Through this Laborers in the Field lesson plan, youth will gain a deeper understanding of the significance of evangelization and develop the skills and confidence needed to spread their faith to others, ultimately making a positive impact on their communities and the world.
Evangelization is an essential aspect of the Catholic faith. It involves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others and inviting them to experience the love and mercy of God. As Catholic youth, it is our responsibility to share the message of the gospel with those around us, whether it be our friends, family, or strangers.
Materials for Laborers in the Field Evangelization Lesson Plan
- Bibles or printed copies of Matthew 9:36-10:8
- Writing materials (pens or pencils and paper)
- Small group discussion questions (printed or displayed on a screen)
- Optional: Relevant images or videos to enhance the opening activity or scripture reflection
- Optional: Prayer materials (candles, rosary beads, or other items for the closing prayer)
Opening Activity for Laborers in the Field Evangelization Lesson Plan
Spread the Good News Game
This game is a twist on the classic game of telephone. It will highlight the importance of clear communication and the potential for misunderstandings, while also reinforcing the message of evangelization. See the full directions.
Follow up with some questions:
- How did the "Spread the Good News" game highlight the importance of clear communication when sharing the gospel message with others?
- What were some of the challenges or misunderstandings that arose during the game, and how can we apply what we learned to our evangelization efforts?
- In what ways can we ensure that we are communicating the gospel message effectively, and how can we overcome any barriers to clear communication?
- How can we use the skills and lessons we learned during the game to share our faith confidently and effectively with others?
- Why is it important to have a sense of humor and not take ourselves too seriously when it comes to evangelization, and how can we incorporate fun and joy into our efforts to spread the good news?
Scripture Reading for Laborers in the Field Evangelization Lesson Plan
Our game highlighted the importance of clear communication when sharing the gospel message with others. This concept of clear communication is at the heart of the passage from Matthew 9:36 - 10:8, where Jesus speaks about the need for laborers in the field. He sees the crowds and recognizes their need for a shepherd, and he instructs his disciples to go out and share the good news, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons.
As laborers in the field of evangelization, we too must recognize the need for clear communication and a heart of compassion for those who do not know Christ. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing healing and hope to those around us. In the following scripture reflection and small group discussion, we will explore how we can become effective laborers in the field, equipped with the skills and confidence to share our faith with others and make a positive impact on our communities and the world.
Read Matthew 9:36-10:8:
At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon from Cana, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
Reflection for Laborers in the Field Evangelization Lesson Plan
As we reflect on the Gospel reading from Matthew 9:36-10:8, we are struck by the compassion of Jesus for those who are lost and in need of a shepherd. It is a reminder to us of the importance of evangelization and the call to be laborers in the field. Jesus instructs his disciples to go out and share the good news, to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. These are powerful and transformative actions that require us to be bold and courageous in our evangelization efforts.
We are called to be laborers in the field, to go out and share the love of God with those around us. We must have a heart of compassion for those who do not know Christ, and be willing to share the good news with them in a clear and effective way. This requires us to be intentional in our words and actions, to live out our faith in a way that draws others to Christ.
As laborers in the field of evangelization, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and take risks. We may face challenges and obstacles, but we must not let them discourage us from our mission. We must continue to press forward, guided by the example of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
In the end, we are called to be faithful laborers in the field of evangelization, to bring healing and hope to those who are lost and in need of a shepherd. We must take seriously the call to go out and share the good news, recognizing that the message of the Gospel is a powerful force for transformation in the world. Let us go forth with courage and conviction, knowing that we are not alone in our efforts, but rather, we are supported by a loving God who is with us every step of the way.
Small Group Reflection Questions for Laborers in the Field Evangelization Lesson Plan
After the reflection, young people will be divided into small groups for further discussion. The following questions will guide their conversation:
- How can we show compassion to those who do not know Christ?
- What are some practical ways we can share the gospel with others?
- What are some challenges we may face when evangelizing and how can we overcome them?
After a few minutes, ask for volunteers to share their thoughts with the larger group.
Challenge for Laborers in the Field Evangelization Lesson Plan
Encourage the youth to think about how to be laborers in the field throughout the week.
Let us challenge ourselves to take concrete steps towards evangelization. We can start by identifying at least one person in our lives who needs to hear the message of the Gospel and commit to sharing it with them this week. This could be as simple as inviting them to Mass or sharing a simple personal testimony of how our faith has impacted our lives.
Prayer for the Laborers in the Field Evangelization Lesson Plan
To close the Laborers in the Field lesson, lead the group in a prayer asking for courage and wisdom to spread the Good News.
Dear God, we thank you for the opportunity to come together and learn about evangelization as laborers in the field. We ask that you give us the courage and wisdom to share the message of the Gospel with those around us, and to be effective witnesses to your love and mercy. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Resources
More Themes for the Laborers in the Field Evangelization Lesson Plan
- Evangelization: Understanding the call to evangelize and the impact it can have on our communities and the world. By sharing the Gospel, we are called to bring others closer to God and to help build a more just and loving society.
- Clear Communication: Recognizing the challenges of effective communication and how to overcome them. Clear communication is essential to ensuring that our message is accurately understood and received.
- The Call to be Laborers in the Field: Embracing our role as witnesses to the love of God and the transformative power of the Gospel. As laborers in the field, we are called to bring hope to the hopeless and healing to the broken.
- Compassion: Understanding the importance of empathy and compassion in reaching others with the message of the Gospel. Compassion allows us to meet people where they are and to share the love of God in a way that resonates with them.
- Challenges and Obstacles in Evangelization: Identifying potential roadblocks and developing strategies for overcoming them. By anticipating challenges and obstacles, we can develop strategies for overcoming them and staying committed to our mission.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: Seeking the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our evangelization efforts. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can trust that we are being led and guided in the right direction.
- Practical Tools and Skills: Developing practical strategies and skills for communicating the message of the Gospel with clarity and conviction. By developing these skills, we can become more effective in sharing our faith and helping others come to know Christ.
- A Good Attitude: Maintaining a sense of joy and humor as we share the message of the Gospel. Humor can help us connect with others and create a more welcoming and engaging environment for evangelization.
- The Impact of Evangelization: Recognizing the potential for evangelization to bring about positive change and transformation in our communities and the world. By sharing the message of the Gospel, we can work to build a more just and loving world.
- The Need for Prayer and Discernment: Cultivating a life of prayer and discernment as we seek to be faithful witnesses to the love of God. Prayer allows us to stay connected to God and discern the best path forward in our evangelization efforts.
Background Material for the Laborers in the Field Evangelization Lesson Plan
As Catholics, we are called to share the message of the Gospel with all people and to be faithful laborers in the field of evangelization. This call to evangelize is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who commanded his disciples to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15). And in Luke, Jesus tells his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." (Luke 10:2).
These verses make it clear that evangelization is an essential aspect of the Catholic faith. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "Having been divinely sent to the nations that she might be 'the universal sacrament of salvation,' the Church...strives to preach the Gospel to all men" (CCC 849).
Furthermore, the Catechism teaches that all Catholics, by virtue of their baptism and confirmation, have the right and duty to work for the spread of the Gospel throughout the world: "Since...lay Christians are entrusted by God with the apostolate by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, they have the right and duty...to work so that the divine message of salvation may be known and accepted by all men throughout the earth" (CCC 900).
Through this lesson plan, we seek to equip Catholic youth with the tools and skills they need to be effective laborers in the field of evangelization. We hope to inspire them to take up the call to share the message of the Gospel with others, and to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
Music Suggestions for the Laborers in the Field Evangelization Lesson Plan
- "Come With Me Into the Fields" by Dan Schutte
- "A Rightful Place" by Steve Angrisano
- "Cry the Gospel" by Tom Booth
- "Here I Am, Lord" by Dan Schutte
- "Build Your Kingdom Here" by Rend Collective
- "My Story" by Big Daddy Weave
- "Go Out Go Out" by Curtis Stephan
Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections
Lesson plans are meant to give a framework for introducing information to youth. This Laborers in the Field Evangelization Lesson Plan is part of a larger set. Most of these also include reflection questions for small group sharing. These help youth think about how to apply what they have learned to their everyday lives.
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