How to Evangelize

 

Five Little Ways To Evangelize day-by-day For the Average Joe (or Jane)

We have heard and read for years now, or at least in recent days, about the “New Evangelization” of the Church. Maybe we even have a sense of what evangelization means. But we probably all wonder where to start. Is evangelizing ourselves and others something we can just decide without taking any personal actions or steps? How do we even start? A Good Shepherd parishioner has written down five very simple ways to start.

1.  Listen to the folks around you and reach out

How often do you hear folks say they are stressed, struggling or having a hard day? Maybe a hard week, month or even a tough year? Let them talk and don't judge.  Let them see that Catholics have empathy and are not judging or perfect. Shake a hand, give a hug, hold a door open, maybe even give up your spot in line to that single parent with loud kids.

2. Pray for people

Even ones you normally wouldn’t. Examples: the guy who drives like a jerk - Put him on your prayer list. The person at work you can't stand - on the list. The rude lady in line at the grocery store - list. You may need to step back to get some perspective, see they are not mean or bad people - just ones that need some prayer. Just like us. If they are folks you know, tell them you’re praying for them. Simple prayers. God knows what they need. Just offer it up for them, if you don’t know a name, that’s OK! God knows who you’re talking about! Just “the rude guy in the Buick” is fine - God knows us all. What prayers? Jesus taught us a perfect prayer. We have rosary prayer, saints and all sorts of prayer you can do on behalf of others.

3. Pray at meals in public

No huge production needed. Just a quick simple sign of the cross and typical pre-meal prayer. Bless us, Oh Lord, and these gifts, etc... Don’t make a standing, swooping, theatrical sign of the cross and scream like a mega church rock band preacher annoying other people trying to eat. Keep it light, simple and natural – just like you would at home. People will still notice. It inspires others. It will not bother those around you that are not Christians. And, let’s face it, we as Catholics should be doing it anyway.

4. Live the life

Be the person that forgives and loves. Hate sin, love the sinner. Don't be the bad example. Don't be the guy that's at a strip club Saturday night then hung over at Mass on Sunday morning. Don't be the woman who has a rosary on her rear view mirror and tailgates everyone, is texting and updating Facebook all while driving and endangering those around her. Be the first one to say, “I'm sorry.” Admit a mistake.

5. Evangelize yourself!

Read and learn your bible. Learn more of your faith.   This will help you and others around you especially when those questions come up about Catholic views or discussions. When it comes down to it, regarding the big issues most folks ask Catholics about, Jesus gave very clear answers. Things like abortion, the Eucharist, forgiveness, etc., it's all in the Bible in Jesus’ own words. If you say, “The Church teaches this and that,” folks may not give it validity or hear it as credible - especially those of other faiths. But when you say, “Jesus said this and taught this and that’s what the church follows,” you have some ears tuned in.  

If you read or listen to Matthew Kelly you know what I mean when I say your actions follow your thoughts, that you can become the best version of yourself. We don't all have to have the charisma Kelly has but if we have time to watch TV, play on the computer, listen to a CD or go to ball game we have time to read the Bible also and become better versions of ourselves.

— Mark F, GSCC Parishioner, CRHP 9, Evangelization/Stewardship Council

What Does the Bible Say?

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Evangelizing Challenge This Week

Take a small step. Choose one of the five ways to evangelize yourself or others on this page and commit to putting it into practice. Do so as a family; discuss them at home and commit to one together – this week.