Reclaiming Evangelism: Featuring Rev. Author Joe Graves

Name: Reclaiming Evangelism: Featuring Rev. Author Joe Graves
Start: 2026-03-21T10:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-03-21T12:00:00-04:00
Location: 413 E 2nd St, Defiance, OH

Schedule

Sat Mar 21 2026 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

413 E 2nd St, Defiance, OH | Defiance, OH

Reclaiming Evangelism: Evangelism as an Invitation to Community
10AM - 12 Noon at Trinity UMC, Defiance, OH
Workshop Description:
When many of us hear the word evangelism, we think of persuasion—trying to change someone’s mind about what to believe or how to behave. But what if evangelism isn’t about convincing, but inviting?
In this workshop, Pastor and church planter Joe Graves invites participants to rediscover evangelism as an act of hospitality—an invitation to community and belonging. Drawing on the life of Jesus, social psychology, and practical church-planting experience, Joe reframes evangelism as the process of helping people belong first, trusting that belief and behavior will follow.
Through group discussion, reflection, and practical tools, participants will explore:
What belonging looked like in Jesus’ ministry
How “belong → believe → behave” changes the way we form communities
Theological foundation for evangelism as an invitation.
How to invite people into an authentic community without manipulation or “bait and switch” tactics
Essential practices for meeting new people, the power of invitation, and radical hospitality
This session is designed for pastors, planters, and leaders who want to extend the table of grace in meaningful, practical ways.
About Joe Graves:
Joe Graves is a United Methodist pastor, writer, and consultant passionate about helping churches rediscover hope and vitality. He serves as the founding pastor of Cityview Church in Columbus, Ohio, and as President of the Ohio Writers’ Association. Joe has launched multiple community initiatives, including the Columbus Violence Reduction Fund and the Little Bottoms Free Store, and regularly teaches on leadership, belonging, and renewal in the church. Joe brings a blend of pastoral heart, creative communication, and practical insight to help faith communities embody the radical hospitality of Jesus.