Share Christ
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
observe all that I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:19-20
People need to hear the Good News of the saving power of Jesus. When Jesus called you to follow Him, He ultimately meant for you to allow the Holy Spirit to work through you - not just in deeds or acts of service but in words of grace and mercy and a lifestyle that invites others to know and encounter Him. The mission of the Church is evangelization, the making of disciples who help make other disciples.
This “stage” or "step of the Discipleship Pathway" is more of a deliberate decision than an actual step. It certainly doesn’t happen accidentally or unconsciously. So be intentional about equipping yourself to share how Christ has changed your life because your testimony of a changed life will lead others to Christ.
How
do I evangelize others?
Do I
pray to God to reveal how I should best live out my vocation to support His mission?
What
is a “personal testimony”?
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What is expected of a missionary disciple?
A missionary disciple is always looking for ways to help others encounter Christ. While living in the sacramental life of the Church, a missionary disciple always has open eyes to identify those in need of Jesus’ saving grace and an open heart to go where the Spirit leads you to witness.
I am scared that I may encounter “pushback” or even derision when I evangelize. What should I do?
Always remember that sharing Christ is not a theological argument to be won. It is about a relationship with God who loves us unconditionally. When you share God’s love with others, especially those who have no background in Christianity, you can almost always expect some bumps in the road.
How do I give a personal testimony?
When someone asks you about your faith or wonders why you have peace, joy, hope, or fortitude, you have an excellent opportunity to bear witness to who Christ is. There is a three-fold short and easy recipe for giving a personal testimony:
Focus on what your life was like before you came to know Jesus intimately
Explain what Jesus has done for you (your conversion or intentional commitment to live out your baptismal vows)
Highlight how your life is changed by knowing Jesus (your ongoing transformation)
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Serving on various parish councils and committees
Franciscan at Home – free online membership from the parish for online workshops from the Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University
Parish Missions and retreats – check the bulletin and the “News & Events” section of the website
Serving in the Prison Ministry
Teacher/Catechist or Core Team Member for Christian Formation or Youth Ministry
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St. Mary Magdalene’s parish vision is to be an inviting community that is a beacon of Christ’s light, making disciples who lead others to Him. Being a follower of Christ means ongoing conversion, always following the pathway of discipleship. To seek Him anew each day so that we encounter Him, imitate Him, serve Him, share Him, worship Him. When we do this we grow in holiness and help build the Kingdom of God on Earth. So always seek God, allow the Holy Spirit to guide and transform you, and intentionally seek people to invite them to be part of God's family, His Church.
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A great article on what Missionary Discipleship is and why it is important from the Archdiocese of Melbourne
A training course on Missionary Discipleship from Revive Parishes
Here are 10 tips to consider when sharing your faith - an article from Catholicmom.com
An article on being afraid to evangelize by Catholic Answers
The Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis, "The Joy of the Gospel," on Missionary Discipleship
Living as Missionary Disciples - an online free course on missionary discipleship