October 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In recent adult education classes we have explored and discussed the topic of evangelization. It seems to many that evangelization is more emphasized these days than in the past. However, evangelization- announcing the good news to the world- is a subject that has always been timely in the Church. From the very beginning of the Church, the Lord Jesus gave his apostles the mission of proclaiming the good news of the Gospel “to the ends of the earth.” “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
This “Great Commission,” given to the apostles before the Lord Jesus ascended into heaven, is given to us as well. And there are many ways for us to respond to this commission, many ways for us to spread the Gospel message. Unfortunately, many Orthodox Christians don’t attempt, even in the simplest ways, to share their faith with those around them. Too many “leave it to Father,” too many say, “I don’t know what to do,” and too many just never try.
In his brief article, “Why Orthodox Evangelism is Different,” Father David Moser makes the following observations: “The… specific task that we as Orthodox Christians have in evangelism is the practical expression of God's love to mankind. Orthodox evangelism is greeting visitors as they come to the Church and then modeling (neither instructing nor condemning the visitor) for them proper behavior and demeanor in the Church. Orthodox evangelism is hospitality offered to share meals, to provide shelter and clothing as needed. Orthodox evangelism is to pray for our neighbor and to love our neighbor as our self. Orthodox evangelism is going to the soup kitchen and serving there - Orthodox
evangelism is giving to the poor without regard for "how the money will be used". Orthodox evangelism is visiting the sick in hospitals and praying for them. Orthodox evangelism is going the prisons (contact your local prison chaplain regarding how this might be done) and offering comfort and kindness to the imprisoned. Orthodox evangelism is loving your enemies (Elder Silouan of Mt Athos says that this is the true mark of a Christian - the love of one's enemies). Orthodox Evangelism is loving your neighbor as yourself. If we all did these things (and I am a wretched sinner and fall short of all that I have just said) then our Churches would be open and filled with light and glory drawing all who see her by the grace and action of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. We don't have to preach on street corners, we don't have to have "events" or revivals or seminars as evangelistic tools - we simply have to be Orthodox Christians "to the max" without reservation or compromise. That is Orthodox evangelism.”
Do you want members of your family who have fallen away from the faith to return? Do you want our parish community to grow? Do you know family members, friends, co-workers who are seeking meaning in their lives? Do you want others to share the joy, peace, and comfort that you yourself receive from following Christ as an Orthodox Christian? If you have answered “yes” to any of these Christians, then evangelization is a task for you to take seriously.
Evangelization is not rocket science. Sharing the message of salvation is not profession-specific. There’s no favored method or style. There’s no “secret” to it. It is as simple as living your life in a way that bears witness to your faith in Jesus Christ. Let’s pray that each one of us may recognize this fact and that each one of us, using the gifts and talents God has given us, will use those gifts for the building up of His Kingdom—right here, right now.
With love in the Lord,
Father David