Commission on Evangelization

Identifying Your Evangelization Style 

"Do unto others as you have done to yourself" is a favorite saying of the Beginning and Beyond Forum (RCIA) experiences. Taking that saying to heart means testing a new idea or process on oneself FIRST. Therefore, the Glenmary Commission on Evangelization willingly útestedÓ a tool for identifying different styles of evangelization. 

Found in the book, Evangelization Teams in the Making, by Dorothy Hulbert and Priscilla Lemire, RJM, this self-rating survey is based on the premise that the most effective personal style of evangelizing is how one usually relates to people.

Example:

• One of my favorite things is long talks with friends.
• Personally, I usually enjoy discussions and debates on difficult questions.

• When presented with a choice, I generally prefer to physically assist people in the name of Christ versus becoming involved in religious discussions.

• I am happiest when I am able to include new people in the activities I am involved in.

• I often identify with people by stating, úI tend to think like that tooÓ or úI used to feel that way too.Ó

• I strongly feel that confronting friends with the truth can be more important than hurting their feelings.

• Servant
• Invitational
• Relational
• Witness

• Intellectual

• Challenging

Even though the exercise is not finished at this point, in both the case of the Commission on Evangelization and at a workshop in a Glenmary mission in Monticello, Ark., just looking at these ratings stimulated discussion.  For some people, it reaffirmed their strongest style of reaching out to people; for others, there were surprises.

Further information about each style is provided. There is a scriptural portrait; the strengths of each style, and the awareness needed for each style. During the workshop in Arkansas, four styles emerged: servant, relational, challenging and witness. Those groups met to talk about how their styles were described, what surprised them and what they would want to see changed in the description.

This was a valuable experience both with church professionals like the members of the Glenmary Evangelization Commission and with parishioners. It raised everyoneÃs awareness of how differently each evangelizer embodies and communicates the Good News of Jesus. In the parish group, an awareness of differing gifts and styles was highlighted.

• Contact Lorraine Vancamp for information about her evangelization workshop or a copy of the Evangelization Styles Inventory. 
• Or, order Evangelization Teams in the Making: A Catholic Parish Manual, by Priscilla Lemire, RJM, and Dorothy Hulbert. (Jeremiah Press, Inc.,  47 pp., $9.95)  from NCCE at 1-888-786-NCCE.

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