As we evangelize, our aim is to lead people to Christ. So one fundamental question to ask ourselves is: What brings people to Christ? Although there is no singular answer to this question since the journey to faith and conversion is a deeply personal and unique experience, there are a number of factors that are commonly associated with conversion. These include:
Personal experiences: Many people report that they were drawn to Christ after having a personal experience that led them to believe in him. This could be an encounter with a Christian, a religious experience, or a life-changing event. (The Psychology of Religious Conversion by Michael J. Penner and James W. Dobson, 2005, p. 102)
Intellectual arguments: Some people are drawn to Christ after being persuaded by the intellectual arguments for his existence and divinity. This could involve reading the Bible, studying Christian theology, or engaging in dialogue with Christians. (Understanding Religious Conversion by Lewis R. Rambo, 1993, p. 123)
Emotional needs: Some people are drawn to Christ because they are seeking fulfillment or meaning in their lives. They may be looking for a sense of hope, purpose, or belonging. (Conversion to Christianity: An Exploration of Religious Change by Lorne L. Dawson, 1998, p. 145)
Social relationships: Many people are introduced to Christ through their friends, family, or other social relationships. If they see that their loved ones are finding happiness and fulfillment in their faith, they may be more likely to be open to exploring Christianity themselves. (The Sociology of Conversion by Rodney Stark and William Sims Bainbridge, 1980, p. 167)
Here are some additional considerations:
Personal relationships are often the most important factor in conversion. People are more likely to be open to Christianity if they know someone who is a Christian and who they trust. (The Psychology of Religious Conversion by Michael J. Penner and James W. Dobson, 2005, p. 103)
People are more likely to be converted if they are experiencing a crisis or a period of change in their lives. This is because they are more open to new ideas and more likely to be looking for a way to make sense of their lives. (Understanding Religious Conversion by Lewis R. Rambo, 1993, p. 124)
People are more likely to be converted if they are exposed to Christian teaching in a way that is meaningful to them. This could involve reading the Bible, attending church, or participating in Christian activities. (The Sociology of Conversion by Rodney Stark and William Sims Bainbridge, 1980, p. 168)
So, how do we apply these insights to parish evangelization? The following practical implications can assist parishes in proclaiming the Good News and making disciples.
Personal relationships: Encourage parishioners to build relationships with people who are not yet Christians. This could involve inviting them to church, Bible study, or other Christian activities. It is also important to be a good listener and to be willing to share your own faith journey.
Intellectual arguments: Offer opportunities for people to learn about the Christian faith through lectures, workshops, or discussion groups. This could involve exploring the historical evidence for Jesus’ existence, the philosophical arguments for his divinity, or the practical implications of following Christ.
Emotional needs: Provide opportunities for people to experience the love and acceptance of God. This could involve participating in service projects, praying for others, or simply listening to people’s stories.
Social relationships: Create a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable exploring their faith. This could involve making sure that church services are accessible to people of all ages and abilities, or by offering opportunities for people to get involved in faith or parish related activities that they enjoy.
By emphasizing these four key aspects, parishes can foster a dynamic environment where individuals feel compelled and more eager to embrace the message of the Gospels. Conversion is a gradual process, often requiring time for individuals to come to know Christ. To build authentic connections and demonstrate God’s love to those around us, we need to be sincere and honest, sharing our faith journey with genuineness, demonstrating our faith through both words and actions and letting His compassion shine through. Finally, let us remember that it is only with God’s grace that we can bring people to Christ so above all we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit and ask for his power to flow through us and reveal Christ to the world.
Pierre-Alain Giffard
Director of Pastoral Work
Other articles on evangelization and parish revitalization:
- Evangelizing Through Random Acts of Kindness
- Questions To Start Spiritual Conversations
- Three Feet From Gold
- Spreading the Gospel One Act at a Time
- Gather, Witness and Invite
- Prayer to Receive the Spiritual Gifts of The Holy Spirit
- The Language of Evangelization
- Key Factors for Parish Growth According to Rich Birch
- How to defeat Satan?
- Bringing Love, Hope and Healing Through the Gospel
- Love: Our Fundamental Vocation
- Touched by the Master
- A Man, a Dog, and the Ultimate Love
- The essence of evangelization: Loving God and our neighbours
- Loving Our Enemies and Reconciling with Others
- A Powerful Prayer for Healing: You Are The LORD Who Heals Me
- Living a Life of Love: Mother Teresa’s Legacy
- Living a Life of Love: Lessons from the New Testament
- In The Shadows Of Darkness, A Powerful Force Is At Work
- 19 Pastoral Orientations for Parish Renewal and Growth
- The Missionary Renewal of Catechesis
- Characteristics of missionary parishes
- Powerful healing prayer attributed to St. Padre Pio
- We are called to share our faith with others
- Should we seek to grow the Church?
- Find a Need and Fill It – Revealing God’s Heart in the Community
- 15 Habits to Evangelize on a Daily Basis
- The Church’s Mission
- Three Barriers to Building An Invitational Culture In Your Parish
- The Relational Evangelizer
- Doing Church at Home
- The Blind Girl
- A Group of Frogs
- The Elephant Rope
- A Shared Faith is a Growing Faith
- In The Shoes Of The Unchurched
- Parish Evangelizing Cells
- Six Unique Features of Missional Parishes
- Steps Towards Becoming A Missional Parish
- What Is Evangelization, And How Should It Be Carried Out?
- Discussion And Self-Assessment Questions For Parish Evangelization
- A Missional Church Is A Church That Prays
- The Jesus Prayer: A Method To Pray At All Times
- What can help children raised Catholic continue practicing the faith as adults?
- An Example of a Missionary Parish: Phoenix First Assembly of God
- Satan’s Tactics
- Learning to Be a Missionary
- When we cry out to God, he answers
- Presence and Proclamation
- Saving those who are lost
- Saint-Nazaire Parish: The story of a missionary transformation
- Small Groups and Evangelization
- Evangelizing By Inviting People To Receive Jesus As Lord And Saviour
- You Will Receive Power…
- Have You Heard About the Law of Three Hearings and Seven Touches?
- Three Habits of a Fruitful Christian Life
