Become God’s Rock Star!

Before I tell you how I evangelize, let me make one point perfectly clear. This point, this principle, is absolutely vital to your sanity and success as a lay evangelist. In fact, until I learned this principle I was constantly stressed out and had a sense of aggressive urgency that inquirers would always pick up on, and would usually scare them off. So if you learn this simple principle and make it a part of your very being, your efforts as a lay evangelist will make you a rock star among lay evangelists in God’s eyes. 

Here’s the principle: You are not responsible for success. You’re only responsible for doing what God expects of you; making converts is His responsibility. Don’t try to “go above and beyond the call of duty” to make converts. You can’t make converts anyway, and all you can accomplish is getting in God’s way. So just relax (breathe deeply), do what you know you’re supposed to do (share the faith), and don’t worry about anything else. To use a tired old slogan, “Just let go and let God.”

Now, let’s get back to how I ride in this rodeo.

When I share the faith, I don’t do it as you may typically be used to hearing it. Oh, I use the traditional Q&A format of catechesis all right, but I don’t do it in the boring old rote method (yawn). In my presentations, I become the storyteller. I include history, Church and papal documents, patristics, apologetics, and anecdotal information from the lives of saints, former students, other people I’ve known or heard about, and myself—anything I believe might be relevant to the topic and interesting to students. And I only speak in the common language of the average pew-sitting Joe Sixpack Catholic. The result? Well, I’m writing this series, aren’t I? And the reason I tell a lot of stories is, that’s the way the Boss did it 2,000 years ago.

The key is to make it intriguing, avoiding boredom—to be excited about your Catholic faith without being phony about it. You see, excitement is contagious, which is why my students never yawn and always stay engaged. Remember, though, you can’t have phony excitement; your students will spot you as a phony in a second and you’ll lose all credibility. To get an idea of what I’m saying, read these unsolicited testimonials from attendees of the catechetical webinars I’ve been doing.

This was the first full webinar I’ve sat through. And I was amazed when you said it was time for questions. It just blew me away, as I didn’t think an hour had gone by already. So I would’ve never guessed that an hour would’ve gone by. It was amazing! I was totally shocked. You have me sucked in! It was a great experience for me. Thank you for everything you do.

Randy M

The Gospel letters, though written thousands of years ago, are supposed to draw me closer to God. They, for the most part, don’t. You do. YOUR words are more effective in reaching me. I know, for the most part, what the apostles have said. I’m looking for someone who can relate it to today. I have a greater chance of returning back to the flock with what you do.

Robert M

I think you are doing a great job! I completed Father John Hardon’s Basic Catholic Catechism Course some time ago, but having done it on my own, I feel I only had the pieces of the puzzle, and now you are helping me to glue them together.

Silvia P

The weekly catechetical webinars offered by Joe Sixpack are perfectly sound, accurate and engaging. They precisely address the questions troubling the three sadly un-catechized generations who make up most of today’s Catholic laity.

Donna S

Your webinars are great. They are short but informative. I have urged a group of friends to give them a try. We all need to improve on our faith. Thanks.

 Jim F

Joe Sixpack’s style of teaching is down to earth, making it simple for everyone to understand the truths of the Holy Catholic Church. His webinars and catechism lessons are helpful for those new to the Faith, but also for those who need a refresher course. I pray that his Apostolate continues to bear much good fruit! 

Maria B

I believe what you are doing is exceptional! I have learned so much about the Catholic faith in the last 2 years.

Mike W

Thanks for sending me the recording of yesterday’s “Catholics’ Specific Duties.” I enjoyed your presentation, which was very informative, and I look forward to the next one on the life of virtue.

It’s so comforting to gain knowledge of our Catholic Faith in a different way and be able to have a better understanding of our rich heritage and what it means to believe what and why we believe it, and most of all, what Christ has given to us to lead us back to our Creator. Our road to our salvation! I certainly, want to be a better informed Catholic, and be confident in sharing it with others. 

Chuck L

Thank you for this [a recording] and all the information you are sharing with us. You will never know how long I have wanted a program like this. Thank you.

Glenda M

It’s important to note that you can’t be me or anything like me any more than I can be you or anything like you. We all have gifts God has endowed us with; certain lights, if you will. I didn’t put these testimonials in here to boast about what a great lay evangelist I am. My intent is to prove to you that when you share the faith with others, it doesn’t have to be boring. Indeed, it can and should be exciting! You actually can become God’s rock star.

Next week is when the rubber meets the road. We’ll talk about getting yourself prepared to work.