Thoughts on evangelism

[Lost_Wanderer]

I’ll get to the point: I’m not a huge fan of evangelizing.

However, allow me to further explain my position.

When I talk of evangelism, I mean the door-to-door, street preaching variety. I don’t like people trying to convert others, at least directly (especially others who are already caught up in their conviction such as atheists). Take note though that I am not only limiting this to Catholic evangelism but to other religions and belief systems as well such as Islam, Hindu, Judaism, Protestantism, Atheism etc.

I’ll be honest to admit that evangelism was a good thing for Christianity back then in the older centuries but these days, people are becoming more serious about defending what they believe. As a result, those who go around trying to change people’s minds only cause strife. And this goes to preachers of all types of beliefs.

Take note though that I have no problem with defending the faith against those who are attacking it or on the verge of losing it. Both cases are merely responses and I find them understandable. Personally however, I think the best defense against attackers is “I’m not trying to convert you so don’t try to convert me” if you know what I mean.

Evangelizing though, sounds pretty much going on the offense to me.

I’m open to correction though.

 

[Highwayhound]

I’ll get to the point: I’m not a huge fan of evangelizing.

However, allow me to further explain my position.

When I talk of evangelism, I mean the door-to-door, street preaching variety. I don’t like people trying to convert others, at least directly (especially others who are already caught up in their conviction such as atheists). Take note though that I am not only limiting this to Catholic evangelism but to other religions and belief systems as well such as Islam, Hindu, Judaism, Protestantism, Atheism etc.

I’ll be honest to admit that evangelism was a good thing for Christianity back then in the older centuries but these days, people are becoming more serious about defending what they believe. As a result, those who go around trying to change people’s minds only cause strife. And this goes to preachers of all types of beliefs.

Take note though that I have no problem with defending the faith against those who are attacking it or on the verge of losing it. Both cases are merely responses and I find them understandable. Personally however, I think the best defense against attackers is “I’m not trying to convert you so don’t try to convert me” if you know what I mean.

Evangelizing though, sounds pretty much going on the offense to me.

I’m open to correction though.

I spent 16 years coaching soccer. During those years I had to teach the same skills, ideas and strategies over and over. There was a constant influx of new kids. Some had skills and others had virtually no skills. Some kids were knowledgeable about the game and others were clueless.

The point being is that you or I might have a strong faith, but many people might not know anything about Christianity. We know about the Good News, but they might not have heard it. Life is a constant dynamic in that it is always changes. So it is a continuos process of teaching and explaining to people about the faith. A lot of this can be done simply by how we live our daily life. People notice how we behave. If set a good example by living a moral life it will have an effect on those who view us.

God bless

 

[holyrosary11]

I spent 16 years coaching soccer. During those years I had to teach the same skills, ideas and strategies over and over. There was a constant influx of new kids. Some had skills and others had virtually no skills. Some kids were knowledgeable about the game and others were clueless.

The point being is that you or I might have a strong faith, but many people might not know anything about Christianity. We know about the Good News, but they might not have heard it. Life is a constant dynamic in that it is always changes. So it is a continuos process of teaching and explaining to people about the faith. A lot of this can be done simply by how we live our daily life. People notice how we behave. If set a good example by living a moral life it will have an effect on those who view us.

God bless

I totally agree. However, i would take it a step further and say that it is not enough to just live our lives, letting people see that, meaning just going about our lives in an MOR kind of way (middle of the road), doing what is minimally required by Christianity (?) without ever telling anyone about Jesus… well, that’s not good enough.

i hate evangelizing myself. But i know it is my job. I hate it becasue people misunderstand, get hostile… They think i am trying to force my religion on them and things like that. Gets kind of tiresome. What is really going on is that i care about them and want them to know God and get to Heaven. But they don’t always see it that way.

In any case, I believe the Catholic Church teaches that if we don’t evangelize, we jeopardize our salvation.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

A lot of this can be done simply by how we live our daily life. People notice how we behave. If set a good example by living a moral life it will have an effect on those who view us.

God bless

So far, this has truly been always the best answer I’ve received when one asks about how to spread the Gospel. The famous Franciscan quote comes to mind, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

I totally agree. However, i would take it a step further and say that it is not enough to just live our lives, letting people see that, meaning just going about our lives in an MOR kind of way (middle of the road), doing what is minimally required by Christianity (?) without ever telling anyone about Jesus… well, that’s not good enough.

i hate evangelizing myself. But i know it is my job. I hate it becasue people misunderstand, get hostile… They think i am trying to force my religion on them and things like that. Gets kind of tiresome. What is really going on is that i care about them and want them to know God and get to Heaven. But they don’t always see it that way.

In any case, I believe the Catholic Church teaches that if we don’t evangelize, we jeopardize our salvation.

Someone just recently told me in another thread that there’s a difference between evangelizing and proselytizing. What you’re doing is the latter and has never been endorsed by the Church. At least that’s what the person said (I’ll give you the link if you want).

However, as I said before, it’s that type of behavior that gives people the right to try and convert us and lead only to more confrontation. I know your intentions are good but whilst you are trying to convince non-Catholics when they don’t want to be convinced, the same people from that side will try to come over with messages that Catholics like me are not intent on hearing. As a result, all you’ll get is more drama and confrontation that you would usually see when street preachers go to gay pride parades (I’m not saying you’re like that, but I hope you know what I mean ).

 

[adowcday]

Evangelism has gotten a bad rap, and deservedly so, from the in-your-face hard-sell tactics of the door-to-door salesmen of the Christian world, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons. And many evangelical Christians learn hard-sell evangelism tactics. I don’t think these work very well, and they certainly turn lots of people off.

However, there are many better approaches to evangelism. I think that the best principle is this: earn the right to share the gospel through loving acts and the witness of a holy life.

I particularly favor the approaches discussed in a couple of books from Willow Creek Community Church, particularly “Becoming a Contagious Christian” by Mark Mittelberg. While written out of an evangelical protestant perspective, its principles can be applied by Catholics too. Another good book from Willow Creek: “Inside the Mind of Unchurched Harry and Mary” by Lee Strobel.

I also like the approach of Steve Sjogren in his book “Conspiracy of Kindness.” Also by an evangelical pastor (Cincinnati Vineyeard), this book discusses how acts of kindness open doors to evangelism.

You don’t have to hit people over the head (in fact, please don’t). But you do need to love and serve them. And, when you do that, be prepared to share your faith with them – or at least to invite them to “come and see” by inviting them to come to church with you.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

However, there are many better approaches to evangelism. I think that the best principle is this: earn the right to share the gospel through loving acts and the witness of a holy life.

I particularly favor the approaches discussed in a couple of books from Willow Creek Community Church, particularly “Becoming a Contagious Christian” by Mark Mittelberg. While written out of an evangelical protestant perspective, its principles can be applied by Catholics too. Another good book from Willow Creek: “Inside the Mind of Unchurched Harry and Mary” by Lee Strobel.

I also like the approach of Steve Sjogren in his book “Conspiracy of Kindness.” Also by an evangelical pastor (Cincinnati Vineyeard), this book discusses how acts of kindness open doors to evangelism.

You don’t have to hit people over the head (in fact, please don’t). But you do need to love and serve them. And, when you do that, be prepared to share your faith with them – or at least to invite them to “come and see” by inviting them to come to church with you.

I’ve always liked methods like that but I also know they’re not the easiest to follow which is why I don’t bother trying to convince people any more (at least not until I’ve straightened myself out first ).

All in all, I’m just really glad that I was right that Catholicism (in general) doesn’t (or at least no longer) advocates the kind of evangelism exhibited by confrontational preachers.

 

[PJM]

=Lost Wanderer;5085847]I’ll get to the point: I’m not a huge fan of evangelizing.

However, allow me to further explain my position.

When I talk of evangelism, I mean the door-to-door, street preaching variety. I don’t like people trying to convert others, at least directly (especially others who are already caught up in their conviction such as atheists). Take note though that I am not only limiting this to Catholic evangelism but to other religions and belief systems as well such as Islam, Hindu, Judaism, Protestantism, Atheism etc.

I’ll be honest to admit that evangelism was a good thing for Christianity back then in the older centuries but these days, people are becoming more serious about defending what they believe. As a result, those who go around trying to change people’s minds only cause strife. And this goes to preachers of all types of beliefs.

Take note though that I have no problem with defending the faith against those who are attacking it or on the verge of losing it. Both cases are merely responses and I find them understandable. Personally however, I think the best defense against attackers is “I’m not trying to convert you so don’t try to convert me” if you know what I mean.

Evangelizing though, sounds pretty much going on the offense to me.

I’m open to correction though.

The only bible most folks will read is how as Christans we LIVE OUR LIFE. That dear friend is “door to door” evangulaization that works:thumbsup:

 

[adowcday]

I really like the following quote from “Franciscan Prayer” by Ilia Delio, OSF, paraphrasing St. Clare of Assisi: “The goal of life is to become a mirror of Christ and a footprint of Christ for others to see and follow.” Kind of a riff of that famous saying of St. Francis that we should preach Christ to everyone, using words if necessary.

 

[PJM]

I really like the following quote from “Franciscan Prayer” by Ilia Delio, OSF, paraphrasing St. Clare of Assisi: “The goal of life is to become a mirror of Christ and a footprint of Christ for others to see and follow.” Kind of a riff of that famous saying of St. Francis that we should preach Christ to everyone, using words if necessary.

That’s the “what,” the "why seems evident, but what about the “how?”

Beautiful, simply beautiful! Thank you!

 

[holyrosary11]

.

When I talk of evangelism, I mean the door-to-door, street preaching variety. I don’t like people trying to convert others, at least directly (especially others who are already caught up in their conviction such as atheists). .

the RCC teaches that if we don’t evangelize, we jeopardize our salvation. Jesus said that if we are “ashamed of [Him]” before men, he will be ashamed of us before the Father.

So i just do it (as Nike woiuld say).

Whatever is worth doing is worth doing badly (Chesterton)

To Buddhists i say “Bhudda didn’t die on a Cross for you.” (and other such things). If they get irritated, oh well… What are they going to do - kill me?

We humans care too much about getting along… Carried to an extreme, this is a serious sin (idolatry - caring more what people think than what God thinks).

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

the RCC teaches that if we don’t evangelize, we jeopardize our salvation. Jesus said that if we are “ashamed of [Him]” before men, he will be ashamed of us before the Father.

There’s a difference between being ashamed and being aware that people are never going to listen.

To Buddhists i say “Bhudda didn’t die on a Cross for you.” (and other such things). If they get irritated, oh well… What are they going to do - kill me?

Buddhists may not, but Muslims on the other hand… slides finger acroos throat

We humans care too much about getting along… Carried to an extreme, this is a serious sin (idolatry - caring more what people think than what God thinks).

You and (so more) your actions reflect who/what you represent. If people think badly of you and of the things you do in the name of who you’re representing, they will automatically think badly of who you’re representing. That’s common sense. I mean look at Jack Chick. See how many people’s hearts have only hardened because of his confrontational methods. The same with the street preachers of YouTube. Always going around causing nothing but shouting matches, pointless arguments, with neither side convincing the other and only reaffirming what their own beliefs.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

There’s a difference between being ashamed and being aware that people are never going to listen.

Buddhists may not, but Muslims on the other hand… slides finger acroos throat

You and (so more) your actions reflect who/what you represent. If people think badly of you and of the things you do in the name of who you’re representing, they will automatically think badly of who you’re representing. That’s common sense. I mean look at Jack Chick. See how many people’s hearts have only hardened because of his confrontational methods. The same with the street preachers of YouTube. Always going around causing nothing but shouting matches, pointless arguments, with neither side convincing the other and only reaffirming their own beliefs.

 

[PJM]

=holyrosary11;5129286]the RCC teaches that if we don’t evangelize, we jeopardize our salvation. Jesus said that if we are “ashamed of [Him]” before men, he will be ashamed of us before the Father.

So i just do it (as Nike woiuld say).

Whatever is worth doing is worth doing badly (Chesterton)

To Buddhists i say “Bhudda didn’t die on a Cross for you.” (and other such things). If they get irritated, oh well… What are they going to do - kill me?

We humans care too much about getting along… Carried to an extreme, this is a serious sin (idolatry - caring more what people think than what God thinks).

The RCC Teaches that we must not “force our Faith on others.” Indeed this is true, good and prudent advise. But Mother Church does not say that we should not be zealous, or that we should be timid in our efforts.

I like like to think of myself as “God’s personal bank.” God has invetsed certain types and amounts of graces in acch of us, and we are to invest them wisely on his behalf.

I don’t think of myself so much as a “teacher” [although others might say that I am one], rather my lifes education and experience evolves around selling, so I think of myself as “a sales person for Christ.” We use the gifts and talents Christ has loaned us.

 

[StDominicsSword]

Most Americans have heard the gospel. But not all.
It is the job of the whole Church to evangelize the world. But not everyone is called to be an “evangelist” or a “missionary”. The important thing is that in some way you are living your life in a way that spreads the gospel. For you that might be prayer. There are cloistered nuns that probably do more for spreading the gospel(by their prayers) than a hundred “street preachers” ever would.
Personally, I plan to live in a country than has only a few thousand Christians, and yes it is a “Muslim” country. I love the people there, but more than that, God loves them, and He longs for them all to know and love Him. That’s the whole point. So, don’t do “evangelism” out of guilt because you will likely do a bad job! Only do it if you sincerely want that person to love know and love Jesus. We can only plant seeds of faith, or water those seeds of faith. Only God can make faith grow.
Peace

 

[Fisherman_Mike]

I’ll get to the point: I’m not a huge fan of evangelizing.

However, allow me to further explain my position.

When I talk of evangelism, I mean the door-to-door, street preaching variety. I don’t like people trying to convert others, at least directly (especially others who are already caught up in their conviction such as atheists). Take note though that I am not only limiting this to Catholic evangelism but to other religions and belief systems as well such as Islam, Hindu, Judaism, Protestantism, Atheism etc.

I’ll be honest to admit that evangelism was a good thing for Christianity back then in the older centuries but these days, people are becoming more serious about defending what they believe. As a result, those who go around trying to change people’s minds only cause strife. And this goes to preachers of all types of beliefs.

Take note though that I have no problem with defending the faith against those who are attacking it or on the verge of losing it. Both cases are merely responses and I find them understandable. Personally however, I think the best defense against attackers is “I’m not trying to convert you so don’t try to convert me” if you know what I mean.

Evangelizing though, sounds pretty much going on the offense to me.

I’m open to correction though.

I hope I can give a simple definition of evangelism. It is loving people into the kingdom of God. You don’t have to preach or run from door to door. Simply love your neighbor - love one another. See 1 COR 13 - be patient, be kind. I agree with what you said and you have seen the fruits of trying to convert someone. I think the quickest way to lose an audience is to start out saying - you are wrong!

Example - bake your neighbor a plate of cookies, sweep their driveway. Perhaps they will ask why, perhaps not. Love expects nothing in return. That will preach louder than speaking - I am right and you are wrong.

Discover how God loves you and you will become a distributor of it. 1Cor 13 ends with Love never fails. You believe that? Also note that loving people does not have to begin with feeling warm fuzzy feelings toward them. You might even feel anger, but you act in Love. Try this, step back, and watch the fruits. Depending on what the results are, you know what to do next.

 

[StDominicsSword]

Yes, I totally agree, everything must be done in love. But actions alone cannot preach the gospel. The Church as a whole is obligated to preach in words and in actions, but that doesn’t mean every individual has to preach. Love is required of everyone.
We are told to always be ready to have a defense for our hope in Christ. So, not everyone has to be “offensive” but everyone must be “defensive” if we are questioned about our faith.
If someone knows that they are specifically “called” and gifted to be an evangelist, then they should do it by God’s grace. We should never shrink back in fear, because we are not to fear mortal man.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice, and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
-Jesus (Matthew 5)

 

[Fisherman_Mike]

Brother, I won’t try to convince you otherwise and I don’t disagree. Love is a good place to start. Tell someone they are wrong right after you say hello and watch what happens. My defense is to include loving my enemies. “Like a lamb led to the slaughter and yet he opened not his mouth.” The love I am speaking of is the Love that Jesus loves with and I am still learning. Believe me I am still learning.

You are right about fear and fear is the opposite of love. Hate is a fruit of fear. I no longer argue with people. I will answer questions, but I hopefully won’t be drawn into a war of words.

Yes rejoice when you faith is attacked because no one can take it from you. If someone can talk you out of your faith, it was bad faith to begin with.

 

[StDominicsSword]

Dear Fisherman,

I agree with you too. Personally though, part of my “calling” is to be a missionary. Probably that’s why I try to encourage people to preach the gospel with words also. If you have ever been to a place where the # of Christians is less than .01% you may also feel compelled to preach “preaching”! It is utterly heartbreaking to see so many people with no peace, or real meaning or joy. Preaching Jesus is loving. How could I say I love someone, and not want them to know the Lord of Love? If the Church doesn’t preach the gospel, then who will?

Peace

 

[Strategery]

I really like the following quote from “Franciscan Prayer” by Ilia Delio, OSF, paraphrasing St. Clare of Assisi: “The goal of life is to become a mirror of Christ and a footprint of Christ for others to see and follow.” Kind of a riff of that famous saying of St. Francis that we should preach Christ to everyone, using words if necessary.

I’m with this but … IMO it “is necessary” to use words more often than most most are comfortable admitting. Scripture tells us to always be ready to give an answer to those who ask, with gentleness and respect. Certainly at times they can get uncomfortable and challenging, but we’re called to do it.

Does that mean go door to door? Probably not for most people.

My personal opinion is that the call is to live life openly. Commit to obedience and spiritual growth. Get to confession regularly. Explore the Eucharist – read up on how saints treated it. Then look to God and say “I want some of that.”

If you do those things, and continue to seek God, you’ll show the fruit of the spirti for all to see. People take notice. Eventually someone decides “I want to be like that.” They get to know you some, and start asking what makes you tick. Then you “use your words.”

 

[adowcday]

I’m with this but … IMO it “is necessary” to use words more often than most most are comfortable admitting. Scripture tells us to always be ready to give an answer to those who ask, with gentleness and respect. Certainly at times they can get uncomfortable and challenging, but we’re called to do it.

Does that mean go door to door? Probably not for most people.

My personal opinion is that the call is to live life openly. Commit to obedience and spiritual growth. Get to confession regularly. Explore the Eucharist – read up on how saints treated it. Then look to God and say “I want some of that.”

If you do those things, and continue to seek God, you’ll show the fruit of the spirti for all to see. People take notice. Eventually someone decides “I want to be like that.” They get to know you some, and start asking what makes you tick. Then you “use your words.”

I agree that we need to use words. Moreover, we should prepare for the opportunities to share our faith that present themselves. It is one thing to criticize those who practice in-you-face evangelism. It is quite another to give up giving a verbal witness altogether.