Commission on Evangelization

Defining Terms: 'Evangelism' and 'Evangelization'

Rev. Kimbrough explained that "evangelism," for the Baptist, is telling the story of Christ and seeking a response to Jesus as Savior. "There is an asking for a personal relationship with Jesus and the forgiveness of sins," he said. The idea is that people hear about Jesus and respond with deciding to accept him into their lives. From the Baptist perspective, commitment to evangelism and missions form the foundation of Baptist life.

Rev. Kimbrough continued: "Evangelism" is what all believers do when they tell people about Jesus and live a Christian life. "Missions" is the sending of people to preach and live the Word of God at home and abroad. Both are ways to share the Gospel; both are part of Baptist history and life. These two ideas have shaped Baptist identity.

Father Ruff spoke of "Catholic evangelization" as being the proclamation of the Good News by word and deed which transforms hearts and institutions to conform to the Reign of God. Catholics expect that the process of accepting Jesus and being baptized will be gradual and incremental. This conversion process is lifelong. It involves living a life centered on Jesus and nourished regularly by the sacramental life of the Church.

He offered this relevant quote from the Catholic bishops:

"Some might think of evangelization solely in terms of Jesus and our relationship with him. Yet our relationship with Jesus is found in our relationship with the community of Jesus—the Church. The way to Christ is through the community in which he lives. Did not Jesus say 'I am with you always';? (Mt. 28:20 NAB).... Did not the Jesus who met Paul on the road to Damascus say that he lived in his persecuted followers, the Church? (Acts 25 ). Jesus is present in and among his disciples." (Go and Make Disciples, p.13, USCCB.)

To return to 'Why Should Catholics and Baptists Evangelize Together?'

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