Commission on Evangelization

Glenmary Father Frank Ruff and the Rev. Kimbrough Simmons addressed a recent meting of the the Glenmary Commission on Evangelization on this topic: "How Catholics and Baptists can evangelize together."

Why Should Catholics and Baptists Evangelize Together?

That's the question that began the presentation to the Glenmary Commission on Evangelization by Father Frank Ruff, Glenmary pastor of St. Susan Church, Elkton, Ky., and the Rev. Kimbrough Simmons, a Baptist pastor from Utica, Ky. Father Ruff spoke from a Catholic perspective and Rev. Simmons spoke from a Baptist perspective. Hearing from both pastors energized our discussion and clarified some issues.

Father Ruff said that one reason for both denominations to pursue joint evangelizing projects is that our fundamental goal is the same: “to help people develop a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Rev. Kimbrough cited Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: "The most powerful reason to work together cooperatively is the biblical idea of our unity in Christ. 'There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all' (Eph 4:4-6 NRSV)."

Another realization is that alone neither Baptists nor Catholics can truly fulfill the Great Commission: "...Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28: 19-20 NAB ).

• For More Reasons to Evangelize Together
  

While it may be possible for Catholics and Baptists to agree on the call to work together in evangelizing, deep differences exist between the two churches. These have to be negotiated and respected.

For more specifics from this presentation:
Working as "Unequal Groups"
Defining Terms: Evangelism and Evangelization
Obstacles to Evangelizing Together
Possibilities for Partnering
Some Conclusions for Church Workers

For a book review of a book review: Yearning to Be One: Spiritual Dialogue Between Catholics and Methodists

For more Evangelization Updates

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