Reflections on Evangelisation with Caitlin West
Photo by Bradyn Shock on Unsplash
Note: The following are just a few of the rich insights and takeaways shared by Dr. Caitlin West during her inspiring talk at the Beloved Retreat.
If you’ve ever felt a wave of intimidation at the mere mention of the word “evangelisation,” you are definitely not alone. When we picture sharing the faith, many of us envision awkward doorstep conversations, handing out pamphlets to strangers, or shouting on street corners.
During her recent talk at the Beloved Retreat, popular speaker, podcaster, and university lecturer Dr. Caitlin West tackled this exact misconception. She reminded us that the "new evangelisation" called for in our 21st-century, post-Christian world doesn't look like aggressive confrontation. Instead, it looks a lot like what Jesus did on the road to Emmaus: walking alongside people right where they are.
Here are a few key takeaways from Caitlin’s session on how we can authentically share Christ in our everyday lives.
1. Begin in the "Interior Castle"
Before we can ever hope to help others, we have to look to our own spiritual foundation. Caitlin used a vivid castle analogy: charging straight out onto a battlefield without preparation leaves us overwhelmed and defeated.
Instead, building our "interior castle" means prioritising our relationship with God first through:
Daily Prayer: Spending quiet, uninterrupted time with our Lord so that we naturally begin to resemble the One we spend time with.
The Sacraments: Frequenting Confession and receiving the Eucharist as the primary channels of divine grace.
Education: Dedicating small moments each day to learn more about our faith, chipping away at theological questions so we feel more confident and grounded.
2. Be Like Christ on the Road to Emmaus
When Jesus met the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, they were heading in the wrong direction, grieving, and confused. He didn't run up and scold them; He walked with them and He listened.
Caitlin highlighted that when people push back against Church teaching, there is almost always a personal, emotional story behind it—a painful family experience, a hurt, or a misunderstanding. We cannot logic someone out of a deep-seated feeling. True accompaniment means starting with genuine curiosity, listening to our friends, and loving them unconditionally before trying to fix everything.
3. Friendship First, Results Second
Evangelisation today is rarely a quick, five-minute conversion story. Like a slow and gentle rehabilitation process, it takes a lifetime of authentic, patient friendship.
Caitlin reminded us that we don't need to have all the theological answers prepackaged in a box. When questions come up, it’s completely okay to say, "I'm not sure, let's look it up together." Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit—not our own eloquence—that changes hearts. Our job is simply to love our friends well, bring their concerns into our daily prayer, and let Christ's love shine through our own flawed humanity.
Dive Deeper
Want to explore more of Caitlin’s work, listen to her podcast, or dive deeper into making the faith accessible without needing a theology degree? Visit her official website at www.caitlinwest.com.