Do Catholics
Evangelize?
In a word, Yes. But “evangelize” is not a comfortable word
for most Catholics probably because we associate it with images of sweaty,
screaming TV evangelists quoting bible verses out of context and incessantly
urging us to call the number on the screen. But Evangelization in our Catholic tradition
is much less about what we “say” than what we “do.” Evangelization simply means
we live what we believe so that others may recognize Christ’s love in us. As
the saying attributed to St. Francis says, “Preach
the Gospel and use words only when necessary.” Evangelization has little to
do with “talking about Jesus” but rather is defined by concrete action; caring
and loving for one another as God loves and cares for us. Evangelization is beggars
showing other beggars where to find bread. In short, if the good news is really
“good,” we shouldn’t have to bang people over the head with it, with one
sledge-hammer blow of the bible after another. Our lives should speak. If the
truth of Jesus Christ has changed us and nourished us, then people should see
it in the way we live; with love and gratitude as a witness to all we have been
given by a merciful and generous God. This is the good news…and if it is indeed
“good” then it should be about as hard to sell as ice cream.
So, who are the folks that haven’t had a taste of this ice
cream yet? What does the “average”
unchurched family in the U.S. look like today? Here are 5 defining
features from a recent study (from www.pastors.com/the-top-10-characteristics-of-the-average-unchurched-family):
1. They are a blended
home, often spiritually mismatched. 41% of children have parents who are
not married. 43% of all marriages are remarriages and 65% of those involve
children from a prior marriage. It is very common to have multiple faith
traditions represented in one family.
2. They are
financially strapped. The average middle class family cannot absorb even
one financial catastrophe. Credit has become a way of life for the American
household. Digging ever-deeper holes of debt with no end in sight.
3. They are
over-calendared. The standard work week isn’t standard any more. Many
parents are working 50-60 hours a week including Sundays. And on top of that most
families are driven by the schedule of the kids; practices, games, and
recitals. Even the most dedicated faith-filled families are powerless slaves to
often unreasonable schedules if they want their kids to participate in any team
sport.
4. They are
biblically illiterate. They have absolutely no idea what the Bible actually
says. To many it is a dark antiquated book that tells of an angry deity
bent on suppressing happiness and destroying homosexuals. 60% of Americans
can’t name either half of the Ten Commandments or the four Gospels of the New
Testament. 80% believe that “God helps those who help themselves” is a direct
quote from the Bible.
5. They have a
special needs child. Families with special needs children are on the rise
and they often feel unwelcomed at our usual programming. 2% of children are
diagnosed with autism. 7% with ADHD. 8% have a learning disability 14% have
a developmental disability. 2% of teenagers have an anxiety disorder. 12% of
the children in K-6 in our public schools are identified with a disability.
It may be wise to ask ourselves what is the “good news”
these families long to hear? What can we share about our God that would be
nourishing for them? What is “bread” for them? When we are “evangelizing” or - if
that word remains too churchy for you (I know it is for me) - reaching out to
these families we have to be sure we aren’t addressing questions or problems
they don’t have. We need to listen and see as God sees and love as we have been
loved. Send your Crazy Catholic Questions to Lisa Brown at dre@ctredeemer.org.
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