How to Evangelize - New Evangelizers

A few posts ago I wondered if I was doing enough in terms of evangelization.  I also wonder if I am doing it the right way.  I suppose that in many ways how to evangelize is not a one-size-fits-all response.  So what does it depend on, especially now since Pope Francis has reminded us that sharing the good news is not optional?

First, you must take into account your personality and style of relating to people.  Introverts may prefer one on one conversation and some social media applications.  Extroverts might enjoy speaking to large groups at church events or leading adult studies in the parish. Social media is important as well as a way to continue interacting with others.

You need to also take into account the person or people you are evangelizing.  The way I draw in a youth is very different than an adult.  If the person is unchurched in any way the approach is different from someone who has left Catholicism.  Their personality also needs to be taken into account so you are not putting people on the spot and forcing them out of their comfort zone before you have built up trust with them.

Also remember to not be afraid to share your faith story and to ask questions.  People are not empty vessels waiting for us to fill them with all we know about our faith.  Rather they are potential companions on the faith journey.  I have met many well-meaning Catholics convinced that their preferred personal piety is the most important thing to learn about Catholicism. Without it, you just won’t get to heaven so I want to run in the opposite direction and I love being Catholic.  Being overbearing or a know it all is not helpful and will not gain people’s trust.

When you get down to it, being a good evangelizer is being comfortable with yourself and your faith and loving it enough to share it with others.  Just like we tell people about our favorite restaurant or movie because we want them to enjoy themselves, we can tell them about our faith because we want them to enjoy eternal life.

Copyright © 2013, Deanna Bartalini

Deanna Bartalini

Deanna G. Bartalini, is a Catholic writer, speaker, and educator. She serves on the retreat team at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. Deanna loves teaching about Catholicism and how it fits into our daily lives. She writes at DeannaBartalini.com, serves as the editor of the NewEvangelizers.com blog, and is a contributor there as well as at AmazingCatechists.com. Deanna contributed to A Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion published by Ave Maris Press. She is the author of “Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Life: Growing in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control” published by Our Sunday Visitor. Deanna is available to lead retreats and speak at catechist and ministry events.