How would you, as a Catholic, present the gospel message?

[JRKH]

And peace to you! I like the way you think. One of the reasons I started this thread was because of my curiosity about how much my presentation of the gospel might change–not the method, but the message itself–were I to revert to the Catholic Church completely. Obviously references to imputation of righteousness would be eliminated, but I’d think most of it would stay the same, i.e., what God is like, what man is like (sin), who Jesus is, His death and resurrection, faith and repentance, counting the cost.

To expand on this just a bit…I think that “differences” are more likely to show up in “follow-up” conversations than in the proposed initial chat with the person you have just met.
One of the things I thought about relating to the initial encounter - and might effect the approach - is what brought on the inspiration to share the Gospel. Was it personal problems in the person’s life that came up in casual conversation? Are they curious because they saw me make the sign of the cross before eating - or they noted I was praying the rosary while waiting for the plane?
That is why suggested that the general message I would try to convey would be “love” - God Loves us - wants what is best for us Jesus came, lived with, and died for us out of Love. Love is the foundation for all of the “law and prophets” etc.
These are things, built upon the sure foundation of Love, that “draw one into” Christ and are common across the Christian spectrum, though I am afraid that some seem to focus too much on other areas like “faith alone”……but as I say - delving into those things would likely come later…

Peace
James

 

[peace2u2]

There’s nothing wrong with using a friendly conversation as an in-road to having a spiritual conversation, but if you got to a point where you could share the message, what would you say? That’s what I’m after. I’m not asking for the how of evangelism but the what, i.e., the content of the message you would attempt to convey to someone.

I just want to tell you that if you are drawn to bringing the Gospel Truth to the lost and would like to continue this ministry if you became a Catholic Christian, then. . . PRAISE GOD! You are so needed in the Catholic Church right now. You have the boldness that many cradle Catholics do not have in order to share and defend their Catholic Faith.

Here are some of the topics that I have evangelized to people, mostly family and friends (not well received) and to the 2 JW women who come to my door and whose souls I pray for that God’s grace will open their hearts and minds to the fullness of God’s Truth, The Catholic Church:

1. The Real Presence of Jesus in The Eucharist. This is more than just a symbol. Jesus Himself said so in John Chapter 6 (isn’t His Word good enough?) and He lost many followers that day and still does today because in order to understand The Real Presence you have to understand what a Sacrament is (an outward sign instituted by Jesus Christ to give our souls grace or holiness even if we can’t wrap our minds completely around all of it. We do so because we have faith. Jesus said to Thomas, “You believe because you see. Blessed are those who do not see, yet believe.” Jesus can do anything. He’s God! And, Jesus can appear when He will and under whatever form or in any form that He so desires. Thank you Jesus for giving us You in The Holy Eucharist a visible sign of your love and care for us where no one can take you from us.
2. Infant Baptism is something I love to defend as I was once told in a “Non-Denominational” Bible Study that my “Infant Baptism” was just a “sprinkling” and that to be Baptized the right way, I needed to be dunked. I was insulted to say the least. So in a nutshell, I was being told that God does not acknowledge me because my parents brought me to the Church a few weeks old and wanted me to know and love Jesus that they thought this was so important to celebrate right away and not wait. All parents who bring any of their children regardless of the age make a Baptismal Promise to bring their child up in the faith. Alot of parents have fallen asleep.

As far as the common cry about “the age of reason for a child” to “understand” Baptism and to receive Jesus, in the Catholic Church we do have an age of reason and its around the age of 7 or 2nd grade when these children, who Jesus said Don’t hinder them, bring the children to me, after 2 years of formal religious education, receive Jesus in The Most Holy Eucharist for the first time and then go on to 8th grade studying to make their Confirmation, receive the Holy Spirit and His Gifts. Good article:

catholic.com/tracts/infant-baptism

Also, I have a few family members who have left the Catholic Church for Protestant and have been re-baptized. I have tried to explain that there is no such thing as a 2nd Baptism or 3rd, etc. There is just one. It is an indelible mark on our soul and can’t be removed and its a sin to do it again.

1. The Sacrament of Holy Orders. Our Protestant brothers and sisters in Christ who do believe in The Real Presence of Christ in The Eucharist and think they are receiving same when they receive in their Church are not because in order to have The Real Presence of Jesus you need a validated ordained Catholic Priest to perform this miracle known as Transubstantiation.
2. Other topics I am drawn to also include: The authenticity of the Catholic Church, the visible church spoken of in the Bible, The 4 Marks of The Church, The Pope’s Authority and Infallability. And of course, Mary and why we have statues in the Catholic Church.

Good luck in your ministry and peace.

 

[mdkirkbride]

I’d define that as Apologetics, defending the faith. I’d think Evangelism (I just noticed ‘angel’ in that word) more for a non-believer/agnostic type. Catechesis for a fallen away/non-practicing Catholic.

Similar in concept, though.

For Evangelism to a non-believer/agnostic type, I wouldn’t think it be much different for the initial conversation coming from a Catholic, Orthodox, or Mainline Protestant. Most of the basic concepts are there for each.

I find that if I’m driving in a location where I can’t find a Catholic Radio station and find a Protestant one, I can usually agree with about 97% of what they say because they do have some of the Truth, namely Sacred Scripture. I wouldn’t think that would be as high for a Protestant listening to a Catholic Radio Station, because of the fullness of the Truth being conveyed by the guidance of His Church in Sacred Tradition, the Magisterium, and the Sacraments.

 

[MariaG]

My message?

I am a blood bought, spirit taught, bible toting, scripture quoting, Cathilic Christian.

It is the same basic message you probably have now, with the side benefit of helping other non-Catholic Christians know that Catholics are Christians too. Pray and stay in His grace and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you in your conversations.

 

[gcharles]

I can tell you the first thing you must do is establish the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. This is classified as an historical event.

 

[Geaux_LSU]

My message?

I am a blood bought, spirit taught, bible toting, scripture quoting, Cathilic Christian.

It is the same basic message you probably have now, with the side benefit of helping other non-Catholic Christians know that Catholics are Christians too. Pray and stay in His grace and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you in your conversations.

 

[Lady_Love]

When I meet a person, I try to let them lead the conversation as much as possible. Everyone is crying out to be noticed, heard, and loved. This is the first way that I evangelize. I try to give them the attention they need.

After a little while, they realize that you have no agenda but are genuinely concerned and care for them. If the conversation leads into discussion about God I gladly oblige but if it does not I don’t try to force them to discuss it. The ground of their heart may be too hard still to receive the seed of faith. It’s God’s timing, not mine. He may have to till the soil more. I definitely listen to my heart for the cues of the Holy Spirit to whether or not I should do or say certain things, when to push and when to pull back.

I avoid ARGUING about Holy things at all costs. Fulton Sheen says, “Win an argument and lose a soul.”

 

[gigi4747]

I admire non-Catholic Christians’ unabashed desire to share the Gospel and I love that so many former Protestants who have entered the Catholic Church are directing their dioceses’ evangelization programs

As far as the “strike up a conversation” in the coffee shop, etc, way of evangelizing, I would imagine it works best if one is honest from the get-go about the purpose of the conversation. For example, Ray Comfort, et al, imo have what is I believe to be a pretty effective way of making people think about God and salvation. I think it’s effective in part because they don’t negate their work by leaving people with hard feelings, as happens when evangelizers do the old bait and switch. What I mean is that Ray C, et al, make it clear UP FRONT that the conversation is about evangelizing. When the Church of Christ people in college tried to evangelize me by striking up a conversation about something unrelated to belief in God, then suddenly inviting me to their church or bible study or whatever, I always felt angry and used. It made me really distrust the person who had struck up the conversation and definitely made me want nothing to do with them. (This may be off-topic, but I wonder if there is a male-female divide on how one feels about being the “target” of this type of evangelizing.)

At any rate, I love that quote attributed (correctly or not) to St Francis of Assisi. People do speak volumes with their attitude, demeanor, piety, good works, lack of engagement in office gossip, etc, or even dress, which is one reason that religious’ wearing of their clerics or habit is such a powerful word-less witness. It’s difficult to demonstrate these things to people whom we might encounter only briefly, but these attributes can have a great impact on the people around us who see us more frequently.

I also ditto LadyLove’s idea to let others drive the conversation.

 

[CarolSue]

“Imagine you encountered a complete stranger (in a coffee shop, on an airplane, on the street, etc.), and you felt the desire to share the good news about Christ and salvation with them.”

Not much time to show someone how well one lives the Gospel. Use words.

If there’s one thing my kids know, it’s that I don’t have a hard time talking to strangers, and leading that conversation to faith. There’s no specific “formula” I use, though; I just pay attention to what’s going on.

For instance, if the hypothetical patron was having a snit over bad service, I’d likely sympathize to open the conversation, then talk about patience and forgiveness. If they were really enjoying the coffee and atmosphere, I’d bring up thankfulness and serenity. Or maybe use the book they were reading as a catalyst. But before all else, I’d invite the Holy Spirit to give me the words and attitude needed…or simply keep me quiet, maybe in prayer. It’s His choice, not mine – mine is only the will to follow where He leads me.

 

[Koineman]

If there’s one thing my kids know, it’s that I don’t have a hard time talking to strangers, and leading that conversation to faith. There’s no specific “formula” I use, though; I just pay attention to what’s going on.

I realize that often we have to react to the situation around us, and so our starting point in evangelism can easily change from situation to situation and from person to person.

Although our starting point in a gospel presentation might vary depending on who we talk to, the bottom line is that faith is always a response to divine revelation. Since that is the case, there are certain revealed truths that everyone must hear in order to be converted.

So what I’m really getting at is this: What, in your opinion, does a person absolutely have to know to come to faith in Christ?

 

[PJM]

=Koineman;9348976]One thing I have felt strongly drawn to in my many years as a Protestant is bringing the gospel message to the lost, particularly strangers. Of course, if I joined the Catholic Church, I would still want to do that outreach.

So what I’m curious about is the following hypothetical scenario. (Please note that I’m asking only Catholics this question.)

Imagine you encountered a complete stranger (in a coffee shop, on an airplane, on the street, etc.), and you felt the desire to share the good news about Christ and salvation with them. What would your message consist of? What would you say? What truths would you attempt to communicate?

It’s an honest question BUT:

Our task is to:

1. Know well our Faith:
   Not just what we beleive BUT ALSO Why and How we are able to HOLD and practice them
2. Live our Faith Fully and Publically: Actions speak so much clearer than our words
3. SHARE it WHEN GOD gives us the opportunity to do so

My friend I have been living our Catholic Faith for a GREAT many yesrs. I have taught at many levels and in many diffferent situtations; and WHEN ASKED a question about why I or Catholics} do this ot that I answer with charity and clarity and also as briefly as possible I have found many who “want to know” BUT don’t eant to listen.

I have never personally evangulized someone who was not seeking to be evangualized. IMO; I’m not sure that is what God wants US to do. I try to leave it up to HIM and then respond.

There are many ways an opportunities to share our faith in MOST parishes.

God Bless you, and THANKS for asking:tiphat:

Come-on HOME,

pat /PJM

 

[MariaG]

I realize that often we have to react to the situation around us, and so our starting point in evangelism can easily change from situation to situation and from person to person.

Although our starting point in a gospel presentation might vary depending on who we talk to, the bottom line is that faith is always a response to divine revelation. Since that is the case, there are certain revealed truths that everyone must hear in order to be converted.

So what I’m really getting at is this: What, in your opinion, does a person absolutely have to know to come to faith in Christ?

It is the same basic message except for that fact that baptism is also emphasized. But that too is just following what Christ told us to do. The difference is that in the sacramental churches like the Catholic church we believe baptism is where God imparts our saving Grace.

 

[choliks]

So what I’m really getting at is this: What, in your opinion, does a person absolutely have to know to come to faith in Christ?

I’ll toss in some of my cents…

One has to know how to show that the other is loved by God through him or her. Which makes living the Gospel very important. IMHO. Which would hopefully lead to an understanding that “I love God and have faith in Him, because He loved me first.”

Many people come to faith because of miracles. Their experience of love could be the first miracle for them.

How can you not be moved by love?

 

[adf417]

So what I’m really getting at is this: What, in your opinion, does a person absolutely have to know to come to faith in Christ?

-what love is
Even - where love comes from - is secondary to this.

 

[Koineman]

-what love is
Even - where love comes from - is secondary to this.

So if I just show someone love, or define love for them, that’s enough? No message about Christ? repentance? faith? God? No verbal message at all?

 

[Koineman]

It’s an honest question BUT:

Our task is to:

1. Know well our Faith:
   Not just what we beleive BUT ALSO Why and How we are able to HOLD and practice them

Well, that’s part of our task.

1. Live our Faith Fully and Publically: Actions speak so much clearer than our words

Clearer than the word of God?

1. SHARE it WHEN GOD gives us the opportunity to do so

What about making opportunities? Is every good we do for others supposed to be done in the passive manner you describe, just waiting for God to give us the opportunity? Should I wait for God to give me the opportunity to feed the poor, or should I go out of my way to find the poor myself?

 

[adf417]

So if I just show someone love, or define love for them, that’s enough? No message about Christ? repentance? faith? God? No verbal message at all?

Possibly but not probably. I took your question to mean the absolute minimum. From there I think that what else is needed is endless depending on the individual receiving the message.

Peace!!!

 

[Koineman]

Possibly but not probably. I took your question to mean the absolute minimum. From there I think that what else is needed is endless depending on the individual receiving the message.

Peace!!!

Possibly? Where does this idea come from that the verbal proclamation of the gospel message can possibly be omitted? The Catholic Church holds no such view.

 

[PJM]

=Koineman;9409738]Well, that’s part of our task.

Clearer than the word of God?

It OUGHT TO BE

What about making opportunities? Is every good we do for others supposed to be done in the passive manner you describe, just waiting for God to give us the opportunity? Should I wait for God to give me the opportunity to feed the poor, or should I go out of my way to find the poor myself?

No, not at all… BUT

God’s makes it simple for us:

EITHER God is permitted to be in charge or we are. And the responsibility can’t be split.

Iniatiave is fine; even GREAT if God has led the way and opened the door.

Feeding the “poor” is NOT the same taking it upon ourselves as “force-feeding the bible”…

By ALL means FEED the poor; and IF you are called by God and qualified and trained to do so in complete and total compliance with what the CC Teaches; then do that also.

The First is a mandate for ALL; the second ought to be a God GRANTED charism

2nd. Tim. 2: 24-26 “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to every one, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will“.

2nd. Tim. 4:1-4 “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths

Mt. 18: 6 “but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Tit.2:1 “But as for you, teach what befits sound doctrine.”

Jas.3: 1 “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness.”

1st.Tim. 4: 11,13, 16 “Command and teach these things. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers

1Cor.12: 28-29 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. … Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

May God continue to Bless and guide you my friend,

pat /PJM

 

[mangy_dog]

In the simplest and most vivential way possible.