Catholics and street evangelists

[KEP1983]

As a protestant I always enjoyed watching videos of street evangelists, such as the Way of the Master and “Living Waters University.” There are videos all over youtube of Protestants doing street evangelization with different people, and giving their understanding of the gospel as best they can.

I personally evangelize a lot, but not on the street corner with a bull horn. I’ve gotten into a few interesting discussions on the streets with Protestants who were handing out tracks. One of them was a Baptist pastor who was has a local radio station here in NYC.

I’m wondering why there aren’t more videos on youtube of Catholics responding to Protestants? It could just be regular youtube videos, or it could be responding to Protestant street evangelists, or doing street evangelism themselves?

 

[Jon_S_1]

As a protestant I always enjoyed watching videos of street evangelists, such as the Way of the Master and “Living Waters University.” There are videos all over youtube of Protestants doing street evangelization with different people, and giving their understanding of the gospel as best they can.

I personally evangelize a lot, but not on the street corner with a bull horn. I’ve gotten into a few interesting discussions on the streets with Protestants who were handing out tracks. One of them was a Baptist pastor who was has a local radio station here in NYC.

I’m wondering why there aren’t more videos on youtube of Catholics responding to Protestants? It could just be regular youtube videos, or it could be responding to Protestant street evangelists, or doing street evangelism themselves?

There out there, but I think we all can agree that this type of evangelization is not productive. People talk past each other and don’t listen.

Catholics generally take a more engaging approach and try to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world showing faith in deeds.

The other part Catholics do is more academic like debates and teachings in academia.

Check out about anything from Father Robert Barron www.wordonfire.org.

He’s on YouTube as well.

You mentioned way of the master so you might like this:

youtu.be/O8DQqrnN4Fg

 

[JRKH]

I’m wondering why there aren’t more videos on youtube of Catholics responding to Protestants?

Mainly because the Catholic isn’t prepared to videotape the interaction.

It could just be regular youtube videos, or it could be responding to Protestant street evangelists, or doing street evangelism themselves?

As mentioned…Catholics just generally do not engage in this type of evangelization.
Not saying that street evangelization is not inherently wrong…it’s just not generally the preferred approach.

Peace
James

 

[Church_Militant]

Probably because most of us have better things to do than video our efforts to share our faith. Frankly I think it’s uncool to do this stuff since it can be misinterpreted (at best) several ways like

1. • Blowing a horn when one does a good deed.
   • Objectifying the person or persons that you are seeking to share with
   I don’t see it as a useful or helpful tool in evangelization at all.
   
   If you’re looking to show how to do this sort of stuff then you’d be better off to get volunteers to act as those you share with, but aside from that I have never seen a single video that made me want to do this, and I’m one of the most evangelistic Catholics you’ll ever meet.
   
   There’s a lot of excellent Catholic materials to help with good evangelism and we need to make use of these things too.
   shop.catholic.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/135x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/o/gods-love-for-you.jpg
   God’s Love For You
   

                                                                                 $0.25                                                                                As low as:                              $0.07

   Better ideas can be found in the following links:
   • HOW YOU CAN WIN CONVERTS (This Rock: March 1996)
   • Winning New Converts
   • Friendship: The Key to the Evangelization of Men

 

[Peebo]

I think it depends on what you mean by Catholics…most Catholics don’t practice their faith so why would they be interested in talking about what they probably know very little or don’t care about…Catholics who do practice their faith probably know that it would be useless trying to talk to Evangelical street preachers about Catholicism…Evangelicals already believe the negative pre-conceived lies about the Catholic church…they have no real interest in understanding Catholics…only that we are deluded and in need of salvation.

 

[ChurchSoldier]

I agree with several of the comments that Catholics do not engage in this type of work often (neither do Anglicans either). It is probably one of the reasons people are fleeing in droves from the RC church. And probably not for the reasons you think.

One thing Street Evangelization does is to strengthen the faith of the person (people) doing it. It is one reason Mormons send their young men on mission for 2 years after High School. Once returned, having knocked on doors and being forced to look at what they believe through the interaction with non-believers, their faith becomes their own.

I think if parishes began doing this, they would not only see people being more devout to their faith, but numbers grow as well. The only way Protestants can draw Catholics away is if the Catholic does not know their faith.

Thanks for asking the question.

 

[Della]

I agree with several of the comments that Catholics do not engage in this type of work often (neither do Anglicans either). It is probably one of the reasons people are fleeing in droves from the RC church. And probably not for the reasons you think.

Actually, people are not “fleeing in droves” from the Catholic Church, and certainly not because of a lack of street preaching. We are seeing more and more candidates and catechumens than ever, and more and more of our young people are remaining due to better catechesis.

One thing Street Evangelization does is to strengthen the faith of the person (people) doing it. It is one reason Mormons send their young men on mission for 2 years after High School. Once returned, having knocked on doors and being forced to look at what they believe through the interaction with non-believers, their faith becomes their own.

It can have that effect, but it can also show them that their rehearsed lines aren’t all that convincing, but are rather an annoyance to most of the people they manage to meet at their doors. My dh just tells them he’s not interested and closes the door on them. I imagine most people do the same. It’s more a bonding through trial than a reaffirmation of their faith.

I think if parishes began doing this, they would not only see people being more devout to their faith, but numbers grow as well. The only way Protestants can draw Catholics away is if the Catholic does not know their faith.

Thanks for asking the question.

They’d have to be properly trained in apologetics–something most priests aren’t even trained to do. It’s fine to go out to invite people to come to Mass, but evangelization takes a good deal of training, which most parishes are simply not equipped to do.

 

[Church_Militant]

I think it depends on what you mean by Catholics…most Catholics don’t practice their faith so why would they be interested in talking about what they probably know very little or don’t care about…Catholics who do practice their faith probably know that it would be useless trying to talk to Evangelical street preachers about Catholicism…Evangelicals already believe the negative pre-conceived lies about the Catholic church…they have no real interest in understanding Catholics…only that we are deluded and in need of salvation.

I think this reflects several rash generalizations.

We don’t know “most Catholics”, so how can we state that they don’t know or care about their faith?

How do you know that faithful Catholics consider it useless to engage in dialog with Evangelicals? I have never had that experience. Some are weird about what they believe and some do indeed carry misinformation about Catholicism, but I have yet to encounter anyone that I thought it was useless to share my faith with. To me that doubts the power of the Holy Spirit to do His job.

Also how do you know that Evangelicals have no interest in understanding our most holy faith? Do you know all Evangelicals, because I certainly do not? In fact, the number of such folks who are currently here on CAF with us would seem to prove your generalizations wrong. they may not understand or agree at some point, but to assert that they do not care to understand is inaccurate at best.

If you wanted to qualify your remarks with something like “Those I have met”, then you might be okay, but as expressed…it’s simply inaccurate.

 

[Church_Militant]

I agree with several of the comments that Catholics do not engage in this type of work often (neither do Anglicans either). It is probably one of the reasons people are fleeing in droves from the RC church. And probably not for the reasons you think.

better check your facts because there is no “fleeing in droves” in progress, though some folks wishfully think so.

One thing Street Evangelization does is to strengthen the faith of the person (people) doing it. It is one reason Mormons send their young men on mission for 2 years after High School. Once returned, having knocked on doors and being forced to look at what they believe through the interaction with non-believers, their faith becomes their own.

This is also inaccurate. If one does not already have a decent foundation for one’s faith then usually attempting to share it will do nothing of value for either party involved. Still, there are many fine ways to share one’s faith, such as serving the poor and others in personal and material ways because of our faith. Quite often this speaks louder and more convincingly than anything that is said.

I think if parishes began doing this, they would not only see people being more devout to their faith, but numbers grow as well. The only way Protestants can draw Catholics away is if the Catholic does not know their faith.

Some parishes do, but not all, and it’s far from the only way. Again…I don’t believe evangelism especially strengthens one’s faith, though it may make one better able to explain and defend it by digging up the answers to questions posed, but knowledge is not necessarily spiritual growth.

 

[Peebo]

I think this reflects several rash generalizations.

We don’t know “most Catholics”, so how can we state that they don’t know or care about their faith?

How do you know that faithful Catholics consider it useless to engage in dialog with Evangelicals? I have never had that experience. Some are weird about what they believe and some do indeed carry misinformation about Catholicism, but I have yet to encounter anyone that I thought it was useless to share my faith with. To me that doubts the power of the Holy Spirit to do His job.

Also how do you know that Evangelicals have no interest in understanding our most holy faith? Do you know all Evangelicals, because I certainly do not? In fact, the number of such folks who are currently here on CAF with us would seem to prove your generalizations wrong. they may not understand or agree at some point, but to assert that they do not care to understand is inaccurate at best.

If you wanted to qualify your remarks with something like “Those I have met”, then you might be okay, but as expressed…it’s simply inaccurate.

cara.georgetown.edu/index.html

The above website gives the latest stats for 2013 for Catholic mass attendance…24% attend mass once a week or more…not a great endorsement…I have to agree I don’t know “all” Evangelicals…but I do know I used to be one for many years…and I do recall that not one of them was interested in the Catholic faith unless it was to evangelize them and bring them out of their idolatrous faith and into the light of Christ…in fact many evangelicals I knew were former Catholics…so yes I do qualify my remarks to those I have met…and I knew many over the years…I also have dialog with protestant friends about my Catholic faith…but this thread is about street preachers…they are there to preach the gospel…if you want meaningful dialog they will invite you to bible study or church…I don’t mean to sound harsh or that I don’t hear what you are saying…just that I never encountered any willingness to understand the Catholic faith by Evangelicals…rather…they wanted to save them from it.

 

[Della]

cara.georgetown.edu/index.html

The above website gives the latest stats for 2013 for Catholic mass attendance…24% attend mass once a week or more…not a great endorsement…I have to agree I don’t know “all” Evangelicals…but I do know I used to be one for many years…and I do recall that not one of them was interested in the Catholic faith unless it was to evangelize them and bring them out of their idolatrous faith and into the light of Christ…in fact many evangelicals I knew were former Catholics…so yes I do qualify my remarks to those I have met…and I knew many over the years…I also have dialog with protestant friends about my Catholic faith…but this thread is about street preachers…they are there to preach the gospel…if you want meaningful dialog they will invite you to bible study or church…I don’t mean to sound harsh or that I don’t hear what you are saying…just that I never encountered any willingness to understand the Catholic faith by Evangelicals…rather…they wanted to save them from it.

That was my experience in the Assemblies of God, as well. We only tolerated those Catholics we thought were “saved” in spite of their Catholic faith. Most Evangelical/Pentecostals aren’t interested in dialog or hearing the Catholic side of it. For some it’s because they are so convinced the Church is the work of Satan they simply will not listen and for others it is the fear that they might lose their salvation if they leave what they believe to be authentic Christianity. So, we really can’t blame them for being obstinate and close-minded. For most its a case of invincible ignorance that they can’t overcome.

As for street preaching by Catholics, there is a society that has this apostolate, I forget the name. I don’t know how active they are these days–they used to stand in public parks and teach about the Catholic faith. Maybe someone else will recall their name and if they are still active.

 

[Peebo]

That was my experience in the Assemblies of God, as well. We only tolerated those Catholics we thought were “saved” in spite of their Catholic faith. Most Evangelical/Pentecostals aren’t interested in dialog or hearing the Catholic side of it. For some it’s because they are so convinced the Church is the work of Satan they simply will not listen and for others it is the fear that they might lose their salvation if they leave what they believe to be authentic Christianity. So, we really can’t blame them for being obstinate and close-minded. For most its a case of invincible ignorance that they can’t overcome.

As for street preaching by Catholics, there is a society that has this apostolate, I forget the name. I don’t know how active they are these days–they used to stand in public parks and teach about the Catholic faith. Maybe someone else will recall their name and if they are still active.

exactly

 

[Church_Militant]

I agree that most of the n-Cs that I have encountered who were involved in any form of evangelism were not at all well informed as to the Catholic faith and immediately sought to engage me with a view to “coming out from among them”.

Much to their chagrin, I consider that an invitation to counter evangelism and what they encounter then is a Catholic that knows the Word of God, the Catholic faith, and the teachings of the church and usually has some good Catholic tracts in his pocket to boot. At that point they often suddenly seem to remember that they have an urgent appointment elsewhere.

I do have some friends who are willing to share and that works well. No one is moving so far, but that’s the work of the Holy Spirit and above my pay grade.

The Catholic organization that you are probably thinking of is called
St. Paul Street Evangelization and from videos like St. Paul Street Evangelization - YouTube they look like they have it pretty well together, which gratifies me no end.

 

[ccmcmg]

Mainly because the Catholic isn’t prepared to videotape the interaction.

As mentioned…Catholics just generally do not engage in this type of evangelization.
Not saying that street evangelization is not inherently wrong…it’s just not generally the preferred approach.

Peace
James

There is actually an organization of Catholics who do practice street/streetcorner evangelization: facebook.com/CatholicStreetEvangelization and streetevangelization.com/

I think it depends on what you mean by Catholics…most Catholics don’t practice their faith so why would they be interested in talking about what they probably know very little or don’t care about…Catholics who do practice their faith probably know that it would be useless trying to talk to Evangelical street preachers about Catholicism…Evangelicals already believe the negative pre-conceived lies about the Catholic church…they have no real interest in understanding Catholics…only that we are deluded and in need of salvation.

Disagree. Who are we to judge whether other Catholics practice their faith? Are our hearts so pure that we can cast aspersion on others and their faith, especially as generalizations? I have no problem talking to Evangelical street preachers (or missionaries, as my uncle is) about Catholicism, and why God called for me to be Catholic.

I agree with several of the comments that Catholics do not engage in this type of work often (neither do Anglicans either). It is probably one of the reasons people are fleeing in droves from the RC church. And probably not for the reasons you think.One thing Street Evangelization does is to strengthen the faith of the person (people) doing it. It is one reason Mormons send their young men on mission for 2 years after High School. Once returned, having knocked on doors and being forced to look at what they believe through the interaction with non-believers, their faith becomes their own.

I think if parishes began doing this, they would not only see people being more devout to their faith, but numbers grow as well. The only way Protestants can draw Catholics away is if the Catholic does not know their faith.

Thanks for asking the question.

I do agree that Street Evangelization does strengthen the faith of those doing it, as well as exposing others to it.

I think this reflects several rash generalizations.

We don’t know “most Catholics”, so how can we state that they don’t know or care about their faith?

How do you know that faithful Catholics consider it useless to engage in dialog with Evangelicals? I have never had that experience. Some are weird about what they believe and some do indeed carry misinformation about Catholicism, but I have yet to encounter anyone that I thought it was useless to share my faith with. To me that doubts the power of the Holy Spirit to do His job.

Also how do you know that Evangelicals have no interest in understanding our most holy faith? Do you know all Evangelicals, because I certainly do not? In fact, the number of such folks who are currently here on CAF with us would seem to prove your generalizations wrong. they may not understand or agree at some point, but to assert that they do not care to understand is inaccurate at best.

If you wanted to qualify your remarks with something like “Those I have met”, then you might be okay, but as expressed…it’s simply inaccurate.

Ditto.

I hope someday to practice Street Evangelization. I’ve done it at my own front door, as well as in a bookstore that was close to the street corner!

 

[adawgj]

As Catholics we embrace many forms of evangelizing.

We do street preaching not in the form of blow horns and it takes training from what Ive heard.

 

[Della]

I agree that most of the n-Cs that I have encountered who were involved in any form of evangelism were not at all well informed as to the Catholic faith and immediately sought to engage me with a view to “coming out from among them”.

Much to their chagrin, I consider that an invitation to counter evangelism and what they encounter then is a Catholic that knows the Word of God, the Catholic faith, and the teachings of the church and usually has some good Catholic tracts in his pocket to boot. At that point they often suddenly seem to remember that they have an urgent appointment elsewhere.

I do have some friends who are willing to share and that works well. No one is moving so far, but that’s the work of the Holy Spirit and above my pay grade.

The Catholic organization that you are probably thinking of is called
St. Paul Street Evangelization and from videos like St. Paul Street Evangelization - YouTube they look like they have it pretty well together, which gratifies me no end.

Evangelicals culture is insular and non-accepting of anyone else’s views for the reasons I stated. Getting them to listen is like peeling a turtle–you may get the shell off but you will have killed the animal in doing so. Confrontational methods simply don’t work with them, which is why street evangelization doesn’t make a dent in their thinking/believing. Fear is one of the driving forces of their strong adherence to their beliefs–the fears that tell them that no Catholic can be trusted and that Catholics want to lead them astray from their assured salvation. It takes getting to know them and being a friend through thick and thin, as well as much prayer to help them see that they are not receiving the fullness of the faith where they are.

As to the apostolate I am thinking of, it’s not the one you cited, unless they’ve changed their name. I think it began in England and had a more formal sounding name, but for the life of me I can’t recall it.

 

[QNDNNDQDCE]

I am all too familiar with that feeling, Della, so I hope I can help you this time. I believe you are thinking of the Catholic Evidence Guild.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Evidence_Guild

 

[Della]

I am all too familiar with that feeling, Della, so I hope I can help you this time. I believe you are thinking of the Catholic Evidence Guild.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Evidence_Guild

You sure did help me! Thanks, yes that’s the one I was thinking of. I only wish they had chapters in more cities, like my own, for instance. Thanks again! :tiphat:

 

[peace2u2]

I’m wondering why there aren’t more videos on youtube of Catholics responding to Protestants? It could just be regular youtube videos, or it could be responding to Protestant street evangelists, or doing street evangelism themselves?

How do you want Catholics to respond to Protestants?

As far as Catholics doing evangelism on YouTube, we are. We are also on the street proclaiming the Good News of Lord Jesus Christ and we glorify Him in all things. Some links:

St. Paul’s Street Evangelists:
youtube.com/watch?v=nFPqU3vF-e8

youtube.com/watch?v=j9MXE24TXik

youtube.com/watch?v=5MOyDjizb1s

youtube.com/watch?v=4wVe_9ZtY_g

Also, Catholics acknowledge that we can’t convert anyone to follow Jesus - only Jesus can convert sinners, we just plant the seeds, God does all the sowing.

God Bless You on your journey home and may you find the fullness of God’s grace and truth.

 

[fpesce]

There out there, but I think we all can agree that this type of evangelization is not productive. People talk past each other and don’t listen.

I do not agree, street evangelization can be very productive, especially being led by the Holy Spirit.

Catholics generally take a more engaging approach and try to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world showing faith in deeds.

This I can agree in, but deeds without knowledge of His Word can lead to cultism. Which many protestants readily pick up on an use against the Catholic Church. I believe more Catholics should study and be familiar with God’s word (both old and new testaments).

The other part Catholics do is more academic like debates and teachings in academia.

Check out about anything from Father Robert Barron www.wordonfire.org.

He’s on YouTube as well.

You mentioned way of the master so you might like this:

youtu.be/O8DQqrnN4Fg

I like that, very good.This really shows that lack of information leads to misinterpretations which leads to opposition. We should be more interested in showing/preaching/evangelizing the works of Jesus and not focusing on what causes divisions within the Christian Church(s). I really believe we should come together.