Spreading the Gospel to the Whole World

Silent Birthday Line-Up

This activity helps the group think about communication in a new way. Have everyone stand in a large space and explain that their goal is to line up in order of their birthdays, from January to December. However, they cannot talk, write, use their phones, or make any sounds. They will need to find creative ways to communicate their birth month and day using only gestures and body language.

Give them a few minutes to work together, then check their order by having each person say their birthday out loud. If needed, let them adjust their positions. This fun challenge will lead into an important discussion about how we share messages with others.

For full instructions, visit: Silent Birthday Line-Up Game.

Discussion Questions:

• Did you have to think of different ways to communicate?
• Did some people stand out as leaders?
• What would have happened if nobody had communicated with one or two people?

That task would have been impossible if some people had been left out. Even though you couldn’t use words, you found ways to communicate so that everyone was included. Imagine if just a few people had worked together and ignored the rest of the group. The line-up would not have been correct, and some people would have felt frustrated or left out. To succeed, you had to make sure everyone got the message.

This connects to how we share our faith. Jesus told His followers to spread the Gospel to the whole world, not just to a few people. He didn’t say, “Tell the people you are comfortable with” or “Only share with those who already believe.” He sent His disciples out to everyone. Just like in the game, if we only share the message with certain people and leave others out, we are not completing the mission He gave us.

Sometimes, we might feel unsure about how to share our faith. We might think we don’t have the right words or worry that people won’t understand. But just like in the game, communication happens in many ways. We don’t always have to use words. We can spread the Gospel through our actions, kindness, and the way we treat others. The important thing is making sure that we are living out our faith and not leaving anyone out of God’s love.

Read the gospel: Mark 16:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.

These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.

But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

Mark 16:15-20 – the Gospel for the Feast of the Ascension Year B

The Gospel reading from Mark 16:15-20 speaks directly to the importance of spreading the Gospel to the whole world. Jesus gives His disciples a clear mission: “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to every creature.” He tells them that those who believe and are baptized will be saved, but those who do not believe will be condemned. These are strong words, and they remind us that faith in Jesus is not just something personal—it is something we are called to share with others.

As Catholics, we have a responsibility to spread the Gospel to the whole world. But sometimes, that can feel overwhelming. Maybe we think, “I’m not a priest, how can I share the Gospel?” or “What if people don’t want to hear about my faith?” It can be easy to keep our beliefs to ourselves, especially when we are around people who might not understand or agree with us. We may feel comfortable talking about our faith with our closest friends or youth group members, but Jesus’ command goes beyond that. He calls us to share the message of salvation with everyone—not just those who already believe, but also those who are searching, struggling, or even indifferent.

Think about it: Jesus didn’t just stay in one place and talk to the people who already followed Him. He went out to the crowds, to sinners, to those who were ignored by society. He shared the truth with everyone. He loved people where they were, but He also invited them to something greater. We are called to do the same. Spreading the Gospel to the whole world means stepping out of our comfort zones. It means being open about our faith, even when it feels a little scary or awkward.

There are many ways to share the Gospel. Just like we saw in the game we played at the beginning of this lesson, communication is more than just words. Our actions, attitudes, and choices can also share our faith. Think about how you act around others—do your words and actions show that you follow Jesus? Do people see kindness, honesty, and joy in you? When we live out our faith in daily life, we are already spreading the Gospel to the whole world in a simple but meaningful way.

Sharing your faith doesn’t mean you have to preach on a street corner or argue with people who don’t believe in God. Instead, it can be as simple as telling a friend, “I’m going to Mass this Sunday, do you want to come with me?” or choosing to say something positive when others are gossiping. It can be wearing a cross necklace or praying before a meal, even in a public place. These small actions show that your faith is real and important to you.

This Gospel reading challenges us to think about the people in our lives who might need to hear the message of salvation. Maybe it’s a friend who is struggling and needs hope. Maybe it’s a family member who has drifted away from the faith. Maybe it’s someone at school who has never really learned about Jesus. Who in your life needs to hear about God’s love? How can you share the Gospel with them in a way that feels natural and genuine?

We are not alone in this mission. God does not ask us to spread the Gospel to the whole world on our own strength. He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us. We can pray for courage and for the right moments to share our faith. We can ask God to open people’s hearts and to give us the right words. The more we trust in Him, the easier it becomes to share the good news.

In the end, spreading the Gospel is about love. When we love others enough to share the truth with them, we are doing exactly what Jesus asked us to do. It’s not about having all the answers or knowing every Bible verse. It’s about showing people that Jesus is real, that He loves them, and that following Him leads to joy and peace.

So let’s take this message seriously. Let’s look for ways—big and small—to spread the Gospel to the whole world. It starts with the people around us, in our schools, families, and communities. One conversation, one act of kindness, one invitation to Mass could change someone’s life. Let’s be bold in our faith and trust that God will use us to bring His love to others.

Small group discussions help young people think more deeply about their faith and how they can share it. Encourage them to listen to each other and be respectful. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers—this is a chance to reflect and grow. Remind them that spreading the Gospel to the whole world starts with simple conversations like these.

• How do you feel about sharing your faith with others? What makes it easy or difficult for you?
• Have you ever had an opportunity to talk about your faith? How did it go?
• What are some simple ways you can spread the Gospel to the whole world in your daily life?
• Why do you think Jesus commanded His followers to go into the whole world and preach the Gospel?
• What fears or challenges might keep you from sharing your faith? How can you overcome them?
• Think of someone in your life who might need to hear about God’s love. How can you reach out to them in a natural and caring way?
• How can prayer help you when you feel nervous about sharing the Gospel?
• What do you think it means to “live your faith” in a way that attracts others to Jesus?
• How can social media be used to spread the Gospel to the whole world? What are some dangers to avoid?
• What is one thing you can do this week to share your faith in a small but meaningful way?

This week, take some time to think about someone in your life who might need to hear about God’s love. It could be a friend, a classmate, or even a family member. Maybe they are struggling with something, feeling lost, or just unsure about faith. Ask yourself, how could I share the message of salvation with them? It doesn’t have to be a big conversation—it could be as simple as inviting them to Mass, sending them a Bible verse, or showing kindness when they need it most. Sometimes, our actions speak louder than words.

Before you take action, pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Ask for the right words and the courage to speak when the moment comes. Trust that God will create opportunities for you to share your faith in a natural way. When you feel that nudge to say something or do something, don’t ignore it—step forward with confidence. Spreading the Gospel to the whole world starts with small, faithful steps. You never know how one conversation or act of love could change someone’s life.

Let us take a moment to quiet our hearts and turn to God.

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to share Your love with the world. You have given us the gift of faith, and we want to share it with others. Help us to be bold and joyful in spreading the Gospel to the whole world.

Jesus, You told Your disciples to go and preach to all people. Sometimes we feel nervous or unsure about sharing our faith. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones. Help us to trust that You are always with us.

Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with wisdom and strength. Guide us in our words and actions. Show us the people in our lives who need to hear about Your love. Help us to be lights in the world, reflecting Your truth and kindness.

Lord, we offer ourselves to You. Use us to bring Your message to those who need it. May we always live in a way that draws others closer to You.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Themes

• Jesus Sends Us: Jesus told his followers to go into the whole world and share the Gospel. This lesson helps young people see that this mission is for all Catholics. They are called to spread God’s love in their daily lives.
• Faith in Action: Sharing the Gospel is more than words; it is how we live. When young people show kindness and mercy, they help bring the message of Jesus to the whole world. Their actions can inspire others to seek God.
• The Power of Baptism: Jesus said that those who believe and are baptized will be saved. Baptism calls every Catholic to share their faith with the whole world. This lesson helps young people understand their role in this mission.
• Trusting in God: Some may feel nervous about sharing their faith. This lesson encourages young people to trust that God will help them. He gives them strength to share His message with the whole world.
• Reaching Everyone: The Gospel is for all people, not just those who already believe. Jesus calls us to bring His message to the whole world, including those who feel lost. This lesson helps young people see the importance of welcoming others.
• Everyday Evangelization: Sharing faith does not always mean preaching. Simple actions like inviting a friend to Mass or praying for others can help spread the Gospel to the whole world. This lesson shows young people small ways to make a big impact.
• The Holy Spirit Guides Us: Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would help His followers. This lesson reminds young people that they are not alone in sharing the Gospel with the whole world. The Holy Spirit gives them wisdom and courage.
• Love as a Witness: The best way to share the Gospel is through love. When young people treat others with kindness and respect, they bring God’s message to the whole world. Love opens hearts to the truth.
• Prayer for Strength: Prayer gives Catholics the strength to share their faith. This lesson teaches young people to pray for courage in spreading the Gospel to the whole world. God will always guide them.
• Living with Joy: A joyful heart attracts others to the faith. When young people live with joy, they help bring the Gospel to the whole world. Their happiness in Christ can lead others to God.

Background Material

Jesus gave His disciples a clear mission: to spread the Gospel to the whole world. In Mark 16:15, He says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” This command was not just for the apostles. It is for all Catholics. The Church continues this mission today, calling every believer to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

The Catholic Church teaches that evangelization is at the heart of its mission. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 905) says, “Lay people also fulfill their prophetic mission by evangelization, that is, the proclamation of Christ by word and the testimony of life.” This means that all Catholics are called to spread the Gospel to the whole world. Some may do this through preaching, but most will do it by living as faithful witnesses. The way we act, speak, and treat others can show Christ to the people around us.

The Bible is full of examples of people sharing their faith. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to spread the Gospel to the whole world. We do not do this alone. God gives us what we need to carry out His mission.

Evangelization does not always mean standing on a street corner and preaching. It can be as simple as inviting a friend to Mass, praying for someone in need, or sharing how faith has helped us in difficult times. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” This means being ready to share our faith when the opportunity comes. It also means living in a way that makes others curious about our faith.

Pope Francis has spoken often about the need to spread the Gospel with joy. He encourages Catholics to share their faith with love and kindness. In his document Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), he says, “Every Christian is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in evangelization.” This means that spreading the Gospel to the whole world is not just for priests or religious leaders. It is for everyone, no matter their age or background.

The Catholic Church also teaches that spreading the Gospel should be done with respect for others. We do not force people to believe, but we invite them to experience God’s love. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” This reminds us that kindness and patience are important when sharing our faith.

Spreading the Gospel to the whole world is part of what it means to be Catholic. Jesus calls us to share His message, and the Church teaches that this is a responsibility for all believers. By living our faith with joy and love, we can help others come to know Jesus.

Music Suggestions

• “Build Your Kingdom Here” by Rend Collective
• “Tell the World” by Hillsong United
• “Do Something” by Matthew West
• “The Gospel” by Ryan Stevenson
• “Go Out Go Out” by Curtis Stephan

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Looking for more ways to engage youth in their faith? Our Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections page offers free resources for catechists, youth ministers, and teachers. These lessons help young people grow in their relationship with Christ and learn how to live out their faith.

Each lesson includes reflections, activities, and discussion questions to make learning interactive and meaningful. Whether you need a lesson for a youth group, religious education class, or retreat, you’ll find many helpful options. Explore our free resources and inspire young people to share the Gospel with the whole world.