www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization New Ways to Get Out the "WORD"

It seems we have pondered different methods of evangelism on this board in many different ways. We have now entered the 21st century, and I think it is time to stategize and look at different ways on getting the WORD out for evangelism and to have our churches better known for we truly in most cases have an identification problem in society.

We have discussed Radio, as my co-moderator has an applaudable effort out there (even though I am constantly have problems downloading new episodes) along with the Orthodox Church's Come Receive the Light program, TV, and even improving websites. What are some of the other ways we can use the media of the 21st century to get the WORD out and start the information process that will lead those in darkness to Jesus Christ and his Church?

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Talk directly to Muslims about Christianity.

What do you do when "they" don't want to hear the WORD or think that "they" are the word. I was in California this past extended weekend. Those are the people who walk in the darkness and can't see the GREAT LIGHT.

The whole point is the WORD WHO WAS MADE FLESH (verbum caro factum est) who was in the beginning and is God has been rejected. Sadly, by his own...

I hope you don't feel that all of us out here in California are in the dark. I know this State can seem to be off it's rocker politically speaking, but there are good folk here.

Steve
(In the North of the Land of LA-la, [Los Angeles, that is])

There are a few points of light in California to be sure. Like the stars that pierce through the blackened sky. I'm glad you're one of them.

It seems like podcasts are gaining more and more popularity. Perhaps something can be done with that.

I definitely agree with that suggestion. MP3 and the new MP4 (video podcast technology) can be done quite inexpensively. Both require a minimal of investment and can be done by only a few people.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Sorry, Dr. Eric, but I had to laugh because I see you're writing from Missouri. I grew up in Missouri and now live in California, and there are people of faith in both states.

There are also atheists and pagans in both states. Darkness isn't confined to any one geographical area.

And - it's a lot easier to recognize the true light when you're in the dark, than when you're surrounded by artificial light. If that makes any sense.

I believe the topic had to do with improving and suggesting new ways to get out the word using the methods of the 21st century.

Nowhere in the topic question that I posed had anything to do with demeaning any particular region or state or those that may reside there. This is an Evangelization Forum which promotes the values of the gospel and ways of promoting it, not a forum to tear people down or to squabble who has the more enlightened populace.

Let's get back to the topic, and make constructive not destructive posts.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+
Moderator

Fr. Anthony,

True, you did not mention in your post anything negative. In Dr. Eric's reply however, there was a STRONG bias of negativity regarding those who live in the State of California. I myself didn't take offence at his post with such a statement like this:
Admittedly, since he was in Santa Monica, which is adjacent to Hollywood, (a city not known for it's conservative lifestyle), one might, (though incorrectly), paint the whole state of California with such a brush.

In the context of the subject of this thread, the case might be inferred that based upon his insight of "those" people, that they weren't worth the trouble. As Theist Gal points out California does not have a monopoly of "those" who live in darkness. Within the Los Angeles metropolitan area, there are MANY Orthodox and Eastern Catholic parishes. We have large Russian and Armenian communities here.

Perhaps the problem is that there are not yet enough lights to fill that great darkness of Hollywood.

I, myself, who is not of the 21st century iPod generation, am curious as to how well podcasts work. It does seem that given the substantially lower costs than radio there would/should be potentially more coverage. But like most things, word of mouth is an inefficient method of advertising. How does one effectively advertise for particular podcasts given the rapid expansion of such available technology?

It does make sense to utilise these available low cost technologies for general broadcasts to bring people closer to the true message of Christ in the Orthodox/Catholic light. We should strive for ways to utilise this (podcast technology) along with other the established media - newspaper, radio, television etc.

Respectfully,

Steve

One last tangential comment - I for one have had some wonderful spiirutal experiences in California, including experiencing authentic Byzantine monasticism in the "old days" with Archimandrite Boniface of blessed memory and now HRM; an incredible experience at the Joy of All who Sorrow Cathedral in San Francisco with the relics of St. John; Our Lady of Fatima in SF; and many years to Fr. David Anderson and his thriving mission community in Ukiah.

Back to the topic, many of us older folks are a bit technology challenged in this regard. This is an aspect where the youth with their up and coming knowledge of all the gadgetry can be a wonderful resource for us to consult with to get their ideas and recommendations on how to get the WORD out.
DD

First, let me apologize to thosse who had taken offense to my post. I'm sorry.

I was in Santa Monica at an Acupuncture Class, the people there were mostly New Age Neo-pagans. One of the sessions was on the Huna tradition of Hawaiian spirituality. The gist was that by treating the body one can treat the "spirit" (their word for soul.) And one girl admitted to apostasy from the Catholic Faith and was praised for her "undentable spirit" when it was revealed that her mom cut her off because she would no longer pay for her daughter's sinful lifestyle.

The teacher remarked "That's not very god-like is it?" When she said that her mother won't pay for anything anymore. Except that her mother still lets her live with her boyfriend in a house that her mother paid for.

It seems that there is tolerance for everything except Christianity in many people.

I was venting and this was not the place for it. My statement was meant to read, how do you get them to hear the WORD when they don't want to listen?

Dear Father Deacon,

This old timer (someone referred to me as 1600 years old in another section ) keeps up with technology more now than I did when I was in my 20s and 30s. I think we have some real technology savvy posters here, it is just having them brainstorm a little and then having them come up with ideas.

If you want to reach out to the 21st century world, we have to start using the 21st century's resources to grab them so that maybe they will start reading and hearing the word.

Just a thought from a real old timer (Just think I can be Mel Brook's 2,000 year old man's younger brother :rolleyes: ).

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

1600 years old?

Oh, dear! You must be on the original old calendar!


--

OK, to keep on topic I�ll add the following (my broken record).

When we (as individuals) have a good relationship with Jesus Christ other people will find us attractive.

When we (as parishes) have a good relationship with Jesus Christ our parish becomes attractive in the marketplace that is the community.

Being attractive will bring people to our doors.

Our hospitality (together with the solid food of solid teaching and good worship) will attract them to stay.

Modern media only gives us tools. When we use them what draws people is the story about what Jesus Christ has done in our personal lives, with the offer that they can have this same saving relationship with him, too.

John,

Agreed! You have no debate from me on your points. Just would like to have a few extra tools for the arsenal that is all .

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+