In this exciting new season of the Revival movement through the National Eucharistic Congress, we enter the Year of Mission. We’re encouraged to dig deeper into the Kerygma (kuh·rig·muh) and share it with others by walking alongside them. But what is the Kerygma?
The term κήρυγμα (kerygma) is a Greek word meaning “proclamation.” Immediately after Christ’s ascension into heaven, the Apostles began to preach a message that was rather basic and to the point.
Repent of your sins, accept baptism, and live in the new life Jesus Christ is offering through His Church.
Simply put, the Kerygma is the Gospel. But how can we effectively share it in our everyday lives?
As Christ did—with patience, mercy, and love of our neighbor all while remaining firm in sharing the truth and calling others to more. This is the balance of sharing the Kerygma while effectively accompanying others.
To do this, here are seven steps to help you share the Good News of Jesus with those around you.
First, pray for those you’re walking with. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations and to open their hearts to the message of the Gospel.
In addition to personal prayer, consider inviting the person to pray with you. This could be as simple as saying a short prayer before a conversation. Prayer not only invites God into the relationship but also models a life of faith and trust in God.
Effective evangelization begins with a relationship. Take time to understand where the other person is coming from. A genuine connection is not about trying to “fix” someone or immediately correcting their beliefs.
When Jesus met the woman at the well, He didn’t dive headfirst into points of conflict. Instead, He connected with her on what was common to both of them—their need for water. It wasn’t until Jesus asked her for a drink that He made the connection between earthly water and the waters of grace that He offers us all. He only shared this with her once she showed some level of openness.
People must trust us at the human level. We can’t take someone to higher ground until we’ve found common ground. This is where having a relationship based on trust makes the difference.
People can argue with theology, but they can’t argue with your personal experience of God’s love. Share how your faith has impacted your life and how the sacraments—especially the Eucharist—have deepened your relationship with Him.
When sharing your story, focus on how God has worked in your life in tangible ways. As St. Peter advises, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
By being open and vulnerable about your own journey, you invite others to imagine how a relationship with Christ could transform their lives too.
The Kerygma is a simple message at its core: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Focus on conveying this message in a way that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or level of understanding. Avoiding complex theological language doesn’t mean diluting the Kerygma; it means presenting the Kerygma in the way it will be best received so that it can take root in the person’s heart.
The early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Community was essential to their growth in faith, and it remains essential to ours today.
At Newman Ministry, we’ve found that community is a crucial part of evangelization. It provides a space where individuals can ask questions, share experiences, and grow together in faith.
When introducing someone to your community, be mindful of their comfort level. Start with inviting them to something informal like a social event or a casual gathering. Over time, as they become more comfortable, their openness to participating in other things increases.
The sacraments are the key means of receiving God’s grace in this life. Encourage the person you’re walking with to come to Our Lord in Confession and the Eucharist, explaining how these sacraments have strengthened your own faith. Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever” (John 6:51). The Eucharist is not just a symbol; it is truly Christ, feeding our souls and deepening our relationship with Him.
If they’re hesitant, offer to go with them. Sometimes, the thought of going alone can be intimidating. By offering to stick with them, you’ll make it easier for them to take that step.
Spiritual growth is a journey that takes time. Be patient and persistent in your efforts, offering encouragement and support even when progress seems slow. Remember the parable of the mustard seed: “Though it is the smallest of all seeds, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree” (Matthew 13:32). Small beginnings can lead to great growth over time.
People’s openness to faith varies. Some may be ready to dive in quickly, while others might take more time to explore and understand. Your role is to be a steady presence, guiding them and offering support as they grow in their relationship with Christ.
Don’t be discouraged if there aren’t immediate results. Your consistency and prayers are what matter.
Sharing the Kerygma doesn’t require special training—just a willingness to walk with others. By focusing on these practical steps, you will help others know the love of Christ and grow in their relationship with Him. Remember that you’re not alone in this mission; the Holy Spirit is with you, guiding your efforts and touching the hearts of those you meet. As you go forward, trust that God is at work, bringing others closer to Him through your witness.
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Newman Ministry creates and strengthens Catholic communities. We make Newman Connection, Called, and Newman Student Housing Fund. Newman Connection links high school seniors to Catholic campus communities, ensuring they stay connected to their faith. Called is our all-in-one platform for churches and ministries, forging deeper connections every day of the week. Newman Student Housing Fund builds inspired living spaces where college students can live out their faith on campus. Together, these solutions connect, engage, and empower Catholic communities.
