Living as Missionary Disciples


P
ope Francis in the Joy of the Gospel encourages a new look at who we are: "In virtue of their baptism, all the members of the People of God have become missionary disciples (cf. Mt 28:19). ...Every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are “disciples” and “missionaries”, but rather that we are always “missionary disciples”." (Para 120)

Click here to discover and grow as a Missionary Disciple

 



"Living as Missionary Disciples"
 



We are all called to be a "Missionary Disciple"

We must promote Living As Missionary Disciples at Ascension:

 


 

Defining Missionary Disciple

A missionary disciple has encountered Jesus’s love  and goes to share His love through word and/or action with whomever they meet and in whatever circumstances they find themselves. 

Three movements of a Missionary Disciple:

  1. Disciple: We experience and foster a personal encounter with Jesus - sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening and learning, which then propels the disciple to mission.

  2. Missionary: The act of going and sharing this encounter with others through word and action.

  3. Steward: As a Missionary Disciple we are responsible guardians in caring for the gifts that God has given us and are open to sharing them.

We encounter – we go- we share!

 


 

Scriptural Images of Missionary Disciples:

4 Phases of Living As Missionary Disciple: 

  • Encounter: Encounter the love and saving action of Jesus

  • Accompaniment: Walk with someone on their faith journey

  • Community: Invite someone to be part of our community

  • Send: Share God's love with others through Works of Mercy

 


 

The journey of a Missionary Discipleship begins with encounter and encounter begins with Jesus Christ!

Encounter Opportunities at Ascension

View the Encountering Christ through Prayer presentations

Watch this video on the importance of Encounter: