THEOLOGY OF EVANGELIZATION

Introduction
“The Church on earth is by its very nature missionary”i. Jesus sent the apostles as his
witnesses. The Church was born as missionary. Separating the Church and mission, is like
separating the two sides of the same coin. She is either a missionary church or not a Church
at all. A faithful Christian follower doesn't limit himself to only care about his own soul. He
also thinks about others. He is there to minister to those who already share his beliefs and to
those who are yet to embrace Christianity. And the best way to spread the Word of the God is
to evangelize. In this paper, let us try to understand the Theology of Evangelization and the
ways we can become Evangelizers for Christ.
Evangelization
The word comes directly from the Greek “euangelion” and means "good news," or "gospel."
According to Evangelii Nuntiandi, Evangelization means “bringing the Good News into all
strata of humanity, and through its influence transforming humanity from within and making
it new” (no. 18)ii. The purpose of evangelization is precisely this interior change. The Church
“evangelizes when she seeks to convert, solely through the divine power of the message she
proclaims, both the personal and collective conscience of people, the activities in which they
engage, and the lives and concrete milieu which are theirs” iii. To evangelize means affecting
and upsetting as it were mankind’s criteria of judgement through the power of the Gospel.
Any partial definition which attempts to render the reality of Evangelization in all its fullness,
complexity and dynamism, does so only at the risk of weakening it and even distorting it. To
be able to understand the concept of Evangelization, one needs to keep in view all its
necessary elements.iv
There is no true Evangelization if the name, the teaching, the life, the promises, the Kingdom
and the mystery of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God are not proclaimed. v This proclamation-
preaching or catechesis- occupies such an important place in Evangelization that it has often
become synonymous with it; and yet it is only one aspect of Evangelization.
Why should a Christian evangelize?
a. Definitely we want to share this great salvation with others unless we are selfish. Four
Israelite lepers found the camp of the invading Arameans abandoned, and began to feast and
store riches. Then they realized that it was not right to keep the good news to themselves, so
they spread the message of deliverance (2 Kings 7:3-10).
b. Evangelism is not a choice for a Christian. The Great Commission consist of the
expectation that Christians will evangelize and disciple some from every ethnic culture.
Historically, this has meant separation from the familiar and entering into alien cultures
(Matt. 28:18-20). In Acts 1:8, Jesus said that after the Holy Spirit descended upon Christians,
they would witness of Him at home, in somewhat foreign perspectives and in entirely foreign
environments. Jesus assured Peter and Andrew that He would make them "fishers of men"
(Matt. 4:19). Fishermen do not usually wait for fish to come to them, but go searching for
them. Another scriptural analogy describes Christians as "ambassadors," whose work is
peacemaking-between God and individuals (2 Cor. 5:18-20). Generally non-Christians do not
seek out Christians in order to find God. When we see someone who is about to go to hell, we
cannot pretend before God that we did not observe this. Instead, we form a rescue party,
including intercessors (Prov. 24:11-12).
c. God has gifted every Christian a priesthood, not after Aaron or Levi of the Old Testament.
Ours is a “royal priesthood” and our ministry is to reunite the righteous and holy God to the
unrighteous and unholy people. Our priestly function is to “declare the praises of him who
called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Pet. 2:9).
How do we prepare to evangelize?
a. Abide in Christ. "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by
itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the
vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart
from me you can do nothing." John 15:4-5. The way we abide is through obedience to Jesus’
words. The best ministry preparation we can have is to come close to Jesus and live in
obedience and depend upon Him. He alone makes the ministry worth the struggle.
b. We aren’t personally competent to evangelize. St. Paul wrote: "Not that we are competent
in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has
made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the
letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Cor. 3:5-6). He also said, "I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13).
c. We must call upon the Spirit. We should make the Gospel clear, so that people can love
God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. God uses instruments to evangelize
(Romans 10:14-15). But we cannot save anyone. Perhaps the greatest struggle you will
encounter while witnessing is indifference. Without the sense of sin, people will not feel a
need for God or for any personal remedy. "When Spirit comes, he will convict the world of
guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." (John 16:9). The Spirit of God with
marvellous foresight directs the course of the ages and renews the face of the earth. vi When
the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, they could speak in tongues as well as
understand the Word of God.
Different kinds of Evangelism
Christians have developed numerous types of evangelism, each having its own ways and
means. While some theologians can name up to eight diverse styles, but we'll emphasize on
the main three: Pulpit, Passive, and Aggressive Planned.
a. Pulpit Evangelism
Priests and pastors practice Pulpit Evangelism in our churches and cathedrals. This style of
evangelism is both the most and the least effective one. It deals with preaching to a large
gathering of people at the same time. And while this way permits you to influence many
hearts simultaneously, you can never be certain how much of what you're speaking is being
heard.
The preacher doesn't have eye-to-eye contact with any specific individual. Thus, it's almost
impossible to form a personal relationship and find out which words each person needs to
hear. As a result, pulpit evangelism has a rather commanding and a formal tone. This leaves
any listener of the gospel to reflect everything on his own.
b. Passive Evangelism
There are three situations where Passive Evangelism takes place: in the workplace, in the
neighborhood, and at home. If you work near somebody for eight hours each day, if you talk
to your neighbors and they witness your lifestyle, and if you live with your parents, siblings,
wife\husband and children you are influencing all of them by your way of life.
The Word of God communicates to us that we must fight not against our physical state, but
against Satan who has tied our hearts and souls in chains. A devout Christian shows his faith
in his everyday actions. It doesn't matter if it's displaying your work values, helping a
neighbor out without anything in return, or being a loving father or son, it all influences the
people around you. Thus, when you do preach the gospel to them, they can be certain that
your words deserve respect and attention, and so does God.
c. Aggressive Planned Evangelism
This is a direct opposite method of the Pulpit Evangelism, as its central benefit is eye-to-eye
contact. And while majority of Christians can't practice the first kind, nothing can stop them
from Aggressive Planned preaching. The core of Aggressive Planning Evangelism lies in
going to a complete stranger and sharing the word of God. Every time a Christian does such
an act, he is displaying his love both to the Lord and the person they're trying to reach out. In
this regard, love isn't just a feeling, but also a form of free will exertion and pure intentions.
Aggressive Planning Evangelism doesn't mandate too much effort on your part. All you have
to do is to devote two or three hours per week to communicate your faith with strangers.
According to the Scriptures, disseminating the words of Jesus is the most significant act of
love that we're capable of.
Evangelization by the early Church
There is a lot we can learn from those who first took the gospel to others. The book of Acts
surely makes a case for evangelism. Paul talks one-to-one with others in the marketplace.
Philip talks with the Ethiopian eunuch whom he just met on the Gaza road. Cornelius reaches
out to Peter so that Peter might share the gospel to the whole family relations in Cornelius’
household. At the Feast of Pentecost, Peter preaches openly about Jesus in the public square.
Paul goes to the partially informed people gathered at the synagogue; that is, he reaches out
to those with an affinity for religion who have not yet encountered a relationship with the
living Christ. Paul uses letters to present the gospel to others.
What can we learn from the early Church?
1. They were men and women whose lives were transformed by the love and mercy of Christ,
and it was out of that filled heart they shared the gospel with others. When we neglect to
share Jesus with others, we might ask if a fresh rekindling of God’s love needs to be
produced so that his grace may again flow freely.
2. Early Christians, whose love for Christ, found obedience to the Great Commission. Their
great desire was to convey the world about Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness
of sins. They showed themselves faithful to the call of God in their lives.
3. Whether it was to the one unfamiliar person in a public place, or the gathering of a small
group of friends and acquaintances invited to hear about Christ or to an assembled crowd,
early church made the most of the opportunities before them.
4. Early Christians seemed to exhibit great creativity in the ways they continually sought to
share the gospel. This should motivate all who read the New Testament to look for fun and
creative ways to make Christ known to others.
5. Early Christians were not ready to let fear keep them from the joy of telling others about
Jesus. The aspect of courage in their dealings wherein they were able to proclaim the Gospel
amidst great adversities is an evident example showing their deep rooted faith in God and
their unending desire to preach this God to all. In our times of uncertainty where COVID has
caused us a great difficulty, we need to increase our own faith in God so that we too may be
able to proclaim God without fear.
Conclusion
The Gospel is not satisfied with condemning the situation but calls for conversion which
shows itself in a change of attitude, point of view and behavior. vii This means that the
Christian community is committed as a part of its prophetic action to create alternate models
to show that one can live differently. These alternate models are to be constructed not by
running away from the world, but in the heart of the world. That is why the Church in
mission cannot but be a counter-cultural community, not alienated nor cut off from the world
in some ivory tower, but in the world transforming it from within as leaven. While no age in
church history has ever had it all together, one thing can be said about the early church: they
were courageous enough in fulfilling their calling to make Christ known to others. In this
regard, they have so much to say to the church in every age.
i
Paul Vadakumpadan, “Missionaries of Christ”, (Shillong: Vendrame Institute, Sacred Heart Theological College, 2006),
7.
ii
Paul VI, “Evangelii Nuntiandi”, (Rome: Vatican Polyglot Press, 1975), 29-30.
iii
Ed. Fr. Saturnino Dias, “Evangelisation and Inculturation”, (Mumbai: The Pauline Sisters Bombay Society, 2001), 102.
iv
Ibid, 102
v
Ibid, 102.
vi
Ed. Fr. Saturnino M Dias, “Evangelization in the Light of Ecclesia in Asia”, (Bangalore: Claretian Publications, 2003),
59.
vii
Ed. Fr. Saturnino Dias, “Evangelisation and Inculturation”, (Mumbai: The Pauline Sisters Bombay Society, 2001), 108.