3 Dimensions of Evangelization
The work of evangelization, then, the spreading of the gospel, involves three basic activities, and engaging in these activities constitutes the deepest identity of the Church. The Church’s organization is at the service of these activities, of this mission that announces and promotes the good news of Jesus Christ. Here are the three dimensions or “moments” of evangelization:
1. Spreading the knowledge of Jesus Christ and his saving mission to those who have not yet heard about it. This is traditionally called the “mission ad gentes,” which is Latin for “to the peoples.” Many times, when we think of missionaries, we think of people who are primarily engaged in this work of spreading the gospel to those corners of the world that haven’t yet heard it even for the first time. Though a critical dimension of evangelization, this is not the only sector of missionary activity.
2. Instructing and initiating into the life of the Church those who have heard and accepted the gospel but are not yet mature in their faith. The traditional term most often associated with this work is catechesis (another word with Greek roots—this time the Greek origin refers to “instruction by word of mouth”).
3. Cultivation toward full spiritual maturity and fruitfulness of the seed of grace in the lives of those who have received it, such that it transforms individuals, families, communities, and entire cultures in harmony with God’s will for the human family. This is often referred to as the work of sanctification, or “making holy.”
