Effective evangelization techniques

[Petruchio]

In my quest for holiness, I have found that I am distinctly weak in evangelization. I was set on fire for my faith amongst Protestants, and though I myself stayed with the church, many other lapse Catholics have not. I feel that if the Faith had a great focus for outreach, we would have fewer lapse Catholics, and a greater number of people converting to the faith.

I do not know of many of the tactics that Protestants use, though I do know that a few of them, such as the altar call, is largely foreign to us, and requires the support of the institutional Church. I am seeking to evangelize on an individual, personal basis.

I always admired Protestant churches on their focus on evangelization. While in the faith, I have found sediment that evangelization is lived. I often here St. Francis’ quote ‘preach the gospel always, and if necessary use words.’ I disagree with this, more often than not. I have seen it used as an excuse for not preaching more often than as an actual credo.

If you were to preach the gospel, and evangelize directly, and not through some other ministry, how would it be done?

 

[Used2beSherryG]

In my quest for holiness, I have found that I am distinctly weak in evangelization. I was set on fire for my faith amongst Protestants, and though I myself stayed with the church, many other lapse Catholics have not. I feel that if the Faith had a great focus for outreach, we would have fewer lapse Catholics, and a greater number of people converting to the faith.

I do not know of many of the tactics that Protestants use, though I do know that a few of them, such as the altar call, is largely foreign to us, and requires the support of the institutional Church. I am seeking to evangelize on an individual, personal basis.

I always admired Protestant churches on their focus on evangelization. While in the faith, I have found sediment that evangelization is lived. I often here St. Francis’ quote ‘preach the gospel always, and if necessary use words.’ I disagree with this, more often than not. I have seen it used as an excuse for not preaching more often than as an actual credo.

If you were to preach the gospel, and evangelize directly, and not through some other ministry, how would it be done?

First, you must know your faith yourself, thoroughly. So, study, pray and be prepared to live your faith out daily. You will be presented with opportunities each and every day to evangelize others. You, yourself can talk to your friends and relatives and invite them
to go to Mass with you, to attend seminars or study groups with you. These are not “tactics”, these are living your faith and encouraging others to do the same. Invite them to attend RCIA as a method of learning more about Catholicism before they can make up their own mind about the value of living as Christ instructed us to live. There is no magic formula. YOu’ve got to be on fire for love of Christ and then you can spread his love and mercy everywhere you go. God Bless you in your quest.

 

[LRCnow]

Dear Petruchio;

Evangelism in its simple definition is to spread the good news or gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes in various forms - both within the church and without. Within the church structure, yes, as you noted, there are altar calls. This is the activity of inviting those who feel the call of Christ in their lives, and have not yet received Him, to come forward and pray with a Pastor or layperson so one may received Christ. Also, within the church structure we have bible studies (organized groups that meet usually at someone’s home), classes that teach doctrine, history, exegesis, prayer, etc. The topics are endless. There can be internal events at the church for outsiders to attend, like dinners, conferences, athletic events, plays, musical events, etc.

Outside of the church structure there are outreaches (organized events that takes one or many people out into a specific community with the express purpose of spreading the good news) and mission trips (short and long) are more extensively planned activities that engage one or many people in a continuing activity to spread the good news.

There are many websites that discuss and teach the many possibilities of evangelism. Remember, evangelism is nothing more than the lives we lead. We are all called into God’s service, and it is a matter of engagement with your brothers and sisters. Dive into life, and be not afraid.

 

[Russ_of_Tokyo]

I’m starting to figure this out finally. I spent 50 years in the Protestant evangelical tradition and was active in evangelism. It meant presenting the gospel and getting the person to say the sinner’s prayer. Sometimes I used the Four Spiritual Laws and sometimes the “wordless book” if the target was children. Church attendance came later, and since I was a church hopper and the son of a church hopper, which church they chose was not so important.

When I became a Catholic two years ago, all my evangelism techniques were like puzzle pieces scattered on the floor and I didn’t know which ones were still OK to pick up. Now I’m starting to see that evangelism is best done in the context of the Church that Jesus Christ built. Get people to come to mass where they will experience the presence of God and be moved along in their journey towards Christ in an environment of supportive Christians. Then evangelism becomes a group effort.

Inviting people to mass or some other function at church is a lot easier than trying to present the gospel and make the sale…

I used to say things like being in Church doesn’t make one a Christian any more than being in a garage makes one a car. Now I must admit that while people cannot turn into cars, they can become Christians, and if one is in Church, his chances of becoming a Christian are greatly improved!