5 Things Evangelizers Do (and May Not Even Know It!)
1. They love their family and friends.
“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” – Mother Teresa
A father who sacrifices quickly getting ahead at work in order to attend a child’s soccer game or piano recital. A woman who takes time out of her busy day to talk to a lonely neighbor. A son who calls his parents and is curious about their lives. Evangelization starts at home, through loving and serving those close to you. This is born out of a deep desire to honor and glorify God in everything you do, even the small things.
2. They ask good questions and are good listeners.
“This you know, my beloved brethren, but everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” – James 1:19
Much of the time, Jesus taught the disciples through questions. The disciples were challenged to actively listen and respond to Jesus with their own thoughtful questions. A disciple of Jesus is deeply attuned to his voice and, through this, is alert to the needs of others through active listening. Listening to God and others can become easier with a consistent habit of prayer.
3. They enjoy a specific sport, hobby, or social activity.
“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Most people in the world are not called to shut themselves off to the world, only focusing on a life of strenuous prayer, poverty, and material sacrifice. We have certain talents, interests, and desires that are given to us by God. An evangelizer glorifies God by excelling in and enjoying secular activities, and even draws others closer to Jesus with the authentic relationships formed through these activities.
4. They feel busy with their daily routine, errands, and responsibilities.
“God is calling you to serve Him in and from the ordinary, secular and civil activities of human life.” – St. Josemaria Escriva
Do you sometimes feel guilty that you can’t find the time to volunteer for that ministry your pastor asked you about last month? You’re so busy with work, your kid’s extracurriculars, nightly dinners, running errands…a good Christian would prioritize serving their parish, right? You are actually being called, by God, to be a disciple in the world and to bring Jesus into the places where priests cannot.
5. They make mistakes.
“Holiness grows with the capacity for conversion, repentance, willingness to begin again, and above all the capacity for reconciliation and forgiveness.” – Pope Benedict XVI
Someone who doesn’t make mistakes is also someone who never learns. Especially when it comes to evangelization. An evangelizer is successful because they’ve actually gone out of their comfort zone and tried—their mistakes have led them to learn effectiveness. And, through the sacrament of confession, a mistake is usually our surest path to holiness.
You don’t need to wait until you are a convincing apologist or a well-formed theologian to start evangelizing. You don’t need to go knocking door to door asking others about Jesus. Instead, focus on the small, simple ways you can be the light of Jesus to others who are already in your life.
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