Living as Missionary Disciples: A Resource for Evangelization
Living as Missionary Disciples: A Resource for Evangelization was first published in 2017 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis. Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis's Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium and other papal teachings, this resource encourages Catholic communities to shift from a maintenance mindset to one of active mission, fostering joyful evangelization and missionary discipleship. Written for bishops, clergy, religious, lay leaders, and staff in parishes, dioceses, schools, and associations, the document provides principles rather than a prescriptive program, emphasizing shared discernment, personal conversion, and outward-focused ministry to proclaim Christ Jesus and invite others into deeper faith encounters.
The resource is structured in two parts: a theological summary of the New Evangelization, covering topics like renewal, conversion, discipleship formation, and reliance on the Holy Spirit; and practical guidance for developing pastoral plans, organized around the four key elements of the New Evangelization—encounter, accompany, community, and send—while offering six dimensions to consider for pastoral planning. It concludes with an appendix of questions for assessing current practices in each stage of discipleship, to spark reflection and discussion, highlighting considerations that are central to forming mission-oriented communities.