A question which was asked in the Document Evangelisation in England and Wales, page 11….. When you hear the word Evangelisation what comes to mind?
Bringing Christ to others Hyper-activism Do-gooders Pressurising people Billy Graham
Not my type of music The word has a bad name Form of ‘showing off’ Spreading the word of God Enthusiasm
Re-imaging the Gospel ‘Happy clappy’, won’t let me worship in peace Fear Well-intentioned but too narrow minded
PRESUMPTIONS Convincing people about doctrinal arguments Big events (Billy Graham style crusades) WORKERS IN THE FIELD Entering into relationships Value of small groups and local communities
Conversion event Intellectual decision of the individual Dramatic and sudden Development process and journey Holistic growth with others Gentle and gradual
Evangelists as teachers Work of professionals Imposing ‘truth’ Answering protestant objections to Catholicism: converting non Catholics Evangelists as witnesses Work of Christians Sharing spirituality in dialogue Working together with other Christians on common commitment to mission and unity
Lecture Other worldly focus Telling people about Christianity Celebration Integrated with daily life, including search for Justice and Peace Experiencing living Christianity
Evangelisation is the proclamation and enactment of the Good News of Christ
This is an essential aspect of the mission of the Church We are privileged to participate in God’s purposes of love for his people and his world The Church is obliged to share the Good News with all peoples
This sharing involves the penetration and integration of the Good News of Jesus Christ into all dimensions of humanity
It thus encompasses: Christian witness Presentation of the Good News to those who have not heard it Initiation into the Church through Catechesis The ongoing formation of Christian believers and communities The renewal of the Church All actions which further the building of God’s Kingdom of love, justice and peace