Evangelization in a Post-Christian Society: The Purpose of the Church
The Ascension TeamDo you want to evangelize in a post-Christian society? There are a few things you need to know.
We all proclaim the same gospel, but we all need to use different methods. The methods that St. Paul used in Athens or Rome and the approach of a missionary in India, Southeast Asia, or parts of Africa will be different than someone who lives in a post-Christian society.
There are, however, universal principles that stand the test of time. Today, Mike and David go through three ages of evangelization, explain how to overcome four hurdles in evangelizing, and also three different types of evangelizing.
Snippet from the Show:
“No matter how opposed someone is to Christianity, you have to understand that deep down, it is what they want. It is what they most desire. It is the answer to all their questions.”
SHOWNOTES:
5 Practical Takeaways:
- Read Evangelii Nuntiandi
- Fast for someone at your parish
- Pray and reflect on St. Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit
- Read 2 Timothy 4
- Write down and reflect on this quote “She exists in order to evangelize.” What parts of your life exemplify this? What parts do not?
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Gaudium et spes
-
Evangelii nuntiandi
- Paragraph 9
- Paragraph 80
- Redemptoris Missio
- Podcast, This Cultural Moment
- Introduction to Philosophy by Daniel Sullivan
Meet Your Hosts
Michael “Gomer” Gormley
Michael has been leading evangelization and ministry efforts for the past ten years, both as a full-time parish staff member and as a speaker and consultant for parishes, dioceses, and Catholic campus ministries.
He is also the founder and creative director of LayEvangelist.com, and the producer and cohost of a Catholic young adult podcast Catching Foxes, which discusses the collision of Faith and Culture.
He is married to his college sweetheart, Shannon. Together they have about 1,000 children and get about 3 hours of sleep a night, which is alright by him.
David “Dave” VanVickle
Dave VanVickle fell in love with the Lord at the age of fourteen. Since then, he has dedicated his life to bringing others into a radical relationship with Christ.
He is a speaker and retreat leader. His programs focuses on proclaiming the universal call to holiness, authentic Catholic spirituality, spiritual warfare and deliverance. Additionally, Dave has over ten years of experience assisting Priests with their ministries of exorcism and deliverance.
Dave resides in Pittsburgh with his wife Amber and their five children: Sam, Max, Judah, Josie and Louisa.