How to Start a Parish Evangelization Team
Quick answer
A parish evangelization team is a small group of committed parishioners who, under the pastor's guidance, help the whole parish grow in faith and reach out to others. The team prays together, studies what evangelization means, looks honestly at the parish, chooses a few achievable goals, and organizes efforts such as small groups, welcoming ministries and outreach to inactive Catholics. A good team plans for several years and measures its progress.
Key takeaways
- The pastor's support is essential; the team works with him, not around him.
- Five to ten members with different gifts is a good size.
- The team should pray and study before it plans activities.
- Start with two or three realistic goals and evaluate them each year.
Every parish is called to evangelize, but someone has to help the parish take the first steps. That is the job of a parish evangelization team.
Why a Team?
The Second Vatican Council taught that the lay faithful share fully in the Church’s mission (Apostolicam Actuositatem 2). Pope Francis asks parishes to abandon the attitude of “we have always done it this way” and to be “bold and creative” in rethinking how they reach people (Evangelii Gaudium 33). A team gives that call a home and a plan.
Step 1: Begin with the Pastor
Talk with the pastor first. The team works under his guidance and in harmony with the parish’s other ministries. Ask him to name a coordinator and to help invite members.
Step 2: Invite the Right People
Look for five to ten people who:
- pray and love the Lord,
- care about people who are not at Mass,
- reflect the parish’s ages, cultures and languages,
- can work as a team and follow through.
Invite them personally, and tell them honestly what the commitment involves.
Step 3: Pray and Learn Together
Before planning activities, spend a few meetings praying and studying. Read the Gospel accounts of Jesus sending out His disciples (Luke 10:1-12; Matthew 28:16-20). Read parts of Go and Make Disciples or Evangelii Gaudium. Ask each member to share how they came to faith.
Step 4: Look Honestly at the Parish
Gather some facts. How many registered families come to Mass? Who is missing: young adults, men, a particular culture? How are newcomers welcomed? What do parishioners say about the parish? A simple survey or a parish day of reflection can help.
Step 5: Choose a Few Goals
Choose two or three realistic goals for the year, such as:
- launch Lenten small faith-sharing groups,
- train greeters and start a newcomer welcome,
- begin outreach to inactive Catholics before Christmas or Easter,
- add a prayer for evangelization to the Prayers of the Faithful.
Step 6: Commission the Team
Ask the pastor to commission the team at a Sunday Mass. It shows the parish that this is a shared mission, and it encourages the members.
Step 7: Evaluate and Keep Going
At the end of each project, ask participants for brief feedback. Once a year, review the goals: what worked, what did not, and what is next. Real change usually takes three years or more.
Common Pitfalls
- Too much, too soon. Start small.
- Working alone. Coordinate with liturgy, faith formation and youth ministry.
- Forgetting prayer. Evangelization is God’s work first.
- Measuring only numbers. Look also for signs of deeper faith.
A Prayer for the Evangelization Team (Original Prayer)
Holy Spirit, You sent the apostles out with courage. Guide our team in prayer, planning and service. Help us see our parish with Your eyes and reach those who are waiting to hear of Your love. Amen.
Continue Reading
See evangelization team training step by step, how to lead small faith-sharing groups, or plan a parish day of reflection.
Frequently asked questions
Who should be on a parish evangelization team?
People of prayer who love the parish and are willing to learn, ideally a mix of ages, backgrounds and cultures that reflect the parish. They do not need to be the busiest volunteers already.
How is an evangelization team different from a parish council?
A pastoral council advises the pastor on the whole life of the parish. An evangelization team focuses specifically on helping parishioners share their faith and on reaching those outside the parish.
How often should the team meet?
Monthly is common, with extra meetings when planning a project. Every meeting should include prayer.
Sources
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Go and Make Disciples (1992)
- Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium (2013), nos. 28, 33
- Second Vatican Council, Apostolicam Actuositatem, nos. 2–3
