Mission & Evangelism

The missionary movement did not remain confined to towns.

In 1803, through the efforts of local converts and Christian workers, the Gospel reached a group of villages along the Kollidam River. The cluster of villages—including Irungalur and several neighbouring settlements—came to be associated with what became known as the Kollidam Mission.

The ministry of Christian Samuel Kohlhoff became particularly significant in this region. Although serving in the urban church, he chose to spend much of his ministry among village communities.

Land was secured for the mission. A residence was established. Schools were founded. Separate hostel facilities for boys and girls were developed.

The missionary work also addressed deeply rooted social practices. The historical account remembers efforts to challenge child marriage, superstition and social discrimination, while encouraging people to live with greater dignity and equality.

For 42 years, this ministry continued with remarkable dedication.

The Gospel travelled along the roads, into the villages and into the everyday lives of ordinary people.

The Evangelistic Outreach Committee is committed to strengthening the Church’s missionary witness through evangelistic outreach, discipleship, pastoral care, community engagement, and prayer across the mission fields of the Diocese. Its ministry seeks to share the Gospel with humility and compassion while accompanying individuals and families in their journey of faith.

With the support of ordained ministers, development workers, and departmental personnel, the mission ministry engages in house visits, family guidance, educational support, Gospel sharing, and the preparation of new believers for baptism. The annual Mission Festival of the Diocese brings together thousands of participants to celebrate the faithful witness and service of missionary workers, while also creating opportunities to strengthen commitment and mobilise support for mission. Evangelistic and discipleship ministries are further enriched through in-service training programmes and participation in wider Church training programmes for evangelists.

Vacation Bible Schools conducted across the mission fields provide children with opportunities to encounter Scripture through Bible stories, songs, creative activities, and meaningful fellowship. Congregations complement these programmes by extending practical care through food, refreshments, and gifts. Medical camps conducted in villages further demonstrate the Diocese’s commitment to holistic mission by responding to the physical as well as spiritual needs of local communities.

The Committee also facilitates the baptism of new believers in the mission fields and provides continued pastoral encouragement to help them grow in faith, participate in the life of the Church, and develop a deeper sense of Christian community. Mission prayer is strengthened through the regular sharing of prayer needs and consultations with churches, leaders, and supporters who sustain the outreach through prayer, encouragement, and financial support.

Through these diverse ministries, the Evangelistic Outreach Committee seeks to bring together proclamation, discipleship, pastoral accompaniment, compassionate service, and prayer as integral dimensions of the Church’s mission. By nurturing relationships, strengthening new believers, supporting mission workers, and engaging communities with care and respect, the Committee continues to extend the Church’s witness and foster a vibrant culture of mission across the Diocese.

Mission and evangelisation remain central to the identity of the Diocese.

The Diocese has continued to strengthen mission through ministry centres, rural congregations and missionary workers. Its partnership with the other missionary movements like IMS, VISHWAVANI, IFM has enabled additional Hindi speaking workers to serve across different mission fields and new congregations.

At the same time, the Diocese has cultivated relationships with churches and Christian organisations in other countries, including Leicester, Scotland, Korea, Africa and other international partners.

These relationships reflect an understanding that the Church is part of a global body of Christ, called to share resources, learning, prayer and mission across geographical boundaries.