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To equip the Church and its members for the task of evangelization, Pope Paul VI encourages his audience to reflect alongside him on the most effective means of conveying (taking into account the signs of the times) the complete truth of the Gospel to contemporary individuals “in a manner that is as clear and convincing as feasible” (No. 3). The pope initially looks to the figure of evangelization, Jesus, seeking wisdom from his teachings and deeds so that the Church may follow the Master’s example. Following Jesus’ model, the pope delineates several crucial components for effective evangelism, concentrating on the substance of evangelization, the approaches, the audience to be reached, and those accountable for the mission.

Jesus is “the very first and the greatest evangelizer” (No. 7). Through both his teachings and deeds, he proclaimed the Good News: the existence of God’s kingdom and the salvation offered to everyone (cf. Nos. 8-10). The emphasis of Jesus’ instruction and preaching was on how — via him — God’s kingdom was already active in the world and would be completely realized in heaven on the final day. He also conveyed that salvation, or liberation from sin and death, was accessible to everyone through him. He validated his teachings through the occurrences of his life: his miracles, his death and resurrection, and the establishment of a community in his name, the Church (cf. No. 12).

The Church indeed originates from the evangelistic actions of Jesus and the Twelve [apostles], whom Jesus empowered with his Holy Spirit and tasked with going forth to announce the Good News, making disciples from all nations (cf. No. 13, 15). “Those who genuinely embrace the Good News” pursue God’s kingdom, nurture it, and embody it within the community of the Church (No. 13). The primary mission of the Church continues to be evangelization. Just as Jesus dispatched the Twelve to disseminate his Good News, the Church presently sends its members to convey the same message, which it “keeps as a valuable living legacy” to be shared (No. 15).

The Good News that the Church disseminates cannot be detached from the message of the Gospel delivered by Christ and maintained by the Church. As previously mentioned, it may be communicated in a manner that resonates with a specific audience, but it is essential to ensure that it does not lose any of its authenticity. Jesus formed his Church specifically to safeguard and uphold his truth for the advantage of all humanity. Accordingly, evangelization must primarily encompass the revelation of God through Jesus in the Holy Spirit (cf. No. 26). This is not just any deity, but God the Father of Jesus Christ, who brings forth God’s kingdom and redeems the world (cf. No. 27). Nonetheless, the salvation offered by Jesus cannot be simplified to “a merely temporal endeavor” (No. 32). Evangelization must incorporate “the prophetic announcement of a future existence” and the realization of God’s assurances of everlasting life (No. 28). The sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, fulfill evangelization by providing a visible expression of the Church’s communion with God.

The approaches to evangelization “differ based on the various situations of time, location and culture” (No. 40). However, the way one evangelizes must be carried out “with total fidelity to the essence of evangelization” (No. 40). The “primary means of evangelization is the testimony of a genuinely Christian life” (No. 41). Such a testimony from the individual Christian or from the Church as a whole draws others to Jesus (cf. No. 41). Nonetheless, proclaiming Jesus is also vital, and it manifests in numerous ways (cf. Nos. 42-48). “One-on-one” sharing of the Gospel continues to be significant (No. 46). The homily during Mass (and other liturgical celebrations) represents a key opportunity for the priest to convey the Gospel message in an appropriate manner for the gathered community. The Church should also leverage effectively the resources of mass communication.

Regarding those who are to be evangelized, Evangelii Nuntiandi reiterates Christ’s mandate to the Church, compelling it to share the Good News with all of creation. However, the message emphasizes several specific audiences as well. Primarily, the Church is tasked with evangelizing itself, as it requires ongoing conversion and renewal (cf. No. 15). Those who have embraced the faith of Christ may have ceased practicing, possibly swayed by the rise of disbelief in society (cf. Nos. 54-56). Yet, even those who remain active in their practice must strive to deepen and nurture their faith so that it continues to develop (cf. No. 54). Other groups to be evangelized include individuals unfamiliar with Jesus or those adhering to non-Christian faiths (cf. Nos. 51, 53). They merit admiration and respect, yet they also have a right to learn about Jesus.

Upon evaluating the substance, techniques, and target groups of evangelism, Evangelii Nuntiandi states that the Church, which encompasses the entire People of God, holds the responsibility for the mission of spreading the Good News (cf. No. 59). Indeed, evangelization is an act of the Church carried out in unity with the Church and her leaders. An individual who engages in evangelization does so as a part of the community of Christ and conveys solely the Gospel entrusted to us by Christ (cf. No. 60). These individual members consist of clergy, religious, and laypeople. Bishops and priests possess the special role of teaching the Faith (cf. No. 68). The laity communicate the Gospel within the wider world, including within their families (cf. No. 71). Every member requires thorough preparation to be effective evangelizers. This preparation entails prayer, study of the Bible and catechesis, but primarily the member must submit to the Holy Spirit by pursuing his guidance (cf. No. 75).

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Evangelii Nuntiandi clearly invites every member of the Church to become an evangelizer, sharing the Good News to every “stratum of humanity” (No. 18) so that both individuals (including the evangelizers themselves) and the culture undergo a transformation from within and are renewed in Christ. To accomplish this mission effectively, it is essential to nurture within oneself a “radical conversion” (No. 10) to Jesus Christ. Much like a white cloth absorbed in red dye is altered not just in its look but also in its very fibers, the disciple strives to be transformed both internally and externally to mirror Jesus more closely. This endeavor requires “toil and suffering” as one distances oneself from sin, yet it also brings “grace and mercy” as one surrenders to Jesus. It culminates in the beatitude of heaven (No. 10), the “pearl of great price” (Mt 13:46) that is worthy of pursuit not only for oneself but also for others.

David Werning writes from Virginia.