Best Ways to Evangelize?

[Captain_America]

What have you found to be the best ways to reach people?

 

[Neofight]

By example…its like the old school saying, “many READ history, few MAKE history”. If we live the gospel and not just read it, it will go noticed by others, and that will be our evangelical legacy.

 

[Captain_America]

Thanks.

However in my own particular instance, no one pays much attention. I’m just a nice guy.

There is no connection between my goodness/niceness and Christianity that is visible to anyone.

Perhaps I should print up a t-shirt, “I’m a decent guy because I am Christian.”

Frankly, I need more active tips. Does door-knocking work?

 

[Church_Militant]

Gee…there are lots.

I do some correspondence ministry with Catholic prisoners and along with my letters I include various Catholic tracts and materials to build them up and get them more deeply converted. You have to remember that Evangelicals and Fundamentalist n-Cs are **very **active in our prison system and most target Catholics as non-Christian. Our guys tend to catch a lot of grief this way and they need Catholic Bibles, Rosaries, and good info on why we believe what we do to help them stay strong. Most of them realize that had they been living a good Catholic life to begin with they’d never have gone to prison. Give your Diocesan office a call for info on this in your area because there is always a great need.

One thing that I have borrowed from so many of our n-C friends is the use of Tracts. I use a number of different kinds like Our Sunday Visitor’s Tracts and Catholic Tracts from Grotto Press. Carrying some whenever I go out is my way of being prepared to share the faith whenever and wherever I am.

I also like to find good Catholic talks on CD and share them if someone shows an interest. I use John Martignoni’s Bible Christian Society as well as Lighthouse Catholic Media and The Mary Foundation. Don’t forget that Catholic Answers has a metric boatload of excellent materials that can really help.

Finally, another thing that I borrow from the n-Cs is the use of My Personal Testimony. It is very helpful if one is “Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you” (1st Peter 3:15). Most people have some kind of story about their conversion, but have never written it out and then edited it into a concise and concrete way. Doing that also helps with confidence so that one can easily share verbally as the situation presents itself. This is something that many n-Cs have down pat, and we can learn it and adapt accordingly.

 

[White_Peony]

To “preach the gospel at all times and when necessary (using) words.”

And YouTube! YouTube is an awesome place to reach young people.

 

[Captain_America]

To “preach the gospel at all times and when necessary (using) words.”

And YouTube! YouTube is an awesome place to reach young people.

Yeah, the “example” thing is tough in our contemporary wham-bam society. Social interaction of a long and sustained kind is getting non-existent.

Senses and emotions need impact, and words are enormously valuable tools.

Just “quiet example” method leads to either a non-reading or mis-reading.

 

[Church_Militant]

Living one’s faith is still vital because without it it will seem to lack its transforming power.

Being the best Catholic we can be first and then actively seeking to pass on our most holy faith is like a two-edged sword of Catholic evangelism.

 

[Gordon_Sims]

I do my best to lead by example. I don’t hide the fact that I’m Catholic and living as faithful a life as I can. I also don’t apologize or make excuses for it. I don’t get in people’s faces over it, but if someone tells me I must certainly behave a certain negative way because I’m Catholic (homophobe, misogynistic, etc.), I do my best to respectfully disagree and tell them that I don’t behave that way specifically because of my faith.

I also use humor as a way to mention my faith. Nothing directed at the Church, but self-deprecating humor about any odd or amusing incidents that take place at Mass, in the confessional, etc. A couple years ago I posted on Facebook that I had gone to Confession since it was Lent. That sparked some negative comments. This past Lent I made jokes about all the sins I was trying to work in at the last minute in order to get the most out of my required annual Confession (I go to Confession regularly, but the idea that I was saving up a year’s worth of sins sounded more amusing). Not only did I not get any negative comments, but I had a few people ask me about it being an annual requirement, which allowed me to tell them about the Church’s requirements for Confession and Communion. Had I just made straight comments about either, I don’t think I’d have had that same opportunity.

 

[KCT]

Propose don’t impose.
Love people.

Those who have ears to hear will hear.

 

[aicirt]

Thanks.

However in my own particular instance, no one pays much attention. I’m just a nice guy.

There is no connection between my goodness/niceness and Christianity that is visible to anyone.

Perhaps I should print up a t-shirt, “I’m a decent guy because I am Christian.”

Frankly, I need more active tips. Does door-knocking work?

I think they’re paying more attention to you than you realize.

Nice… means well-bred, virtuious, respectable, polite. Nice is sometimes used to mean “kind”.

Kind…has a deeper meaning more to do with the essence of the person and means affectionate, loving, helpful nature, sympathetic, gentle

Decent…possesses moral behavior

You are the salt of the earth, the rudder on the ship. You do what you do because of who you are.

 

[mangy_dog]

What have you found to be the best ways to reach people?

Do the basic catholic things really, really well.

-Pray the Rosary everyday
-Go to Confession once a month
-Go to mass on Sundays and special holy days.
-Pray before every meal-making the Sign of the Cross-regardless of where you find yourself. And don’t just do that little covert mini-cross that some catholics do so others won’t see them…be obvious. Not to show-off but to show your committment.
-When asked, " what religion are you?"- Your answer should always be, " I’m Catholic". Most of the time the conversation will go something like: " Oh, I thought you were a christian". " well, Catholics are the original Christians…so, yes, I am Catholic".

-Wear and pray you sacramentals and be prepared to explain what they are and where they came from. Often times a question of “what is that” will open up opportunities to express you catholic faith.

These are some of the things I do. I don’t hide, disguise or otherwise water-down my catholicism for anyone. This is who we are.

 

[Rejoice_Always]

Be a mirror of Christ.

 

[philv]

To use your talents for His glory and God will lead you in the ministry He wants you to do.

 

[AndyF]

Thanks.

However in my own particular instance, no one pays much attention. I’m just a nice guy.

There is no connection between my goodness/niceness and Christianity that is visible to anyone.

Perhaps I should print up a t-shirt, “I’m a decent guy because I am Christian.”

Frankly, I need more active tips. Does door-knocking work?

One could be evangelizing at a public meeting or by the bedside or lounge of a terminally ill patient. The latter is more pressing and calls for a shorter absorption time and different tact and is more a pastoral setting. Here I would say an evangelization more oriented to contrition would be proper, but of course only after a good relationship is established in spite of the timetable, and with a sensitive and respectful attitude. Observing private space is important, knowing when to advance and when to stop is a skill learned. It may call for letting go at a certain point after observing a contrite realization, here a desire for baptism may be evident and this is success. In such a case the task is complete.

The former can be done in more general terms in tutorial fashion. A good speaker is an asset mixing examples and analogy with humor. One must convey confidence. Errors should be admitted immediately and sprinkled with a dash of humor. Mistakes in the evangelists life can be used has examples and are welcomed. Making an innocent joke at another’s expense I have seen and works and everyone laughs. Just be sure you know the person well enough. If the person is a higher echelon, forget it.

Be careful of old and new traditions. For instance an evangelist may unknowingly harbor a prejudice for self mortification which is entirely proper and is a form of sacrifice. The older generation may find this practice completely normal.

Another is to be careful with identity transfer. A “gay” is someone who is unfortunate to be labeled by a society who has caved into identity transfer. Therefore do not affix the label when you reference him in the talk as innocent has it may seem.

Make a commitment one way or another for political correctness. Decide if you wish to gain or maintain honor among men, or, honor of angels,saints and Our Lord by telling it as it is. The latter is easier among people of the same persuasion, or of common interest and intent, but in open crowds where it is known a certain bias is evident, a temptation to maintain a status quo may be irresistible. The standing ovation is not what evangelists are there for. Charismatics can be found everywhere and these have layers of dust on their sandals that should have been shaken long ago. Some have even started their own religion. Stick to your point even among the hisses,boos or deadpans. Unpopular lessons are lessons all the same. I’d say don’t get put off by the results, remember it takes absorption time defined by the Holy Spirit and depending on the character and circumstances of the individual.

If you know the cause of the effect, state it. Do not be ambiguous or use half messages. I have seen some speakers teach something leaving the crowd to choose the context. Sometimes I “got it”, but I can see around me that some haven’t. I thought how easily he could have made his point by telling it has it is. Actually in homilies as well I have seen this practice. You will note that Christ did not mince words but told it as it is. What value salvation.? Don’t take the chance.

These are just some things that come to mind. Also in all human endeavors, even Holy Spirit inspired, experience is gained as one practices, so I say don’t let errors set you back but learn by them.

The evangelist of today has a huge task of not only getting the News out, but in damage repair of years of misinformation.

 

[SecretGarden]

It’s been my experience it’s important to have a nonjudgemental attitude, a willingness to dialogue, and being honest and willing to answer people’s questions. When people ask questions I don’t know, I’m upfront and willing to find their answer. Furthermore, I joined the Catholic church about a year and a half ago, therefore, when people hear that I originally belonged to the Pentecostal church originally, people become curious and dialogue also begins from there. I once went to a two day conference where the speaker once said, if you want to increase your church attendance, start by calling up people from your past membership lists. Evangelization has two direction: 1) educating our people about what Catholicism truly teaches and bring them home. 2) Teach the world about who we are, We need to be ourselves. Whenever we witness, always pray to god so that his words will become our words. The experiences I’ve had are amazing but so often it requires stepping out of your comfort zone and seeing where God is leading.

 

[AndyF]

1. educating our people about what Catholicism truly teaches and bring them home. 2) Teach the world about who we are, We need to be ourselves. Whenever we witness, always pray to god so that his words will become our words. The experiences I’ve had are amazing but so often it requires stepping out of your comfort zone and seeing where God is leading.

Yes, but I don’t think it goes far enough. In this age of varied religions and non religions, we need to introduce ourselves with the good news first, that they are fortunate to have in their midst a true religion that is meant to replace every. To the community of this century, the Catholic faith has become simply another of a long list of faiths that are optional, a yellow page list of clubs to join if one feels up to it. We are not presenting an option, but a real gift of salvation. If Christ laid the corner stone with Peter, all other religions are redundant, period. Too much concern is placed on the potential for failure.

In my view the community of this age, not to paint all with the same brush, has become accustomed to optional selection based on comfort or stimulus. The Catholic faith is not an easy Church to follow, calling for observations,obligations and indoctrination into the family institution has an intrinsic part of it. These actions are for the most part to effect change in us or to mature Faith, something that may not become evident through the empirical. One must “live” being a Catholic, and not just show up at the “club” doors one day of week for the weekly dose of entertainment.

In such an environment openers such has this should not be alien to us. “I am now going to tell you some good news. Your search is ended. God has established one true Church that replaces all and that is the Catholic church.” Prepare for a long silence, then eagerness and drilling, or, as Christ experienced in the synagogue, ill received. Either way you will have their attention.

 

[AndyF]

Just one last mention comes to mind.

In social situations where conflict of interest is the reality, determine the audience and take advantage of opportunity. These arrangements are prone to elicit enlistment to one sided viewpoints. You will be viewed has a person who is doing his part to roll up his sleeves and get in there to “give one for the gipper” so to speak. In conclusion of your talk, the pat on the back in the form of honor from one opponent group for a job well done is common. The final summary is that “we” including you, have done a good job in persuading “them” of the errors of their ways. This is what you are trying to avoid.

In this example as in many, instead of this approach, set up two sessions, one for each opposing group. For prisoners instill hope and a new start. Suggest prayer and a the opportunity that such a cloister like environment presents. Refer to scripture for ideas.

For the other group, remind them of limitations imposed by God. Speak of closure and reconciliation that involves victims AND offenders, a right established by God. Examples of what constitutes non condign punishment. Speak of the sins of inaction when observing immoral treatment beyond proclaimed sentencing. etc.

(As pertains to power situations, you may find that you are discriminated from coming back for a second talk. Don’t be discouraged by this. Many will fall away and not want to detach from the delectable high it gives them, just move on to another task. The atmosphere will exude hatred. Unrestrained power is so much ingrained in such groups it has become a fix, aided by society’s “black box” interest in what goes on in such places, which in itself is a fallout of severance from Mother Church.)