TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL TO CATHOLICS

Don’t assume or rely on common language

Catholics share much of our vocabulary (such as salvation, the cross, sin and grace) but they understand it differently. Let the Bible define your language: it is not “us” versus “them” but us standing under the authority of Scripture and praying that the Holy Spirit will open hearts. Engage them in Bible reading, Bible study and Bible conversations as much as possible. Remember there may be “fears” of the Bible (it was a forbidden book for centuries) and scepticism about it that has been absorbed through modern critical readings.

Be prepared to wrestle with the exclusive nature of the gospel

Scripture alone: Catholics have respect for the Bible but for them it’s not the ultimate authority.

Faith alone: Catholics do commend believing but it is not sufficient to be saved.

Christ alone: Catholics love Christ, but they also rely on other sub-mediators.

Be prepared to show the personal elements of the Christian life

Beyond religion: Catholics tend to separate “normal life” from religion. Show the impact of the gospel in your daily life.

Beyond tradition: Catholics tend to see religion as a set of practices. Show the centrality of your relationship with Jesus.

Beyond the clergy-laity divide: Catholics tend to consider religion as a responsibility of the clergy. Show that we are all responsible to nurture our Christian lives.

Be prepared to integrate personal witness and church life

Believing and belonging go together: Catholics tend to emphasise the latter at the expense of the former. Show the reality that the gospel creates a new community (the church). Invite them to church in order to see what a community of the gospel looks like.

The importance of the ordinances, especially the Lord’s Supper. Catholics are not used to the “listen” idea; they are used to “see and experience” through the senses and in the context of community. A church service is a wonderful evangelistic tool.

Preaching in a Roman Catholic context

Make sure to explain the biblical flow of the passage. In Catholicism there is little sense of biblical theology. Make sure you communicate the finality of Scripture. The Bible is the ultimate authority.

Make sure you carefully show the impact of God’s word on daily life, e.g. personal, work, church, society.

If possible, quote a Church father as this creates a bridge and reclaims the fathers to the Protestant faith (as the Reformers did).