Evangelization?

[Pug]

Romans 12

6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith;
7 if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching;
8 if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

I’m a cross between teaching and exhortation. I’m the bible nut on our parish RCIA team. I approach it like the Samaritan woman who went to the town and told them about the man who told her everything she had ever done. I tell people what it has been like for me, meeting Jesus, being Catholic, going to confession, reading the bible, receiving Eucharist, etc.

I would indeed feel bad walking by a house burning up or a person that clearly needs to be spoken to about something. But then, I usually speak if the opportunity is ripe. I do not speak to my relatives if I perceive that I will just drive them to be more hard of heart. That would not be loving.

The lost ARE someone else’s job…the Holy Spirit is who will touch their hearts, not me. Rather, we should pray for the lost, talk when opportunity strikes, try to direct our lives such that no one will ever stumble for observing us, stuff like this. The Holy Spirit will be responsible for any success. My job is not success, it is doing as I ought and letting God do the work/job.

 

[SPOKENWORD]

Pug:

The lost ARE someone else’s job…the Holy Spirit is who will touch their hearts, not me. Rather, we should pray for the lost, talk when opportunity strikes, try to direct our lives such that no one will ever stumble for observing us, stuff like this. The Holy Spirit will be responsible for any success. My job is not success, it is doing as I ought and letting God do the work/job.

Hi Pug, You are wrong,the lost are not someone elses job. Its your job as a christian to spread the Good News. Yes, then its the Holy Spirit that will do the rest.God is looking for faithful servants who say use me.Thats my point , you continue to pray and then feel like its not your job…Christ wants to use us . He has no other plan. God Bless

 

[SPOKENWORD]

La Chiara:

A number of Catholics have detailed how they evangelize. Yet none of their responses seem to be good enough for you. SpokenWord–why don’t you answer your own question? Is your evangelization limited to coming on to the Catholic Answers Forums and evangelizing to Catholics? You come across as provacative and smug. Certainly, not effective characteristics for evangelization.

Hi La Chaira, That number is two that have shared. Why dont you share your experiences like I asked for ? Thats all i,m looking for. God Bless

 

[SPOKENWORD]

tkdnick:

Spokenword:

You seem to be limiting your concern to speaking/preaching. Why? What about ALL the other forms of evangelization? I have a crucifix hanging on the wall in my cubicle. When people come in and see that, is that not a form of evangelization? When I treat other people with respect and love, is that not evangelization? When people see me praying, is that not evangelization? The fact that I don’t preach to everyone I meet doesn’t mean that I am not evangelizing them. I invited friends to come to my church so they could hear me sing one Sunday. Now everytime they drive by it, their kids want to go inside. Is that not evangelization?

And just so you know…yes, I do also “preach” or discuss my beliefs with lots of people as well.

Hi Tk, Thanks for sharing.I,m only trying to point out that God has called each one of us as christians to witness to the lost that are all around us. Why is it that many feel its not their job? God Bless

 

[Mickey]

La Chiara:

SpokenWord–why don’t you answer your own question? Is your evangelization limited to coming on to the Catholic Answers Forums and evangelizing to Catholics?

Greetings SW!

I’m very much looking forward to reading your response to the question posed by La Chiara.

 

[deb1]

====================================================================== Hi Gottle of Geer. If you walked by my house and saw flames coming out the window and people screaming what would you do? You probably would break in the front door and try to rescue them from the fire,correct?

I have seen this example used before. I have problems with it. Considering that I am an out of shape, five foot tall woman, if the people in the house were all very large males that had all been knocked unconscious by smoke inhalation, I doubt that I would do much good. It would be better for me to call 911. My point is that I have noticed that there are some people that seem to do more harm then good when it comes to the sort of agressive evangilizing that you are talking of. I’ve known people that have been very turned off to Christianity by these methods.

I think that we are all giving different gifts from God. If your particular gift is to walk up to complete stranger and speak about Jesus. Then I am very happy for you. It is a little arrogant, though, to decide that your way is the ***only ***way to evangalize. I was brought to know Jesus through another woman’s quiet example. IF she had opened the bible and tried to convert me in your definition of evangalize, I would have been turned off and might have even gotten hostile.(That is embarrassing for me to admit now but it is true. I was anti christian at one point)

 

[Mickey]

deb1:

I have seen this example used before. I have problems with it. Considering that I am an out of shape, five foot tall woman, if the people in the house were all very large males that had all been knocked unconscious by smoke inhalation, I doubt that I would do much good. It would be better for me to call 911. My point is that I have noticed that there are some people that seem to do more harm then good when it comes to the sort of agressive evangilizing that you are talking of. I’ve known people that have been very turned off to Christianity by these methods.

I think that we are all giving different gifts from God. If your particular gift is to walk up to complete stranger and speak about Jesus. Then I am very happy for you. It is a little arrogant, though, to decide that your way is the ***only ***way to evangalize. I was brought to know Jesus through another woman’s quiet example. IF she had opened the bible and tried to convert me in your definition of evangalize, I would have been turned off and might have even gotten hostile.(That is embarrassing for me to admit now but it is true. I was anti christian at one point)

Hi Deb,

You bring up some very good issues. You would not be the only one turned off by that method. Many years ago when I was in college and lukewarm in my faith, I was approached in this way and it drove me farther away. What many people don’t often understand is that there can be a fine line between evangelization and proselytization.

 

[tkdnick]

SPOKENWORD:

Why is it that many feel its not their job? God Bless

I don’t think anyone thinks it’s not their job. I just think people look at evangelizing in a much broader sense than what you seem to be looking at it as. We don’t look at evangelizing as just “preaching”. St. Francis of Assisi tells us to “preach the Gospel always, when necessary use words”. You seem to be stuck on the “using words” part of evangelization. Is that the case or did I miss something?

 

[dhgray]

SPOKENWORD:

Thanks Davis for sharing. I,m joining you by sharing with one person at a time. I believe that is the call of ALL christians. God Bless

AMEN to that!

 

[gardenswithkids]

SPOKENWORD:

I GUESS 2% was a pretty acurate number. Not many takers on this question? God Bless

St. Francis of Assisi said, “Always preach the Gospel. Use words if necessary.”

I also heard a joke about people discussing their favorite versions of the Bible. One said “King James”, one said “NIV”, one said “RSV”, and one said “my grandmother’s version”. Everyone asked, what version was his grandmother’s Bible. He replied, “The one she lived everyday.”

I hope I preach my faith by the way I live. But I’m not afraid to speak about my faith usually.

I enjoy sharing on this message board because I know people who come here are open to it. I share in small groups at church and people who know me know that I have a relationship with God.

But with some, I bite my tongue so I don’t seem “judgemental” (the one and only remaining sin recognized by many Americans.) I tire of small talk with relatives who just don’t get it, and who aren’t open to discussing it. I share little by litle with those people, but I don’t think they can handle too much at once.

I enjoy conversations with other Christian who are open to learning about what Catholics believe. But I also fear judgement by those who think the Catholic Church is evil. I love religious discussions, but I dislike religious arguments.

My biggest evangelization efforts are directed at my own children and through my children. My children help witness our faith to others because they simply exist. I hope my family size tells people that I believe children are a blessing from God. I very happily share the Good News with the children God has entrusted to me.

 

[MooCowSteph]

As tkdnick noted, We don’t look at evangelizing as just “preaching”. St. Francis of Assisi tells us to “preach the Gospel always, when necessary use words”.

I am an example to my extended family an friends by attending Sunday with my husband worship EVERY Sunday. I discuss openly how blessed I am by God. On my upcoming family vacation (whole extended family) my husband and I plan to attend church on Sunday and encourage our relatives to join us. I leave Catholic tracts in my library books when I return them. I am open about my lifestyle (NFP, prayer, reflection) to friends and family. I send interesting articles and websites to friends and family by email. My husband and I say grace no mattter who we are sharing dinner with, including family or friends who usually wouldn’t say grace. We openly discuss our faith when the situation presents itself, but we do not bring it up at the dinner table when the conversation is on something completly different, such as the evening’s meatloaf or planting the spring garden.

The power of prayer should not be overlooked, as many have mentioned. When evangelizing and seeking converts, as the book *Search and Rescue *discusses, prayer must be central. We can use words all we want, but without a dedicated prayer life, we will get no where and will likely drive them away instead.

 

[tkdnick]

MooCowSteph:

The power of prayer should not be overlooked, as many have mentioned. When evangelizing and seeking converts, as the book *Search and Rescue *discusses, prayer must be central. We can use words all we want, but without a dedicated prayer life, we will get no where and will likely drive them away instead.

AMEN!

I read a book called Christ and the Catechist by Michael Leary, where the author made the point that we have to present the right thing, at the right time, in the right way. The right thing obviously being the entire truth. The right time being consious of the opportunities we are given and not given. The right way being lovingly, carefully, respectfully…by the way, I recommend that book to anyone who teaches the faith. Good book!

 

[SPOKENWORD]

Mickey:

Greetings SW!

I’m very much looking forward to reading your response to the question posed by La Chiara.

Hi Mickey,I witness to people the way Jesus did. I can approach anyone and witness to them. I never argue with them or debate them. I start of by going into the natural,like How are are you today? Beautiful day isnt it. I then will ask them; Can I ask you a question? Do you consider your self to be a good person? Many people will say yes and are more than happy to share examples why they feel like they are a good person. I then will say; lets see how you would stand according to Gods goodness? Gods goodness is judged by the 10 commandments. Have you ever told a lie? Most will say yes. What does that make you? A lier.Have you ever stolen anything? Apiece of candy ,a pen at work,ect… Value has nothing to do with the act. Again most will say ,yes. What does that make you? A thief… Have you ever looked upon a women with lust in your heart? This one got me also. Jesus said that anyone who looks at a person with lust in their heart has committed adultry. Most will say yes. What does that make you? An adulterer. Have you ever murdered anyone? Jesus says anyone who hates his brother committs murder…,ll stop here because if you are like me we probably have broken most if not all of Gods commandments. So now buy your own admission,you are a lier,a theif , a murderer,and an adulterer. As you can see in Gods eyes there is no one who is good. You know one day we will die and come before God for judgement. According to God standard; When you do would you consider yourself innocent or guilty? If they say guilty you then proceed to present Gods grace and share the gospel. If they say innocent,they are not ready.You might want to continue and show them how Jesus steps in to pay the penalty or you can say thanks for speaking with me. Maybe you can think about some of the things I shared with you.The Holy Spirit will begin to work on their conscience for on every mans heart the law is written. I,ll stop here for now, there is alot more I will share. Jesus presented the law to those He witness to.Its not about offending anyone,or hurting peoples feelings. You are talking about their salvation. Thats why its called the Good news.Do we want to see the lost perish? Something to think about. Jesus said the harvest is ready. Are we? God Bless

 

[tkdnick]

SPOKENWORD:

I start of by going into the natural,like How are are you today? Beautiful day isnt it. I then will ask them; Can I ask you a question? Do you consider your self to be a good person? Many people will say yes and are more than happy to share examples why they feel like they are a good person. I then will say; lets see how you would stand according to Gods goodness? Gods goodness is judged by the 10 commandments. Have you ever told a lie? Most will say yes. What does that make you? A lier.Have you ever stolen anything? Apiece of candy ,a pen at work,ect… Value has nothing to do with the act. Again most will say ,yes. What does that make you? A thief…So now buy your own admission,you are a lier,a theif , a murderer,and an adulterer. As you can see in Gods eyes there is no one who is good. You know one day we will die and come before God for judgement. According to God standard; When you do would you consider yourself innocent or guilty? If they say guilty you then proceed to present Gods grace and share the gospel.

Just curious…what is the typical response you get to this?

 

[Mickey]

tkdnick:

Just curious…what is the typical response you get to this?

I am also curious SW. I know many people who would punch you in the nose for calling them a liar, thief, murderer, and aldulterer. I’m not saying your approach is wrong–because it is not my place to judge. But I’m just wondering if you’ve ever been punched in the nose for such an approach.

smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_9_207.gif

 

[MooCowSteph]

I “reverted” to the Catholic Church 3 years ago, and I know that before then I would have been offended by that approach and it would not have been effective on me…just my :twocents: I guess it might work on others.

 

[tkdnick]

smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_9_207.gif

That’s way cool!

 

[Pug]

SPOKENWORD:

Hi Pug, You are wrong,the lost are not someone elses job. Its your job as a christian to spread the Good News. Yes, then its the Holy Spirit that will do the rest.God is looking for faithful servants who say use me.Thats my point , you continue to pray and then feel like its not your job…Christ wants to use us . He has no other plan. God Bless

I rather thought you would say you disagree with me, but I really do not know why. The actual saving of the lost is the job of the Holy Spirit, not me. You seem to agree with that. It is His job, not mine, so it is someone else’s job. My job is to do specific things, like as I said, talking to someone about the gospel at the opportune moment (I said talk when opportunity strikes, and I said above that talk means talk about meeting Jesus, etc). I am saying it is my job to spread the good news at the right time, but I am also saying that the success of the endeavor is God’s job, not mine. What more am I supposed to do?

Who said I continue to pray and do not feel it is my job to do anything else? I pray first and then go teach/exhort/serve. From experience, I know I do a better job if I pray first. But even so, it is not me who accomplishes conversions. I don’t have to feel that I did not do my job if they don’t listen to what I said about Jesus to them. I may feel that I should pray more for them and prepare more for the next time by bible reading or study. I also might feel that I need to make my life seem more attractive to a non-Christian, so that I don’t drive people away. I need real work in this category.

It is true that since I have great things in my life from Jesus, then naturally I’ll talk about it to people, but it is important that I not get caught up in thinking I am going to convert anyone. I literally cannot convert anyone. Only God can.

 

[tkdnick]

Pug:

I rather thought you would say you disagree with me, but I really do not know why. The actual saving of the lost is the job of the Holy Spirit, not me. You seem to agree with that. It is His job, not mine, so it is someone else’s job. My job is to do specific things, like as I said, talking to someone about the gospel at the opportune moment (I said talk when opportunity strikes, and I said above that talk means talk about meeting Jesus, etc). I am saying it is my job to spread the good news at the right time, but I am also saying that the success of the endeavor is God’s job, not mine. What more am I supposed to do?

Who said I continue to pray and do not feel it is my job to do anything else? I pray first and then go teach/exhort/serve. From experience, I know I do a better job if I pray first. But even so, it is not me who accomplishes conversions. I don’t have to feel that I did not do my job if they don’t listen to what I said about Jesus to them. I may feel that I should pray more for them and prepare more for the next time by bible reading or study. I also might feel that I need to make my life seem more attractive to a non-Christian, so that I don’t drive people away. I need real work in this category.

It is true that since I have great things in my life from Jesus, then naturally I’ll talk about it to people, but it is important that I not get caught up in thinking I am going to convert anyone. I literally cannot convert anyone. Only God can.

Wow, that was good! Very nice post! God, through the Holy Spirit does all the converting, all the teaching, we’re just the instruments. I like that!

 

[SPOKENWORD]

Mickey:

I am also curious SW. I know many people who would punch you in the nose for calling them a liar, thief, murderer, and aldulterer. I’m not saying your approach is wrong–because it is not my place to judge. But I’m just wondering if you’ve ever been punched in the nose for such an approach.

smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_9_207.gif

Hi Mickey. Its by their own admission that they are a liar ,thief, murderer and adulterer,not my admission. God Bless