Diocese of/de Pembroke

What if what you thought about evangelization is only half the story? In numerous churches, an unspoken conviction endures, that acts of kindness or casual friendship alone amount to sharing the Good News. It feels safe, no awkward conversations, no risk of offense. But is it true?

1. The Missing Spark: St. Paul knew better: “How will they call on one they haven’t heard?” (Rom 10:14). Friendship ad good deeds lays the groundwork, but without words, the Gospel seed never takes root.
2. An Example That Speaks: Imagine Jesus, strolling through Galilee—not waiting for invitations, but declaring, “Repent and believe” (Mark 1:15). His apostles didn’t hang back in the temple; they went house to house, boldly opening mouths in faith. Friendships? Yes. But always tethered to a clear message.
3. The First Whisper: Uneasy about speaking up? Start small. Offer a quiet prayer for a struggling neighbour. That gentle plea can open hearts, inviting deeper dialogue. It’s the mustard seed of evangelization.
4. Your Story: “What happened to you?” There’s power in personal testimony. St Paul’s dramatic recount before Agrippa (Acts 26) shows how our own stories can become a light for divine encounter. Craft yours—concise, authentic—and watch it ignite curiosity.
5. Spirit-Led Preparation: All the preparation in the world means but little without the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, what begins as trembling fear erupts into unshakable boldness (Acts 2). Preparation plus Spirit isn’t an option; it’s the only way.
6. Friendship Reimagined: Friendship opens the door— but only the Word and the Spirit carry the message in. May our love be unconditional, our words clear, and our dependence on the Spirit unending. After all, “we cannot but speak of what we have seen” (Acts 4:20).

Good works and friendships are a vital expression of Christ’s love and open doors to the Gospel, but without explicit witness and proclamation, they risk remaining acts of charity and brotherly love rather than true evangelization.