EVANGELISM

EVANGELISM. The English is from the Greek evangel, the Gospel or good news of Jesus Christ. Throughout the New Testament period it is assumed that the primary mode of the growth of the Church is effective evangelism. The image of it given in the New Testament is the making of disciples, the story of the draught of fishes. Individuals who hear the Gospel are expected in turn to proclaim it.

Regarding evangelism within parishes, there are only three means whereby people become members of the Church-birth, transfer, and evangelism. Christian parenting is not expected to be the primary means of parish growth, nor is transfer membership, because transfer to a “new” parish entails an “old” parish losing a member. Evangelism is still the primary means of healthy parish growth. (See Catechesis.)