The Charism of Evangelism is a spiritual gift or talent given by God to some Christians to share the Gospel with others in a compelling and effective way. It involves a deep desire to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and to bring others to a personal relationship with Him.
Characteristics of the Charism
Those with the Charism of Evangelism are often passionate, enthusiastic, and fearless in their approach to sharing their faith. They have a natural ability to communicate the Gospel in a way that is easy to understand and relevant to people’s lives. They may use a variety of methods to evangelize, such as preaching, teaching, personal witness, apologetics, or evangelistic events.
The Charism of Evangelism is not limited to clergy or full-time missionaries but can be present in anyone who has a heart for evangelism. It is important to note that while this gift is a powerful tool for spreading the Gospel, it must always be used in a spirit of humility, respect, and love.
The Charism of Evangelism is used in a variety of ways, such as:
Sharing the Gospel with family, friends, and acquaintances: Those with the Charism of Evangelism may use their gift to share their faith with those around them in a natural and respectful way.
Missionary work: Many who have the Charism of Evangelism are called to missionary work, whether it be in their local community or overseas.
Preaching and teaching: Some with the Charism of Evangelism are called to preach or teach the Gospel in a church or ministry setting.
Evangelistic events: Those with the Charism of Evangelism may organize or participate in evangelistic events, such as street preaching, revivals, or conferences.
Overall, the Charism of Evangelism is a powerful gift that can be used to bring many people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Those who have this gift should use it with humility, respect, and love, always remembering that it is God who works through them to bring about salvation in others.
A person exercising the Charism of Evangelism is someone who has been gifted by God with the ability to effectively communicate the Gospel message to others and to lead them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Such a person is passionate, enthusiastic, and driven to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in a way that is understandable and relevant to those they are reaching out to.
How the Charism is Exercised
There are a few ways that a person can exercise the Charism of Evangelism:
Personal Witness: One of the most effective ways to exercise the Charism of Evangelism is through personal witness. This involves sharing one’s own faith story and how it has impacted their life. By doing so, they can inspire and encourage others to pursue a relationship with Christ.
Public Preaching: Another way to exercise the Charism of Evangelism is through public preaching. This can involve preaching on street corners, at public events, or in churches. Public preaching can be a powerful way to reach those who may not have had exposure to the Gospel message.
Teaching: A person with the Charism of Evangelism can also exercise their gift through teaching. They may teach Bible studies, Sunday school classes, or lead small groups, helping others to grow in their understanding of the Gospel and its implications for their lives.
Pitfalls in the Exercise of the Charism
While exercising the Charism of Evangelism can be a powerful tool for spreading the Gospel message, there are some potential pitfalls to be aware of. Some of these include:
Overzealousness: It is important for those exercising the Charism of Evangelism to be mindful of how they approach others. Being too forceful or pushy can turn people off and push them further away from the Gospel.
Insensitivity: It is also important to exercise sensitivity when sharing the Gospel message. Being insensitive to someone’s personal beliefs or background can be hurtful and counterproductive.
Lack of Discernment: It is essential for those with the Charism of Evangelism to exercise discernment in their interactions with others. Not everyone is ready or willing to hear the Gospel message, and it is important to be aware of this and to approach each person with sensitivity and respect.
Overall, those exercising the Charism of Evangelism should approach their work with humility, sensitivity, and discernment, trusting in God’s guidance and leading as they seek to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.
Scriptural References
Scriptural References
Give some Scriptural references from the New American Bible for the Charism of Evangelism
Mark 16:15 – “He said to them, ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.'”
Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Romans 10:14-15 – “But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!'”
1 Corinthians 9:16 – “If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it!”
Ephesians 4:11-12 – “And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
These verses highlight the importance of spreading the Gospel message to all people, and the role that evangelists play in fulfilling this mission. They also emphasize the need for those with the Charism of Evangelism to be obedient to the Holy Spirit’s leading and to approach their work with humility and a servant’s heart.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post