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Darlene
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Posted: Wed Feb 7th, 2007 03:35 pm |
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Yesterday we had two friends visit in our home and it sparked the above question within my mind. So just how do Catholics evangelize? I am referring on a personal level, not the Church in general.
Since many of you have been Evangelicals, some even pastors, I am assuming that you "witnessed" or "evangelized" to the "unsaved" or "unchurched." (The reason for the quotations is that I consider these terms to be Protestant terms used in Protestant culture rather than in Catholic circles.) Yesterday, one of my husbands employees, who is a Pentecostal Christian, and his girlfriend, a "newly saved" convert came for a visit. My husband brought out the Bibles and began giving them a Bible study. I was listening from a distance and realized that, although I had "fed" young Christians in this manner many times, I began to question what was being said. Actually, my questions were more about what teachings and doctrines were omitted rather than what was actually said.
For example, my husband taught the "new convert" about the "Four Spiritual Laws." These are the four things one must do to grow as a Christian. Pray - Read the Bible - Fellowship - Tell others about Jesus. (simply put) Now while I agree with this, I think doing just these things is very limited. But then again, my husband did say that he was giving her "milk" not "solid food" because she is just a babe in Christ. "Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord." I Peter 2:2 & 3 However, he did not mention the Lord's Supper as a means of spiritual growth, but then I didn't expect him to because that meal is considered just a "memorial meal" in the eyes of Protestants. So I realized how the way we discipled others was limited, but I said nothing. (was not the time or place, and did not want to cause dissention)
As my husband was discipling, he gave the new convert a verse from Psalms 131:2 - "But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother's breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul." He said that this is a figure of the church, which we are fed through. And that church exists throughout the whole world as the body of born-again believers in Christ. I had said this many times to new disciples, but then I realized that this picture is limited. The body of believers exists around the whole world, yes, but it is not just some spiritual body of believers, but is visible and seen within the true Catholic Church.
Then I started thinking about the way that I have evangelized as a Protestant. I would ask people if they were born again, or saved. I would show them passages such as John Ch. 3 and John 1:12. I also would take them through a "walk" so to speak, within the gospel of John. Other verses I would show them would be John 3:36, John 5:24, John 6:37, John 8:12, John 10:9, John 11:25, John 14:6, and John 20:31. This "walk" was a means to show a person for their need to repent of their sins and accept Christ as their Savior. If a person showed interest or conviction of their need for salvation, I would turn to Romans 10:9. Of course, these are not the only verses I would show them, but the intention was to make the "unsaved" person aware of their separation from God and their need for a Savior in order to receive forgiveness of their sins.
Sometimes when people would resist or want to argue, I would get into debates about the legitimacy of the Bible, the "proof" of whether there is more than likely a God who exists and created the universe, etc. For those people who did not even see a need for salvation or didn't believe in such a thing as sin (relativism), there was no need to even go into all the verses in John because they were not yet ready to even hear them. After all, if one questions the validity of the Bible and thinks it is merely a "book written by man" quoting from it all day long won't convince them.
So why do I bring all of this up? Because I am wondering how it will be to witness and proclaim the truth of the gospel as a Catholic. I still believe that people must come to Christ through faith, which is possible only through the grace of God. I still believe people need to repent of their sins and accept Christ's sacrifice and the shedding of His blood on the cross for the remission of their sins. I don't just want to tell people that they need to be baptized and then that in and of itself will reconcile them to God. Yes, I do see that Baptism is necessary for salvation. But not Baptism alone. That too, is a limited gospel message. And I don't just want to tell people to go to mass as if that will be enough for them to understand their need for salvation. How can a person understand unless there is someone to guide them, as the Eunuch said in Acts. "And how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ." Romans 10:14 & 17.
Do you see my point? I don't just want to tell people, go to mass. I believe each of us are called to preach the word of God. Each of us are called to shine our lights before men. Each of us are called to "preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and teaching." II Tim. 4:2 There are a myriad of verses that refer to our responsibility to be representatives of the gospel of Christ.
So could those of you, especially those who have been evangelicals and understand where I'm "coming from" tell me how you evangelize now that you are Catholics.
As always, I appreciate your comments. God Bless You All.
Darlene
____________________
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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Darlene
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Posted: Wed Feb 7th, 2007 06:11 pm |
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Hello Again,
I just wanted to say that if any of you who are Cradle Catholics or Reverts want to comment on how you evangelize, please feel free. I would love to hear your comments as well.
Darlene
____________________
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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CajunRick
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Posted: Wed Feb 7th, 2007 08:31 pm |
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Darlene wrote: I just wanted to say that if any of you who are Cradle Catholics or Reverts want to comment on how you evangelize, please feel free. I would love to hear your comments as well.
I am a firm believer in "planting seeds". I don't wear my religion on my shirtsleeve (except when I'm wearing Catholic or Christian t-shirts, which I do quite often), but I leave every conversation open to the Holy Spirit, so many discussions naturally progress to faith sharing.
I am not afraid to share my Catholic and Christian faith, but I let myself be led by the person I am speaking to. I will answer their questions and make gentle suggestions, especially if they are expressing an anti-Catholic bias. For example, if they talk about Catholic worship of Mary, I'll answer that I don't worship Mary any more than Jesus did. If they ask about prayers to dead saints, I'll say that we don't pray to dead saints, we pray to live saints, because Jesus came to bring eternal life. My point is to plant a seed that the Holy Spirit can nuture. If I can cast a little doubt into their belief system, that might well be enough to eventually shatter the wall they have set up between themselves and the Catholic faith. I never confront anyone. A man with a sledgehammer can destroy a wall, but so can the seed of an oak tree.
If they bring up things in scripture, I'll also ask them about "Catholic" passages. Who's sins are retained? Whose flesh must we eat and whose blood must we drink? And when they say it doesn't mean that, I'll ask them why they can take every passage of scripture literally except the ones that teach Catholic doctrine.
If they tell me the Church fell into apostacy, I'll ask them if that means the gates of hell prevailed against it. If it did, then Jesus lied, so he couldn't possibly be God. If they tell me that the early Church was Baptist, or Methodist, or Lutheran, or whatever, I'll ask them to show me that in the early writings. If they tell me it doesn't matter if it's not in scripture, I'll ask them to show me where in scripture it says that scripture alone is the guide. I'll ask them to show me where in scripture it says that the Book of Hebrews is part of scripture (or Acts, or Revelation, or whatever).
There are many techniques that can bring questions to mind. If the apostles could elect a successor to Judas, why couldn't their successors elect others? Where does scripture tell us they can't?
If only Jesus could name apostles, does that mean the successor to Judas was invalid? What about Paul? He said he was selected by Jesus but maybe he was deluded. In fact, Paul was recognized by the Church because the other apostles (and especially Peter) accepted him. If Peter was not the leader (i.e., pope), and the apostles didn't have the authority to elect successors, should we throw all of Paul's writings out? That would eleminate most Protestant doctrine. Ever notice that Protestants quote Paul much more than they quote Jesus?
But the main thing I do is love them. I let people into traffic, or go ahead of me at the supermarket checkout, or smile that them if they look like they're having a bad day. I don't love them because they're Catholic, I love them because I'm Catholic.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Christine Ann
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Posted: Wed Feb 7th, 2007 09:59 pm |
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Dear Rick,
Thank you for your response to the question of "how to evangelize". The specific questions or comments from folks to which you responded are those that I often receive from the people in my life, particularly my family. I know that it's not in me to be confrontive as evangelicals have been to me. The entire fifteen years that I attended the Baptist Church with my husband, I was unable to "witness" in the manner that Darlene describes because I found it offensive and rude to ask if someone were "saved" ... and so forth. The other question used was, " Do you know if you are going to heaven?" I felt confused by this approach, I think because I had been baptized as an infant and was a member of the Lutheran Church most of my life....it was all very foreign to me. :?
Now that I am in RCIA and learning about the Catholic faith, I know my instincts were correct. It is such a relief for you to say you just love people and allow the Holy Spirit to lead. This has relieved so much of the pressure I felt about "witnessing". I even questioned my own salvation because I was unable to "witness" in the other way.
I know that I do need to have loving, kind responses to the questions put to me and you have given me some excellent ideas and I thank you for that. And I will continue to pray for our heavenly Father to draw my loved ones and grow in faith, love, and by example. I've found that people are usually surprised, if not stunned by a loving, kind response, and I'm so pleased to see that that is the Catholic way of drawing folks to my Lord!
Christine Ann
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Thu Feb 8th, 2007 01:22 am |
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Overall, I think Catholics take a kinder, gentler approach to evangelization than do those of other religions. They realize that the one being evangelized has his own history and point of view and needs to come to understand the gospel gradually. A sudden “dumping” of any ideology on someone always results in immediate rejection: “Whoa! I’m not ready for that. Back off.” If God can be so patient, nudging the person along gently for years until he finally realizes what he must do, that is our cue. A person’s conversion is God’s work, not man’s.
Also, there is one word that really gets to the heart of the Catholic way of approaching others for the sake of the faith: example. Without example, there is nothing to teach, nothing to learn. This is what St. Francis of Assisi meant when he said, “Preach the word always; when necessary, use words.” Genuine holiness sells far better than any argument because, quite simply, it is of God. “My sheep know my voice, and they follow me,” says the Lord.
Much Catholic evangelization is done by lay apostolates. The Coming Home Network is one such apostolate. EWTN is another, and there are thousands more. Some are parish based, some are individuals doing little things on their own, others are large, far-flung organizations like Opus Dei or Human Life International. My meagre activity as an individual is multiplied many times over by my affiliation with CHN.
As to my personal approach: you are seeing it right here on the forum. It’s low key. I let people ask their questions, and I answer them truthfully to the best of my ability. I don’t go knocking on doors; I don’t buttonhole; I don’t try to overwhelm. God brings to me the people to whom I must preach the word. I start with example, I follow with facts and explanations, I recommend not so much an ideology but Christ and his way — and I pray. The Holy Spirit will always be there to close the sale. Is there a better way?
David
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Darlene
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Posted: Thu Feb 8th, 2007 03:03 pm |
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Thanks for all of your comments thus far. From your responses, perhaps you thought I meant to ask what your techniques are in witnessing. That isn't quite what I meant. Even though I used to do quite a bit of "street witnessing" I don't anymore. And there are many Evangelicals who don't as well. But I was thinking more along the line of what you would say when looking to evangelize a person. What scriptures would you point out to them? What doctrines would you explain to them?
When this young lady came into our home the other day, I immediately knew my husband had a certain protocol (for lack of a better word) that he would follow. And this has also been the case when he has encountered someone who is not living as a Christian. For example, some Christians take the person on what Evangelicals call the "Roman Road" to explain salvation. They explain the doctrine of salvation from the book of Romans. As I said previously, when I sensed that the Holy Spirit was drawing a person to faith in Christ and was open to hearing God's Word, I would direct them in passages from the Gospel of John.
I hope I can express myself more clearly than my first post. Let's say for example, that a friend of yours brings another friend to your house for dinner. The friend of your friend is not a Christian. They are living in obvious sin, lets say, perhaps abusing drugs or alcohol. Or living a homosexual lifestyle. Or abusing their spouse. Or throwing their money away because of a gambling addiction, thereby causing havoc in their family. Of course, I could go on with the analogies, but I think you get my general drift. Now, let's say that the Holy Spirit shows you that this person is open to hearing the Word of God. He shows a deep interest and longing to depart from his current manner of living. How would you present the gospel message to him?
As I understand scripture, there are those who plant and those who water, as Paul said. And I do understand that every case can have its generalities, that is, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God," but there are specific ways that we witness to each individual according to their needs. In the case of the above individual, I would ask them questions such as, "Do you see your need for God in your life?" or "Would you like to have the ability to live a victorious life and overcome these sinful habits?" or "Would you like to know more about what the Bible, or Jesus, says regarding your predicatment?" I would guide this person along a faith journey with the intention of seeing them turn away from sin and live for God. And yes, I do think it would be apropos to invite this person to Mass and to introduce them to other Christians who are well instructed in their faith. But the point is, I would see myself as a representative for Jesus Christ. And I would avail myself of this opportunity, that is, the opportunity to present the gospel message to this person who is ravaged by sin.
Now, do you understand what I am saying? I'm not talking about street witnessing here. I don't even like the idea of witnessing out on the streets so much anymore. Why? Not because I don't think it has its merits. In some cities, such as New York, it can be very effective. I know of some Christians who have a Prayer Mobile and they park it along the street in Manhatten. They have a poster that says, "Would you like us to pray for you?" They don't approach anyone, but hundreds of people have approached them in the last few years. The people will say they need prayer for such and such, and these Christians pray with them. They have told my husband and me of some miraculous results. Often, the people will come back and tell them what prayer had accomplished. But our friends don't pummel them with the Word of God. They are very gentle. However, the hardcore (again for lack of a better word) witnessing that was done by Evangelicals in the 60's, 70's and 80's is not very effective within our current culture. (MHO) I think each age, or generation if you will, can be reached through different means. The point is though, they need to be reached.
So, how would each of you witness, evangelize, share, whatever, (the terms are interchangeable) the gospel message with a person that the Holy Spirit put in your path?
BTW Cajunrick, I think you "got" what I was asking, although you answered it in respect to what you would say to Evangelical Christians. But what about an unchurched, non-Christian, agnostic, atheist, etc? How would you present the gospel message to them?
Hope I'm not irritating any of you with my comments/questions.
Love in Christ,
Darlene
____________________
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Thu Feb 8th, 2007 04:21 pm |
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From your responses, perhaps you thought I meant to ask what your techniques are in witnessing.
Quite the contrary. I was presenting principles, not techniques. I don’t do street witnessing, and I don’t argue with people. I take a person as he is and look into his soul, then go from there.
But then you ask, “What scriptures would you point out to them? What doctrines would you explain to them?” And that is technique, which is what you said you didn’t need to deal with. As far as I am concerned, the actual references and pattern of response I would use are solely dependent on what the other person brings up and what I perceive he needs. I have no set reply, no standard “pitch.”
Some people might say that this is a sort of “Zen” approach. Being a Christian, I do not look to Zen; the Holy Spirit works quite well for the apostle who is open to his inspiration.
David
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CajunRick
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Posted: Thu Feb 8th, 2007 05:19 pm |
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Darlene wrote: BTW Cajunrick, I think you "got" what I was asking, although you answered it in respect to what you would say to Evangelical Christians. But what about an unchurched, non-Christian, agnostic, atheist, etc? How would you present the gospel message to them?
I would show peace and contentment.
I have had two opportunities to witness to someone unchurched in the manner you describe.
One was raised Muslim and became agnostic in response to the way she was raised. I worked with her for several months and her life was a train wreck. She was visiting bars every night, leaving her children with her mother-in-law, and sleeping around on her husband. He was worse, not only getting drunk and sleeping around, but using drugs and abusing her and the kids as well.
To make a long story short, we talked in between jobs, and I kept telling her God loved her and wanted her to turn her life around. We talked about a lot of things. She quit her job and I didn't see her for a few years. The next time I saw her, she was registering for RCIA. She had joined a Baptist church and been baptized so they would pay her rent after she left her husband, but still didn't really know the Christian faith. She joined the Church and had her young children baptized. A few years later she regained custody of the son she had at 16 (who was being raised Muslim) and he ultimately also joined the Church. Now I'm helping her to get a declaration of nullity so she can marry a good Catholic man, and I'm going to be her daughter's confirmation sponsor. Mom is a commentator at our church, all three kids are altar servers, and the older kids sing in our youth choir.
She is the only person I've been able to see through the conversion process from beginning to end. I've spoken with many others and planted seeds, but I don't know the results. I have to trust the Holy Spirit, and others along the path.
The other person I mentioned is a family member addicted to drugs and alcohol. It is a very sad situation. Unfortunately her mother enables her addiction, so she has no incentive to turn her life around. Still, I take every opportunity to show her God's love and to plant seeds. One day, hopefully, they will take root.
Like David said, I don't do street ministry. Most of the people I encounter are already investigating the Catholic faith, and most are from a Protestant background. Like on this forum, I am in a position where they come to me. That's my primary type of evangelization.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Darlene
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Posted: Sat Feb 10th, 2007 11:32 pm |
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Thanks for your response Rick. BTW, you said this lady who eventually came into the Catholic faith is now a "commentator" in your church. What is a "commentator?'
Darlene
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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CajunRick
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Posted: Sat Feb 10th, 2007 11:48 pm |
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Darlene wrote: Thanks for your response Rick. BTW, you said this lady who eventually came into the Catholic faith is now a "commentator" in your church. What is a "commentator?'
Commentator is not an "official" ministry like Lector or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. The commentator in our parish (and many others) welcomes the congregation, announces the mass intentions, reads the Prayers of the Faithful, announces the hymns, and reads the announcements. Since it's not an official ministry it may or may not be used, and it may go by different titles.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
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SBC2RCC
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Posted: Tue Feb 13th, 2007 07:00 pm |
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Great question. I participate here at CHN, and with a group called One Bread Lay Apostolate. Also, I pass out booklets and prayer cards.
Most of all, we live it, don't we? Putting into practice the words of Jesus that we hear has the most impact. Not that I have arrived, not at all, but I keep striving toward the mark.
There are so many people involved in Catholic Evangelism. Look up the Biblechristiansociety.com, for instance. John Martignogni does a great job of taking back what was always a Catholic book, the Bible! Where did it come from, the Catholic Church, that's where!
Just google catholic evangelism and it is amazing what's out there.
Now, I admit that the approach is different now. There is no simple canned evangelistic sales pitch. The process is a journey of faith which we encourage people to begin and stay with as Catholics. In all of this, it is based upon absolute trust upon God and following Christ. We walk by faith, we are saved by grace, and are guided by the Holy Spirit.
Sunday, when our priest welcomed the catechumens, the answer to how we come to God is FAITH. I was struck that so many do not understand that this IS what the church teaches.
Oh, look up about John Paul II and previous popes and what they have said about evangelism. Also, the statements and programs from the Bishops here in the US. And, check out the evangelism site at the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Keep up in your desire to share the good news!
____________________
In Christ,
Monte W
(Formerly on CHN Forum as "Pilgrim Paul"
Minima Maxima Sunt
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brian
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Posted: Tue Feb 13th, 2007 10:53 pm |
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Hello, Darlene.
I have asked this question myself on the forum before we changed technology. I have enjoyed reading your posts as a lot of them are similar to things I have asked. It is good to see the Holy Spirit working through this forum in those who are seeking.
My struggle was that before I believed it was truly important to belong to the right church evangelization was easier because it was simply about trusting Jesus for your salvation. I like trying to talk to people (when it is their idea or they are more than willing to) about Christianity or philosophical/moral ideas. I like much of C.S. Lewis' approach in mere Christianity. I find so many people are buying into relativistic ideas that I like to challenge that with the idea of more of an objective standard for truth. I get into trouble when maybe people know more fancy philospohies I can not argue with, but I use simple logic. 2 + 2 can not be 4 and whatever else someone else thinks it is. God can not be both a man to you and a woman to me. (He is neither actually) If you have ever been outraged at a crime like rape or murder how can you believe that nobody is guilty of sin or that there is no clear moral law. I argue first from philosophy and look for opportunities to bring up Jesus when I see that they may be willing to listen.
Sorry, that is just one idea, though like David said, I have no plans accpet to first and foremost listen listen listen. Let them know they are the one who has my attention. That tway the conversation is not about me dominating or belittling them. I earn theright sto speak, and can tell based on what they share how much I may have a right to counter. I ask questions, and as they answer I start to suggest possible corrections through questions or suggestions. almost platonic.
But, yes, it always vaires. That is why asking questions first is good because I doubt any two situations will ned the same "technique" I nevber know what I am going to say.
And most importantly I pray. First to see the opportunities that are there. Second during the conversation i pray for wisdom. Third when it is over i pray they remember anything good I said and forget anything bad I said. And possibly I may ask them later what they thought about what we talked about and if they were or are comfortable continuing to discuss it or if I should back off.
Sorry, I meant to get to this point. That it is slightly frustrating now that I not only want them to be Christian but specifically Catholic. I mean how can I get someone who does not even believe in Jesus to believe in the real presencs, or the sacrament reconciliation.
But what I think is this. You just go one step at a time. If someone is not Chrsitian at all, I figure they need to know more about Jesus or that Jesus loves them and wants to save them. I think that trying to get someone to personally accept that Jesus died not only for us, but for them personally. To get someone to want to invite Jesus into their life is the most important thing. My views on what make a person a Chrsitian have developed quite a bit since becoming Catholic. I know that it is not as simple as i used to make it out to be. It is not just getting people to say a prayer. It is more a genuine lifelong process. But having ben evangelical, i refuse to throw away all that i saw. I know that even apart from the catholic church a person is far better off knowing about the saving work of Jesus even if they never hear of the catholic church. God will only judge them (i think) accoridnig to what they had available to them) So I know sometomes people can have amazing conversion experiences through people preaching the gospel to them. However, I resent my evangelical background for making this seem like the norm and pressuring all of us to share the gosepl in this way. We all have different gifts. Some should share more through charity, and others more words. But a holy life as David said would be the best way. And He who is good with words still ought to show it in his charity, and he who is good at charity is still called to be able to give a response when asked the reason for the hope you have. But I think we are all accountable to God for using the gifts he has given us. Therfore we all will approach our role slightly differently. Are words necesary? yes. charity? yes. a holy life? yes. other factors such as personal intelligence in scientific or philospohical matters, an ability to be sociable and strike up good conversations? yes. But it will be so much different from each of us to the next person as to the blend of these traits and others.
I am totally rambling, but this subject interests me because I believe that evangelizing is important. But I have heard my Cardinal (Francis George) declare last year like a year for evangelization, and my parish encourages us to be willing to tell others. So I think tha tthe Catholic church is open to this more and more these days, but I hope that they can still remain best at showing the gosepl first and foremost before beating people up too much verbally. In fact, I feel much better the last few years about my approach because I think before I may have been a bit annoying or pushy, now I try to wait and be more selective. But like you, I want people to have a chance to know the good news.
I think my answer is that, I do not do much anything differently than i did before. Idf someone is not Christian I try to do what I can to make them consider Jesus. If that were to take root then I would bring up catholicism from there, or if it came up for some reason earlier I would show how I find the Catholic Church to be the best place to encounter Jesus. I think the thing is that God has to really do the work and we need to just be looking for ways to figure out what is the next pice of the puzzle for someone, or we need to get out of the way and becareful not to alienate anyone. I worry this reply is too longwinded and rambling, and I should probably proofread it, but at this point I just want to hit send and hope if there was anything worth saying that I said it. Really the answer I have is that, there are no answers, but maybe some general things that come up more often and I just hope God is able to use me for whatever He wants to, and if I am being too nosy I will get out of the way. But mostly I wanted to say I can relate to you and your concern.
Brian
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mrsbmoo
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Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2007 01:00 am |
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Darlene,
I have been giving this some thought for the last few days. Even when I was evangelical I always felt the "protocol" made God so small and almost under our control. As if you said the magic words, God was obligated to send you to Heaven no matter what you did. I say how the Kid's ministry was all about getting kids to say the magic words and I saw how my kids were not growing in their understanding of God. They were shown a God who was all about warm, fuzzy comfortable, feelings, not justice and sacrifice and love which gives all. When they got to the teen section, they were surrounded by kids who drag raced in the parking lot, made out with their signifigant others in the church and dressed like MTV. No one found this disturbing as the kids were "saved". It made me leave the evangelical church and look elsewhere. I had no idea I would end up Catholic.
I have never gone door to door or on the street evangelizing but I did have a friend who was unitarian and another that was agnostic. I can't say they had amazing conversion experiences due to me but the fact they saw something in me that caused them to ask questions about my faith was my version of evangelism. With the unitarian and his mom had been pentecostal and his father a drunk. In ending his own alcoholism he had decided ther was a God but not the crazy hypocritical one of his mom. We talked about ideas and when he asked me to read unitarian thinkers I did and discussed them with him. This impressed him because he had never met a Christian who wasn't afraid to read non Christian ideas. By the time I left that job(I met him at work) he had become conviced the devil was a real person and the truth of original sin. My agnostic friend always treated me with more respect than other women because he felt I lived at a higher level. I never demanded this(and I am certainly not the queen of virtues). Everyone in his family had lost their former Lutheran faith.
I guess I fall in line with David and Brian. Each person needs an individual approach. You have to see what they ask or need. I also agree with Rick, it is something about your faith/life that brings this up. Your life speaks to them. I always start with recommending seeking God if they at all believe in Him. I truly believe He is the one doing the converting not me and if they seek him, He will reveal himself as they are ready. I can answer questions if asked and explain why I believe what I do, but it is totally not dependant on my having a standard plan. Remember that the ethopian eunich was seeking God in the scriptures when God sent someone to explain. There was no new testament to point the guy to the "Roman's road". He was using the prophets, I believe.
____________________
Becky
Wife of Michael(called Moo) and stay at home mom to 5 daughters between 10 months and 17
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RonRule
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Posted: Thu Feb 15th, 2007 12:59 pm |
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This is such a great topic, and one that I've thought about some myself.
As a former evangelical, I know exactly what you're talking about. I could lead someone through the "Good News / Bad News" or a Roman's Road easily. It was ingrained into me. However, the older I got, the less I used it, as I became more disillusioned with Evangelicalism.
Now, can these concepts be transfered to a Catholic context? I think some of them will work, they just need to be fleshed out more.
However, I think the best option might be something like this:
Be prepared to explain something like the Apostles Creed, the Mass, or the 7 Sacraments in your own words, with illustrations, biblical references, and apologetic flair.
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SBC2RCC
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Posted: Sat Feb 17th, 2007 01:14 pm |
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"Be Prepared" I learned that motto in Boy Scouts, and it applies here. Personally, I have done Bible study and prepartion work to be able to give a defense of particular topics.
John at the Bible Christian Society, as well as others, talks of how people who oppose catholicism go into a flurry of topics. It is important to try and get them to focus on one at a time for discussion and to not change the subject. Here it is tough, for what we are needing and looking for is to get agreement that an open and honest investigation will take place. Too often, folks are only looking to tear at our doctrines and hope to snatch us back from the clutches of Rome.
Another thing is to show our faith in practice, feeding hungry, marching for pro-life events, helping teenage mothers, standing up for decency, etc. many have been drawn to the Catholic faith because of the opposition to abortion and the moral stance we hold.
____________________
In Christ,
Monte W
(Formerly on CHN Forum as "Pilgrim Paul"
Minima Maxima Sunt
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Juan
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Posted: Sat Feb 17th, 2007 01:45 pm |
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So just how do Catholics evangelize?
I think the term, "actions speak louder than words" applies. Mostly, Catholics are taught to evangelize by their lives. The Opus Dei movement comes to mind.
Recently, since the Pope's call to evangelization, more and more Catholics are beginning to evangelize with words. And I think we use the same "tactics" (if we can call them that) that anyone else uses.
We answer questions, we debate, we counter objections, we use the Bible and we use the Catechism and we trace our beliefs back in time through the Church Fathers, we compare our faith to science and prove how faith and reason do not conflict.
Essentially, as Catholics, we have more tools than anyone else to prove the truth of Catholic Teaching. In fact, the Truth speaks for Himself.
Sincerely,
Juan
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Darlene
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Posted: Sun Feb 18th, 2007 04:49 pm |
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Thanks for all of your answers. You have been very helpful.
Darlene
____________________
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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chnchris
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Posted: Sun Feb 18th, 2007 08:14 pm |
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Darlene wrote: Yesterday we had two friends visit in our home and it sparked the above question within my mind. So just how do Catholics evangelize? I am referring on a personal level, not the Church in general.
Darlene
i have worn a cross or crucifix since my conversion in 1990,
this opens the door to evangelization. Being a Franciscan in
heart, i too go with St. Francis' words:
Preach the Gospel always, use words if necessary.
____________________
Pax eT Bonum,
chris
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Steven Barrett
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Posted: Thu Feb 22nd, 2007 12:47 pm |
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 Sometimes the best way to "evangelize" as a Catholic is when you come across somebody making a snide remark, or even an innocent comment that reflected a misinterpretation of Catholicism, is to simply ask him or her "Why would you say that" or "What made you come to that conclusion?"
Not that I also suggest lying in wait like a lion awaiting his next meal. Sometimes even just shaking your head downward, arms folded and chuckling a little before you stroll away will open doors. I say "sometimes" because, being humans, not every convert, revert or catechumen's going to demonstrate perfect sufferance and patience when such an "opportunity" presents itself. And, of course, there are some dolts who'll swear by their favorite Jack Chick stereotypes and use them to bait you.
Give 'em the rolling eyes and fade away. People like this aren't worth the time of day, much less spending time evangelizing them. You'd be better off talking to the walls. Oh, if somebody should give you one of Chick's comicbook tracts, it wouldn't hurt to take it for the sake of doing "homework" and/or the opportunity to discretely place it in the nearest trash can, preferably the one closest to the coffee maker.
I'll have to admit, we Catholics aren't experienced in the art of evangelizing individuals. It just seems "so protestant, especially fundamentalist protestant." We're wired differently, trained differently and see the world a lot differently from most other Christians, non-Christians and the "unchurched." It's nearly inconceivable to most Catholics to even think about walking up to somebody and asking him if he "knows Jesus," "where do you fellowship," and the old stand-by, "are you saved?" Most Protestant Evangelicals are totally sincere and really want to see everyone saved. That's a given too many people overlook. Keeping this in mind, the next time you're approached sincerely by an Evangelical Protestant, seize the opportunity to make a friend out of the person. Just a friend. Steer the conversation over to everyone's favorite ice-breakers, kids, sports, travel, cars, business or even news events. But try to avoid being stuck in the "religion" rut when it's far more advantageous to develop a friendship without giving any intention whatsoever that you want "to convert them" in return.
Sometimes the most ardent evangelical Christian may also be one of the loneliest person looking for friends or reliable acquaintances. Let God do the "converting work" from there on.
____________________
For anybody interested in reading commentary from a Catholic's socially conservative/fiscally liberal viewpoint, go to my new blog at http://www.politicsramble.com/ .
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