As children, we are always watching people in authority — our teachers, our priests, our parents, police officers, firefighters, and mentors. We want to be like them. We adopt their ways of doing things whether they are good or bad. Most people, parents especially, have good habits and bad. Unfortunately, our children pick up on what we do like sponges. Therefore, they will adopt your bad habits along with your good ones. That includes teaching the Gospel and evangelizing Jesus Christ. We want to lead by example when we are evangelizing. Here are some tips to help ministers and priests do that.
Schedule Evangelization
It’s sad that pastors today are more bogged down in paperwork and financial issues than actual priestly or ministerial duties. They have to file reports, listen to financial advisers, hire contractors and many other things that have nothing to do with the people and everything to do with keeping the church running. Because of their lack of time, ministers have to schedule time in their planners for evangelizing. Keep one day a week aside for teaching the Gospels and spreading Jesus’ word to others. Successful business owners will tell you that setting aside time for meditation and reading books is necessary. Setting time for evangelization is not different from what business owners do.
Pray for Lost Souls
Many pastors might pray that people come back to the church on their own, but prayer is powerful when shared. Therefore, praying with groups regularly for the lost souls to come back to the church will be a powerful tool to use. Ministers should stroll through their neighborhood and pray. Take pastoral council members with you and pray for your community. Pray to fight Satan and his temptations that keep lost souls from entering churches. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide them back to church and Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you in your quest.
Practice
In all things, practice makes perfect. Before you go to the streets, practice what you want to say in front of a mirror. Make sure you know what to say, how to say it and whether what you say is right for the age group and culture. For example, how you evangelize to children is different from how you evangelize to senior citizens. Young adults think differently than people with young children. For each group, practice your speech and know what to say. However, leave your mind open to what the Holy Spirit will want you to say when the time comes. He might have a different approach for you to use.
Engage in Conversations
Don’t be afraid if the person speaking is asking questions or doesn’t have the same opinion as you. Remember that we are all part of one body with different talents and perspectives. Talk to that person. Ask your own questions. Listen to what he or she is saying. Be respectful and answer questions as carefully as possible. Invite church leaders into the conversation and let God speak for you.
When you ensure that evangelization is part of your lifestyle, it becomes a habit. As a result, it becomes a habit that your congregation and parishioners are watching and adopting. The more people see you spreading God’s word, the more likely they will too.
