If we strip back to the bare basics’ evangelisation is the process of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. The four canonical Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are known as the Four Evangelists. The term “evangelist” comes from the Greek word “euangelion,” meaning “good news,” which reflects their role in spreading the message of Jesus Christ.
Evangelisation began with the apostles, who spread the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman Empire. Key figures like St. Paul travelled extensively, establishing Christian communities. He continued to spread the good news and build relationships with these communities via letter writing. In the Middle Ages Monastic communities also became centres of learning and evangelisation. The 15th and 16th centuries saw Catholic missionaries, such as the Jesuits, Franciscans, and Dominicans, travelling to the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Figures like St. Francis Xavier were instrumental in spreading Christianity to India, Japan, and other parts of Asia.
In 1975 Pope Paul VI issued the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi (Evangelisation in the Modern World). The document emphasizes that evangelisation is the Church’s primary mission. It is not just about preaching but transforming humanity from within and making it new. While nearly fifty years old the document still holds currency as it speaks of a Church that is called to be a witness to the Gospel through both word and action. This includes addressing social issues and promoting justice and peace. The document calls for the involvement of all members of the Church, not just clergy, in spreading the Gospel.
In more recent times Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), which was issued in 2013 highlights that evangelisation should be marked by joy. He encourages Christians to share the joy of knowing Jesus Christ and the transformative power of His love. Living out the Gospel authentically in daily life is crucial for effective evangelisation. Pope Francis calls for a Church that goes out to the peripheries, reaching out to the marginalized and those on the fringes of society. He emphasises the need for a welcoming and inclusive approach. He underscores the importance of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Evangelisation begins with a personal relationship with Christ, which then inspires others through genuine witness. Evangelisation is not just about spiritual matters but also involves addressing social issues. Pope Francis links the proclamation of the Gospel with efforts to promote justice, peace, and care for the poor. He believes that the Church must continuously renew itself to remain effective in its mission. This involves being open to change and adapting to new circumstances while staying true to the core message of the Gospel. Pope Francis’ approach to evangelisation is holistic, integrating personal witness, social action, and a joyful proclamation of the Gospel. His teachings encourage all Christians to actively participate in the mission of evangelisation in their own unique ways.
In 2023 the Evangelisation Statement was published by the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry, a commission of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. This document is a biblical theological reflection for all Catholics and places its foundations in encounter, discipleship and mission. The first fundamental is about encountering Jesus. Kerygma is the moment when we encounter the life and death of Jesus within us and through the action of the Holy Spirit the Good News is received and enacted. The second fundamental is about becoming disciples, considering how does Jesus evangelise and how does Jesus make disciples. Jesus never proselytised of forced anyone to believe in him. His encounter with those around him was subtle and invitational. The third fundamental calls us all to the work of evangelisation that is missionary, Marian and has a synodal style. Our missionary lens propels us to consider charity for others with a tender mercy while we journey together. There is much we can aspire to through engaging with this theological reflection.
I am looking forward to exploring how we can apply this document in 2025 during the Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope and beyond. Sharing the how the Church of Maitland-Newcastle spreads the good news or in other words, evangelises!
To access this document, go to: National Centre for Evangelisation - National Centre for Evangelisation, Australia
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