by Deacon Leon Suprenant
What does “evangelization” look like in our synodal, contemporary church — a church that must listen yet also boldly speak? I thought I might offer five principles for our reflection:
(1) Conviction. The first Christians were immersed in the word of God. They spoke with “bold assurance” — not of their own creation or “toeing the party line,” but through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we see from modern-day examples such as Mother Teresa or Carlo Acutis, such conviction is not “arrogance,” but the fruit of lives turned over to Christ.
(2) Engagement. Luke’s sequel is called the Acts of the Apostles and not the Good Intentions of the Apostles or the Pastoral Plan of the Apostles. It’s time for the church to stop focusing on internal issues and instead actively engage other people in carrying out its mission for the life of the world. That typically begins with a willingness to accompany, to walk alongside others.
(3) Bridge-building. We must be approachable bridges and not obstacles for meeting Christ. As channels of Christ’s peace, we must actively listen to those around us and adapt to their needs. A good New Testament role model is Barnabas, the “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36), who made it possible for St. Paul to become the great “Apostle to the Gentiles.” Do I make it possible for others to shine, or is it about “me” or “my ministry”?
(4) Remember the poor. We hear talk of “transforming the culture” and sometimes it seems very abstract. But it means making works of charity and mercy a greater part of who we are as church. It’s not rocket science — helping people who need material or spiritual help is the basic building block of renewal.
(5) If necessary, use words. A “tsunami of secularism” is battering our society. We’re kidding ourselves if we believe that our culture is even neutral when it comes to the Christian faith. Sadly, even within the church, there are some who go through the motions without a close, personal relationship with the Lord.
Do we need to pray and set a good Christian example? Of course! Do we listen to and accompany our contemporaries? Assuredly! But we still have to talk to people about Jesus. After all, the church exists to evangelize, to call everyone to salvation in Christ through the forgiveness of sins.
That’s our story, and today all priests, deacons, religious and laity must take up the perennial challenge to lovingly invite others to a life-changing relationship with Christ and his church.
