4. Seithur (Madurai - Ramnad Diocese) - Sponsored by North Church Council
5. Mandabam (Maudrai - Ramnad Diocese) - Sponsored by North-East, and South West Church Council

Churches have been built and all possible methods have been adopted to reach out. Missionaries have been stationed in three centres. The social needs of the people in these area have also been met.

III. Mass Movement Work

With a view to help the new converts construct the Churches, the mass movement fund has been established at the Diocesan level. This fund is drawn out of the self-denial offertory collected during the Lent. This fund is mainly for the people in North Church Council area of the Diocese.

V. Seminar on Evangelism (Training)

Training personnel in Mission and Evangelism is also given due importance. Every year a Seminar on Evangelism is conducted at the Diocesan level. Lay volunteers from all walks of life and those who are active in the Mission programme of the Church are deputed for these courses. Leaders from different Mission fields of Indian churches are invited to train the people. Through these courses lay training is also promoted.

VI. Prison Ministry

Every Sunday volunteers meet the prisoners in the respective jails in Tirunelveli. The Christian prisoners are allowed to attend the Sunday worship and take part in the Holy Communion service arranged within the jail quarters. Christian volunteers from different occupation, especially those involved in the Educational services are contributing to the success of the Ministry. On Christmas day, every year about 1500 inmates of the Central Jail, Sub-jail and Minor Jail are being fed mutton biriyani by the Department of Mission and Evangelism. A special feature of this Ministry is to look after the needs of the Prisoners' family and the affected

VII. Hospital Ministry

In the Government Hospitals the sick are visited regularly by individuals and groups. The Christian Doctors have come forward to lend free service to the people who are not able to spend money. People who visit the Hospital usually donate fruits etc. to the needy patients. They distribute tracts and gospel portions. They pray for them at their bed.

VIII. Christian Counselling Ministry

This ministry is meant for emotional and spiritual healing. Two centres are opened - one at Tuticorin and another at Palayamkottai. Students, estranged couple and people with emotional problems are able to share their inner feelings and are helped to find for themselves suitable answers to their problems. The service is offered irrespective of caste or creed.