Training on evangelism: How it changes lives

Dave Jordan was one of Counties’ first graduates from the Connect Evangelism Training Programme and has gone on to become an Evangelism Champion in his home church. Here he tells us his story:

A life changed, a calling discovered

On 7 June 2024, I surrendered my life to Jesus. That day changed everything. I’d spent years searching, trying to fill a gap I couldn’t name. But when I opened the Bible, I found truth. Day by day, as I read, I saw it clearly: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. The more I read, the more I changed. It was like the pieces of my life finally started to fit together.

I called my pastor, Simon Ladd, and asked to be baptised. On 13 October, I went under the water and came up a new man. Simon saw my hunger and told me about the Connect Evangelist Training Programme (CETP), which started in February 2025. He said, “I believe the Holy Spirit has given you the gift of evangelism.” I wasn’t so sure, but I signed up.

CETP is a self-paced online course, designed to equip everyday Christians to share their faith. It’s not just for evangelists, it’s for anyone who wants to grow in their faith.

My wife, a lifelong Christian, co- mentored me through the course. She said: “This is like a mini Bible college course —perfect for new believers.” And she was right. It covers everything: theology, testimony, outreach, and practical tools for relational evangelism. It’s well-structured, deeply Biblical, and fully supported by Counties. I didn’t join to become an evangelist. I joined to grow in my faith. But by the end, I knew: this is what Jesus is calling me to do. I now feel confident sharing the Gospel—in everyday conversations, at outreach events, even from the front of my church.

During the course, we were asked to plan a mission. I thought I would do one better and actually hold a golf mission. This event was very successful, with four people now exploring faith. I have spoken at retreats and harvest suppers, and seen people take steps toward faith.

I was also co-mentored by Victor Jack, a Senior evangelist at Counties. He has taken me with him on numerous events and I’ve seen firsthand how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

If you’re wondering whether God can use you, He can. If you’re looking to grow in faith, to be equipped, to step out, this course is for you. It changed my life. It could change yours too.