The Dangers of Misdefining Evangelization

You’ve probably heard people say that evangelization is proclaiming the gospel and using words when necessary. Well, Dave “Roaring Lion” VanVickle and myself (Mike “Gomer” Gormley) have a problem with this phrase—it only covers one aspect of evangelization. There’s a whole other big part of evangelization where you use words.

A big reason we reduce evangelization to the interior life is because there is fear involved with proclaiming the Gospel and talking about Jesus. We’re afraid of saying the wrong thing, of being rejected, so we just say, “well as long as you’re living like a disciple, you’re good.”

But we’re not.

Introducing people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ takes many, many different forms. You don’t have to do all of them all the time, but we’re pretty sure both words and actions will be involved.

Snippet from the Show
“There were all kinds of people who were not apostles who followed Jesus. We’re called to encounter Christ in others”

SHOWNOTES

Saint Francis of Assisi - “There’s no use walking somewhere to preach unless your walking is also your preaching.”

Evangelii Gaudium, 165 - “We must not think that in catechesis the kerygma gives way to a supposedly more “solid” formation. Nothing is more solid, profound, secure, meaningful and wisdom-filled than that initial proclamation. All Christian formation consists of entering more deeply into the kerygma, which is reflected in and constantly illumines, the work of catechesis, thereby enabling us to understand more fully the significance of every subject which the latter treats.”

Frank Sheed - “It’s the union of man with God and Christ Jesus.”

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) - “Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Saint Mother Teresa - “Do you want to change the world? Go home and love your families.”

Five Practical Takeaways

1. Talkie-talkie: Pick a person and tell them about a change Christ has made in your life.
2. Walkie-walkie: Don’t gossip this week. At all. Literally.
3. Talkie-talkie: Invite a co-worker or acquaintance to grab a coffee and get to know them better.
4. Walkie-walkie: Fast for one day and donate the money to charity or your parish.
5. Talkie-talkie: Ask a person what Christ has done in their lives.