Principles
The Mission of the Church
The reason the Church exists is to evangelize: to send Christ-bearers into the world to live and preach the Good News, transforming the world into the the Kingdom of God -- "on earth as it is in heaven." This is primarily the work of the laity, who have a unique knowledge of and presence in the world. |
Evangelization
This single word encapsulates the mission of the Church. Beginning in conversion, this action is carried about by the way we live out our lives in the world (witness) and how we explicitly share our faith with others (sharing). Evangelization is initially directed at the Church itself, and then at both those who have never heard the Gospel and those Christians no longer active in the Church. |
Discipleship
Evangelization is the work of intentional disciples. In conversion a person commits to discipleship: having a personal relationship with God, surrendering one's life to God, living a life of Christian witness, and sharing our faith with others. |
The Challenge
The challenges for the Church in fulfilling its mission are many. Our society is hurting and is resistant to the Gospel in many ways. Many Catholics have left the faith, with significant numbers seeking out other Christian denominations. Active Catholics don't understand the mission of the Church or their role in it. Our parishes aren't explaining that role or providing the support its members would need to fulfill it. |
Role of the Parish
The parish is called to be driven by its outward mission to the world, rather than an internal focus on maintenance. It must form and equip the laity for their role of witnessing and sharing their faith in the world, and be particularly attentive to welcoming seekers. |
The Gospel Living Approach
The mission of GospelLiving.org is to provide resources to parishes to help them proclaim and fulfill their mission: forming, equipping, and supporting their members to be intentional disciples and evangelizers. This is not a program, but an entire approach to being parish. |
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