Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Apostolate

The apostolate, derived from word apostello meaning "to send forth," refers to the office or originally entrusted to the apostles and extended to all in spreading and participating in the Church's salvific work. In the Catholic tradition, it encompasses the organized efforts of the faithful to evangelize, sanctify humanity, and infuse the temporal order with the spirit of . The purpose of the apostolate is rooted in the universal Christian vocation, as outlined in the Second Vatican Council's Apostolicam Actuositatem (1965), which describes it as the activity of Christ's Mystical Body directed toward manifesting His message through words and deeds while communicating grace to the world. This mission aims to promote , renew society in Christ, and perfect earthly affairs by aligning them with divine principles. All baptized and confirmed members of the Church share in this call, participating in Christ's priestly, prophetic, and kingly offices, though it holds particular significance for the who exercise it in secular environments such as , work, and life. Historically, the apostolate traces its origins to the commission of to His disciples to proclaim the kingdom of , a zeal evident from the early Church's spontaneous missionary efforts. Over centuries, this mandate evolved to include organized forms like religious orders and lay associations, with Vatican II emphasizing the laity's indispensable role in bridging faith and worldly spheres to foster holistic renewal. Today, it manifests through diverse initiatives, including educational programs, efforts, and evangelization groups, all aimed at continuing the apostles' foundational task.

Etymology and Definition

Etymology

The term "apostolate" originates from the apostolātus, denoting the office or mission of an , which itself derives from the apostolos (ἀπόστολος). This noun is formed from the prefix apo- (ἀπό), meaning "from" or "away," and the verb stellō (στέλλω), meaning "to send" or "to prepare for sending," literally signifying "one who is sent out" or "messenger."po%2Fstolos) In classical , apostolos primarily conveyed the idea of an envoy, delegate, or expedition leader, often in a military or naval context, such as the of a fleet dispatched on a . This usage appears in works like those of , where it describes ambassadors or naval squadrons sent abroad. Over time, the term shifted from these secular connotations—rooted in themes of dispatch and authority—to more specialized applications in , the common dialect of the .po%2Fstolos) In texts, including the (the Greek translation of the ) and the , apostolos evolved to emphasize commissioned representatives or delegates, often with a sense of authoritative sending for a purpose. For instance, the employs it for messengers in prophetic contexts, while the applies it to those dispatched to proclaim divine messages.po%2Fstolos) The adoption of apostolātus into Latin occurred in early Christian writings by the late , as evidenced in a letter by (r. 189–199), where it underscored the formal office, , or apostolic within the emerging Church structure. This linguistic transition marked a key shift, transforming the classical notion of naval or diplomatic expeditions into a distinctly Christian framework of evangelistic commissioning, solidifying by the in patristic literature.

Core Definition

The apostolate refers to , , or work of an , centered on the propagation of religious , particularly within . In this context, it encompasses the organized efforts to spread through , evangelization, and , often under the directive of a higher such as Christ or . A core attribute of the apostolate is the element of being "sent"—derived from the term apostoloi meaning "sent ones"—to carry out a commissioned task of proclaiming divine truths and establishing faithful communities. This mission involves active outreach, where individuals or groups act as extensions of a to foster and moral guidance among others. While related to apostleship, which denotes the personal office or role of an , the apostolate emphasizes the ongoing activity, collective organization, or practical execution of that mission rather than the individual position alone. Broadly, it can describe any dedicated endeavor to disseminate a belief system, but in its specific Christian usage, it pertains to evangelization aligned with the foundational purpose.

Historical Development

Biblical Foundations

The apostolate in the originates from the Greek term apostolos, meaning "one sent" or "messenger," denoting those commissioned by for divine mission. established the apostolate by commissioning the Twelve Apostles as the foundational cadre for his mission. In :14, appoints twelve disciples "so that they would be with him and he could send them out to preach." This selection is elaborated in :1-4, where summons the twelve, endows them with authority to expel unclean spirits and cure diseases, and names them: Simon (called ), his brother , James son of , his brother , , Bartholomew, , the tax collector, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and (who later betrayed him). These passages highlight the apostolate's inception as a deliberate sending forth for proclamation and authoritative acts, training the Twelve to advance God's kingdom through direct association with . After his resurrection, Jesus reinforced the apostolate through the Great Commission, directing the apostles toward universal outreach. Matthew 28:16-20 records Jesus declaring, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This imperative underscores baptism as initiation into faith, teaching as ongoing formation, and global disciple-making as the apostolate's core mandate, empowering the apostles to extend Jesus' authority worldwide. The apostolate's scope broadened with Paul, appointed as apostle to the Gentiles beyond the original Twelve. Galatians 1:1 states Paul as "an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Christ and , who raised him from the dead." depicts his transformative encounter with the risen Christ on the road, where commissions him to carry his name before Gentiles, kings, and , marking Paul's inclusion in the apostolic witness. This divine call, independent yet aligned with the Twelve's, expanded the mission to non-Jews, as Paul later affirms in :7-8 that he was entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as was for the circumcised. Early apostolic endeavors, ignited at , illustrated the mission's practical outworking through preaching, miracles, and community formation. :1-47 describes the descending on the apostles, enabling them to speak in diverse tongues and proclaim ' deeds, with preaching and receiving about three thousand converts who were baptized and joined in fellowship. The apostles performed "many wonders and signs" (:43), such as healings and bold testimony, while fostering a communal life of teaching, shared meals, and that solidified the church. These activities embodied the apostolate's foundational roles: evangelistic validated by supernatural signs and the establishment of believing communities.

Early Church and Medieval Evolution

In the patristic period from the 2nd to 5th centuries, the concept of emerged as a foundational doctrine, establishing a direct link between the apostles and the emerging structure of the Church. Early writings, such as those of around 107 AD, emphasized the role of a single in each community as a successor to the apostles, ensuring the continuity of teaching and authority "unto the ends of the earth." This doctrine was further developed by figures like of Lyons in the late , who highlighted the sacramental transmission of authority through the imposition of hands, preserving the against heresies. By the 3rd century, practices codified in documents like the Tradition of Hippolytus reinforced this succession as essential for the Church's mission. The apostolate expanded significantly through missionary endeavors in the 5th and 6th centuries, adapting apostolic commissioning to new regions. , returning to around 432 AD after his enslavement there, led a team-based that converted tribal leaders and established indigenous churches, fostering a vibrant over nearly three decades. Similarly, , dispatched by Pope Gregory the Great in 597 AD with about 40 monks, evangelized the Anglo-Saxon , baptizing thousands including King Æthelberht and founding key institutions like Christ Church in , which became the seat of English Christianity. These efforts exemplified the apostolate's growth beyond the Mediterranean, prioritizing cultural adaptation and local leadership. During the medieval era, monastic orders served as extensions of the apostolate, institutionalizing missionary and educational work from the onward. The Benedictine order, founded by Saint Benedict of Nursia at Montecassino in 529 AD, promoted a balanced life of prayer and labor under his , which spread across Europe through missionary activities, preserving apostolic teachings via scriptoria and schools that trained clergy and laity. By the 8th century, the had unified monastic practice in the , enhancing the Church's evangelistic reach. The of the 11th to 13th centuries were similarly framed by papal calls, such as Pope Urban II's 1095 summons at Clermont and later bulls like Gregory VIII's Audita tremendi in 1187, as penitential missions to recover the from Muslim control, restoring Christian access to apostolic sites like and offering indulgences for participants. A notable shift toward organized missions occurred in the 13th century with the rise of , which emphasized itinerant preaching and poverty to fulfill the apostolate in urbanizing societies. The Franciscan order, established by Saint Francis of Assisi around 1209 and approved by in 1210, focused on simple proclamation and missionary outreach, sending friars to , the , and to adapt to local pastoral needs and combat through evangelization. This model marked a dynamic evolution from cloistered to active apostolic engagement.

Apostolate in Catholicism

Clerical Apostolate

In Catholic doctrine, the clerical apostolate refers to the exercised by ordained —primarily bishops and —as successors to the apostles, entrusted with the of teaching, sanctifying, and governing the faithful. According to the , bishops hold the fullness of and serve as the college of apostles under the , bearing primary responsibility for proclaiming with Christ's authority, administering sacraments to confer grace, and shepherding the through pastoral governance (CCC 874–877, 888–896). , ordained to share in this apostolic ministry, act as co-workers with bishops, extending these functions in parishes and missions while representing Christ in their priestly service (CCC 893, 896). This hierarchical structure ensures the Church's unity and fidelity to , with the clerical apostolate serving as the visible extension of Christ's reign. Historically, the clerical apostolate expanded significantly during the Age of Exploration (15th–17th centuries), as European clergy led evangelization efforts amid colonial voyages, establishing Catholicism in distant lands. Jesuit priests, authorized by papal bulls such as Regimini militantis Ecclesiae (1540), spearheaded missions in , where figures like St. Francis Xavier baptized thousands in (1542) and introduced Christianity to (1549), adapting preaching to local cultures while upholding doctrinal integrity. In the , Jesuit and other clerical orders, supported by papal mandates like those from , founded missions among indigenous populations, such as the reductions in (1609–1767) that integrated education, agriculture, and sacramental life for over 100,000 . These efforts, often coordinated through diocesan structures, exemplified the clerical role in cross-cultural transmission of the faith, though they occurred within complex colonial contexts. The core functions of the clerical apostolate revolve around the administration of sacraments, doctrinal preaching, and governance, all derived from apostolic . Bishops and sanctify the faithful through the and other rites, fostering communion with God and the community (CCC 893). They teach authoritatively via the , preserving apostolic doctrine against error and guiding moral formation (CCC 888–892). Governance involves ordaining successors, resolving disputes, and promoting unity, modeled on Christ's role as (CCC 894–896). Rooted in from the early , this apostolate maintains the Church's hierarchical order to fulfill Christ's mandate. Notable examples include papal missions, such as those outlined in XI's Rerum Ecclesiae (1926), which reinforced clerical leadership in global evangelization by directing bishops to support priests in non-Christian territories. Diocesan apostolates, organized under bishops, focus on local implementation, such as catechetical programs and liturgical renewal within territorial jurisdictions to nurture faith among the . These initiatives underscore the clerical apostolate's ongoing role in sustaining the Church's universal mission.

Lay Apostolate

The lay apostolate refers to the active participation of non-ordained Catholics in the Church's mission of evangelization, rooted in the universal call to holiness extended to all the baptized. The Second Vatican Council's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Apostolicam Actuositatem (1965), provides the doctrinal foundation, affirming that "the Christian vocation by its very nature is also a vocation to the apostolate" and emphasizing the laity's duty to evangelize within temporal affairs. This document derives the laity's right and obligation from their union with Christ through Baptism and Confirmation, enabling them to share in His priestly, prophetic, and royal offices by penetrating the world with the Gospel spirit. Post-Vatican II, this call underscores the laity's role in sanctifying society, renewing the temporal order through justice, charity, and cooperation with others outside the Church. The lay apostolate manifests in diverse forms, adapting to individual and communal contexts. Personal apostolate involves individual witness to faith, hope, and charity in daily life, such as through spoken or written testimony, prayer, or enduring hardships as a reflection of Christ's love. Group apostolate occurs through collaborative efforts in families, parishes, or associations, exemplified by prayer groups or organized initiatives that foster unity and mutual support in evangelization. Professional apostolate integrates faith into workplaces and social spheres, where laity infuse professional activities with Christian values, promoting honest dealings and Gospel principles to transform secular environments. Historically, the lay apostolate gained momentum before Vatican II through movements like , which emerged in the 1920s under as a structured between and to promote the amid challenges. promoted internationally, viewing it as the 's participation in the apostolate of the to restore Christian order in society, as further elaborated in his 1931 Non Abbiamo Bisogno. Post-Vatican II developments shifted emphasis toward the sanctification of everyday life and society, encouraging to act as leaven in the world rather than solely through formal organizations. A pivotal figure in advancing the lay apostolate is St. Josemaría Escrivá, who founded in 1928 to foster holiness among through ordinary work and circumstances. Escrivá taught that daily activities could be a path to sanctity and apostolate, urging members to "spread goodness, light, enthusiasm, [and] generosity" in professional and family life as a means of evangelization. This approach prefigured Vatican II's vision, emphasizing the laity's secular integration to sanctify the world from within.

Apostolate in Other Christian Traditions

Protestant Perspectives

In , the concept of apostolate is rooted in the Reformation's doctrine of the , articulated by in the 1520s as a rejection of clerical monopoly on spiritual authority, thereby empowering every Christian to engage in apostolic tasks such as evangelism and ministry. further developed this idea in the 1530s and 1540s, emphasizing the church's collective participation in Christ's prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices, which extended to missionary endeavors without hierarchical mediation. This democratization of apostolic work shifted focus from sacramental mediation to direct, personal proclamation of , aligning with the biblical to make disciples of all nations. Key emphases in Protestant apostolate include through preaching and organized missions, exemplified by the Moravian Church's pioneering efforts in the 18th century, where lay members, inspired by Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf, undertook global outreach starting in 1732, sending over 200 missionaries by 1760 to regions like the , , and . , emerging in the early but gaining momentum in the 19th, have centered their apostolate on the , viewing personal witness and as duties of all believers, which fueled movements like the Southern Baptist Convention's , established in 1845 to coordinate worldwide . In the modern era, Protestant apostolate has manifested through Bible societies and missionary organizations that promote scriptural distribution and cross-cultural outreach. The London Missionary Society, founded in 1795 as an interdenominational evangelical body, dispatched over 1,800 missionaries by 1945 to , , and the Pacific, emphasizing voluntary lay involvement in converting "unenlightened nations." Similarly, the , established in 1804, has distributed millions of globally to support evangelical missions, underscoring the apostolate's role in accessible gospel propagation. Variations appear in 20th-century Pentecostalism, which stresses charismatic sending through spiritual gifts like and , viewing every believer as potentially commissioned for apostolic via personal experiences of the [Holy Spirit](/page/Holy Spirit), as seen in the [Azusa Street Revival](/page/Azusa Street Revival) of 1906 that launched independent Pentecostal missions worldwide. This approach has driven rapid growth, with Pentecostal churches sending lay missionaries to over 100 countries by mid-century, prioritizing supernatural empowerment over institutional structures.

Anglican and Orthodox Views

In Anglicanism, the concept of apostolate embodies the via media, or middle way, between Protestant individualism and Catholic hierarchy, enabling a balanced approach to mission that emphasizes scriptural authority alongside contextual adaptability in liturgy and practice. This framework has historically supported both ordained and lay engagement in evangelistic efforts, allowing Anglican churches to expand globally while maintaining episcopal oversight. A prime example is the Church Missionary Society (CMS), established in 1799 by Evangelical Anglican clergy and prominent lay figures such as William Wilberforce and Charles Grant, which focused on missions in Africa and Asia through voluntary, lay-driven initiatives that complemented the established church's structures. Lay involvement in the apostolate extends to social outreach, reflecting Anglican commitments to justice and community service as integral to proclamation. In , apostolate is deeply rooted in —the collaborative governance of the church through councils and bishops—and monastic traditions, viewing as a communal journey toward theosis, or deification, where believers participate in divine life through shared worship and service. Monastic figures have been central to this, as seen in the ninth-century missions of brothers , who evangelized the peoples of by creating a native , translating scriptures, and ordaining indigenous , thereby inculturating the within local communities. This approach underscores apostolate not as individual endeavor but as a synodal process fostering unity and across generations. Both and uphold as the unbroken transmission of episcopal authority from the early church, ensuring the validity of sacraments and mission, though prioritizes an unchanging patristic tradition while allows greater adaptability to cultural contexts. In the twentieth century, these traditions manifested in global outreach: the of expanded missions across , establishing communities in , , and beyond, with the founding of theological schools to train local clergy. Similarly, Anglican Lambeth Conferences, convened decennially since 1867, have coordinated worldwide mission strategies, addressing global challenges through calls to action on reconciliation, justice, and .

Modern Usage and Organizations

Contemporary Movements

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Catholic Church has seen the rise of lay-led movements emphasizing unity and catechesis as forms of apostolate. The Focolare Movement, founded in 1943 by Chiara Lubich in Trent, Italy, promotes spiritual and social renewal through building fraternal relationships inspired by Jesus' prayer for unity, operating as a global ecclesial community that includes members from various Christian denominations. Similarly, the Neocatechumenal Way, established in 1964 by Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernández in Madrid, Spain, provides an itinerary of Catholic formation for adults, focusing on post-baptismal catechesis and evangelization, and was recognized by Pope Paul VI in 1974 as a fruit of the Second Vatican Council. Among Protestant and evangelical traditions, initiatives have emphasized and access through structured programs and missions. The , originating in 1977 at Church in and repositioned in 1990 by , serves as an introductory series of interactive sessions exploring Christian faith basics, fostering discussions to reach seekers outside the church. Wycliffe Bible Translators, founded in 1942 by , advances linguistic missions by partnering with communities to translate the into indigenous languages, aiming for every ethnic group to access Scripture in their heart language. Ecumenical efforts have fostered collaborative apostolate on a global scale. The Lausanne Movement, launched in 1974 with the International Congress on World Evangelization in , —convened by —connects Christian leaders worldwide through conferences and networks to promote holistic mission, including proclamation and . In the digital age since the 2000s, apostolate has adapted to online platforms, leveraging and apps for widespread faith-sharing and engagement. The App, released in 2008 by , has facilitated digital evangelism by providing free access to Scripture in over 2,000 languages, amassing nearly 1 billion installs and enabling users to read, listen, and share content via integrated social features. Organizations like the Film Project further exemplify this by streaming sermons, devotionals, and evangelistic videos on platforms such as and to reach remote audiences.

Broader Applications

In other religious traditions, concepts analogous to the Christian apostolate appear in practices aimed at propagating faith and ethical teachings. In , da'wah—meaning "invitation" or "call"—serves as the equivalent of missionary work, involving the proactive sharing of Islamic principles to invite others toward faith and moral living, as emphasized in Qur'anic injunctions and prophetic traditions. Similarly, in , the sangha's outreach reflects a directive from to his disciples to propagate the Dhamma (teachings) for the welfare of all beings; after ordaining sixty arahats (enlightened monks), he commissioned them as missionaries to spread the path to across regions. These parallels highlight a shared emphasis on communal dissemination of spiritual guidance, though adapted to each tradition's doctrinal framework. The notion of apostolate extends metaphorically into secular spheres, where dedicated advocacy for ideological or ethical "doctrines" mirrors the zeal of religious mission. For instance, environmental organizations like Greenpeace, established in 1971 in Vancouver, Canada, embody this through non-violent direct action and global campaigns to advance ecological protection and sustainability, functioning as a form of activism apostolate committed to transforming societal behaviors toward planetary care. Such groups prioritize outreach, education, and mobilization to foster widespread adoption of principles like conservation, drawing on a sense of urgent moral imperative akin to faith-based propagation. In interfaith and humanitarian contexts, apostolate principles blend with efforts to promote unity and equity across divides. The , founded in 1948 as an ecumenical fellowship of Protestant, Anglican, , and other Christian bodies, integrates outreach with for peace, , and , framing these as extensions of collective Christian witness in a pluralistic world. This approach encourages collaborative action on global issues, such as poverty alleviation and climate justice, viewing them as integral to a broader "pilgrimage of justice and peace." Criticisms of apostolate-like activities, particularly in global missions, often center on the risk of cultural imposition, where efforts to share beliefs inadvertently erode traditions and reinforce colonial legacies. Scholarly analyses highlight how historical strategies sometimes prioritized over , leading to the suppression of local practices and values in favor of external norms. In multicultural settings, this can manifest as or insensitivity, challenging the authenticity of engagement and prompting calls for greater contextualization to avoid hegemonic influences.

References

  1. [1]
    APOSTOLATE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
    1. The office or mission of an apostle. 2. An association of persons dedicated to the propagation of a religion or a doctrine.
  2. [2]
    Apostolicam actuositatem - The Holy See
    The apostolate of the Church and of all its members is primarily designed to manifest Christ's message by words and deeds and to communicate His grace to the ...
  3. [3]
    Laity | USCCB
    The Apostolate of the Laity. Laity is a term that applies to the non-ordained members of the Body of Christ. Lay women and men are those individuals at work ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  4. [4]
    What Is the Lay Apostolate? | Catholic Answers Magazine
    The apostolate is defined as all the activity of Christ's mystical Body which is directed to the purpose for which the Church was founded, namely-
  5. [5]
    What is apostolate? Who are today's apostles? - Opus Dei
    Jun 3, 2022 · 1. What is apostolate? The Greek word apostoloi means “sent.” It refers to Christ's call to his disciples to continue his own mission: ...
  6. [6]
    apostolatus - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
    Latin. Etymology. From apostolus +‎ -ātus. Noun. apostolātus m (genitive apostolātūs); fourth declension (Late Latin). (Late Latin) apostolate. Declension.Latin · Noun
  7. [7]
    https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3Da
  8. [8]
    https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0138%3Aentry%3D69840
  9. [9]
    G652 - apostolos - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv) - Blue Letter Bible
    G652, 'apostolos', means a delegate or messenger, specifically the twelve apostles of Christ, and other eminent Christian teachers.
  10. [10]
    apostolate, n. meanings, etymology and more
    apostolate is a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin apostolātus. See etymology. Nearby entries. apostil, v.1637–; apostle, n.Old English–; apostle ...
  11. [11]
    What are the biblical qualifications for apostleship? | GotQuestions.org
    Aug 14, 2025 · An apostle is accountable to his Sender and carries the authority of his Sender. An apostleship is the office an apostle holds. Jesus Christ ...
  12. [12]
    Glossary of Theological Terms - College of Arts and Sciences
    Derived from the Greek word apostolos (ἀπόστολος) meaning "one sent" or "messenger." Twelve men are named apostles in the New Testament, but the same twelve ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
  13. [13]
    10. The Twelve Apostles Commissioned - Bible.org
    Jan 1, 2008 · The twelve were commissioned to preach, cast out demons, heal, and deliver the message to Israel, with authority to perform miracles. They were ...
  14. [14]
    The Scope and Function of the Apostolate in the New Testament
    THE BIBLICAL WORLD various foundations on which it rests have been fully discussed. His vocation had come from God. He was peculiarly qualified to bear.
  15. [15]
    What is the Great Commission? | GotQuestions.org
    Oct 28, 2024 · The command in the Great Commission to “make disciples” means to teach or train people to follow and obey Christ.
  16. [16]
    Why was Paul called the apostle to the Gentiles? | GotQuestions.org
    Jan 4, 2022 · Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles because the bulk of his ministry was spent in pagan lands planting churches among the Gentiles.
  17. [17]
    Acts 2 Bible Study - Pentecost, the Holy Spirit, and Tongues
    These small group Bible studies of Acts 2 contain commentary, discussion questions, and practical application.
  18. [18]
    Catholic Teaching on Apostolic Succession - The Holy See
    This study sets out to throw light on the concept of apostolic succession, on the one hand, because a clear presentation of the Catholic doctrine would seem ...<|separator|>
  19. [19]
    The Mission of Saint Patrick | Desiring God
    Mar 17, 2013 · The March 17 feast day (declared in the early 17th century) remembers Patrick as the one who led the fifth-century Christian mission to Ireland.
  20. [20]
    Augustine, First Archbishop of Canterbury and Missionary, 605
    Augustine was sent by Pope Gregory I in 597 to lead a mission of about 40 monks to evangelize England, landing in Kent and establishing a base in Canterbury .
  21. [21]
    A Brief History of the Benedictine Order - OSB.org
    Traditionally, AD 529 is considered to be the year in which St Benedict founded the monastery at Montecassino. He died and was buried there around 547.Missing: extension 6th
  22. [22]
    The Crusades: A Very Brief History, 1095-1500 - Medievalists.net
    Mar 7, 2025 · The Crusades to the Holy Land were “wars of liberation” initially launched by the Church to restore Jerusalem to Christian rule.The Crusades To The Holy... · The Iberian Crusades · Crusades Against Christians
  23. [23]
    General Audience of 13 January 2010: The Mendicant Orders
    Jan 13, 2010 · The best known and most important of the Mendicant Orders that came into being in this period are the Friars Minor and the Friars Preachers, ...
  24. [24]
    Catechism of the Catholic Church
    ### Summary of Catechism Paragraphs 874-896 (Hierarchical Constitution of the Church)
  25. [25]
    History - Jesuits.org
    It was a time when these priests and brothers explored the frontiers of faith, preaching the Good News to Native Americans and Protestant pioneers, and ...
  26. [26]
    https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06233b.htm
  27. [27]
    Ubi Arcano Dei Consilio (23 December 1922) - The Holy See
    UBI ARCANO DEI CONSILIO. ENCYCLICAL OF POPE PIUS XI ON THE PEACE OF CHRIST IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST TO OUR VENERABLE BRETHREN THE PATRIARCHS, PRIMATES,
  28. [28]
    Non Abbiamo Bisogno (June 29, 1931) - The Holy See
    NON ABBIAMO BISOGNO. ENCYCLICAL OF POPE PIUS XI ON CATHOLIC ACTION IN ITALY TO OUR VENERABLE BRETHREN THE PATRIARCHS, PRIMATES,
  29. [29]
    Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer (1902-1975) - The Holy See
    Oct 6, 2002 · By 1939, with the war over, the Founder of Opus Dei was able to give new vigour to his apostolic work all over the Spanish peninsula. In ...
  30. [30]
    address of john paul ii in praise of st josemaría escrivá founder opus ...
    Oct 7, 2002 · St Josemaría was chosen by the Lord to announce the universal call to holiness and to point out that daily life and ordinary activities are a path to holiness.
  31. [31]
    An apostle for the laity - Opus Dei
    Jan 30, 2002 · Blessed Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei, an organization of consecrated lay people and priests.
  32. [32]
    (PDF) PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS - ResearchGate
    Oct 20, 2020 · Luther placed much emphasis on the priesthood of believers in his rejection of the Roman Catholic differentiation between ordained clergy and ...
  33. [33]
    Calvin and the Priesthood of all Believers
    Feb 2, 2009 · Any serious study of the idea of the priesthood of God's people would do well to include an examination of the way in which John Calvin dealt with it.Missing: apostolate | Show results with:apostolate
  34. [34]
    [PDF] Luther, Calvin and the Mission of the Church, Theology
    The year 2017 commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Refor- mation. In 1517 Martin Luther, a German monk and professor of theology at.
  35. [35]
    Moravians, Puritans, and the Modern Missionary Movement
    The Moravians were the first Protestants to put into practice the idea that evangelizing the lost is the duty of the whole church, not just of a missionary ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Why the Great Commission Isn't Just for Missionaries - Southern Equip
    Feb 24, 2014 · The Great Commission is foundational to the church's purpose. Often the church's purpose is described in a threefold way.Missing: focus Protestant
  37. [37]
    History - Council for World Mission
    As a result, the Missionary Society formally began in September 1795 with the aim “to spread the knowledge of Christ among heathen and other unenlightened ...
  38. [38]
    The beginning of the Bible Societies - Musée protestant
    The first Bible Society was the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS), founded in 1804; its aim was to translate, print and distribute the Bible.
  39. [39]
    [PDF] Pentecostal Missions: Past 100 and Beyond - Evangel University
    This paper identifies the phenomenal growth of the Pentecostal movement since its inception on January 1, 1901 to the present. Particular focus is given to ...
  40. [40]
    History of the Pentecostal-Charismatic Movements - Sam Storms
    Mar 4, 2009 · The influence of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement is so widespread and pervasive that some historians are beginning to speak of it as the third great epoch ...
  41. [41]
    About Us - Movimento dei Focolari
    Chiara Lubich (1920-2008) is the founder of the Focolare Movement. Its goal is to contribute towards the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer.
  42. [42]
    History – Neocatechumenal Way - Camino Neocatecumenal
    The Neocatechumenal Way is an itinerary of Catholic formation. In 1974, Pope Paul VI recognized it as a fruit of the Second Vatican Council.Kiko Argüello · Carmen Hernández · María Ascensión Romero · Mario Pezzi
  43. [43]
    What is Alpha? | The Alpha Course Explained - Alpha USA
    Alpha began at a church called Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London in 1977. In 1990 Nicky Gumbel repositioned Alpha as a course for those outside the Church.
  44. [44]
    Learn About Wycliffe USA: Mission, Vision and Work
    Wycliffe Bible Translators USA exists: to work with churches, communities and partner organizations until everyone can access God's Word in a language that ...Explore Our Beliefs · Contact Us · Meet Our Leadership · Our Work
  45. [45]
    Story of Lausanne - Lausanne Movement
    The Lausanne Movement connects influencers and ideas for global mission, with a vision of the gospel for every person, disciple-making churches for every people ...
  46. [46]
    History - YouVersion
    Since 2008, the Bible App has grown from 83,000 downloads to nearly 1 billion installs across our Family of Apps. With your support, we're on pace to reach 2 ...
  47. [47]
    Unlocking the Power of Digital Evangelism: 7 Ways You Can Share ...
    Sep 17, 2025 · Digital evangelism takes place anywhere people meet online. It can look like a church's media team posting or streaming Sunday sermons on ...
  48. [48]
    da'wah: islamic preaching - Muslim Evangelism
    Da'wah is the Islamic equivalent to Christian mission; the Arabic words irsalyyat (missions) and tabshir (evangelism) are not used to describe this work.
  49. [49]
    Missionary work: Significance and symbolism
    Oct 30, 2025 · Missionary work, according to Theravada, is the Buddha's directive to sixty arahats to propagate Dhamma for the benefit of all.
  50. [50]
    A Comparison of Christian Missions and Islamic Da'wah
    Aug 6, 2025 · The purpose of this paper is to compare the Christian concept of missions with the Islamic concept of Da'wah. The first step is to define ...Missing: apostolate | Show results with:apostolate
  51. [51]
    About us - Greenpeace
    Greenpeace challenges the systems of power and privilege that destroy the environment and place disproportionate burdens on the most marginalized communities.Our work · Our History · Our leadership
  52. [52]
    Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace | World Council of Churches
    WCC calls on churches everywhere to walk together, viewing their common life, their journey of faith, as a part of a Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace.Missing: apostolate | Show results with:apostolate
  53. [53]
    Introduction to Colonial Christian Missions: Social and Cultural ...
    enormous social and cultural impacts on societies around the world. Unsurprisingly, these impacts are intensified in colonial contexts, where the ef-.
  54. [54]
    Challenges and prospects of Christian missions in a multicultural ...
    Jul 8, 2025 · Multicultural missions have their challenges, such as contextualisation issues, ethnocentrism, cultural segregation and insensitivity.