Not everyone is called to stand on a stage or preach to a crowd. But all of us are called to share the Gospel.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known as “The Little Flower,” never stepped beyond her convent walls. Yet through her “Little Way“—doing small things with great love—she became one of the most beloved saints in the Church and a Doctor of the Church. Her example reminds us that evangelization doesn’t require a stage or spotlight. It begins with a heart fully given to God.
Evangelization doesn’t have to be dramatic. It often starts small: a conversation over coffee, a simple invitation to pray, a quiet moment of presence and encouragement. These small acts, when done with love and intentionality, can bear enormous fruit.
What Is the “Little Way” of Evangelization?
“Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers—and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love.”
––St. Thérèse of Lisieux
That’s the heart of the Little Way—offering the small and ordinary to God with great love.
When it comes to evangelization, this same approach applies. The Little Way of Evangelization means we don’t need to wait until we have a perfect speech or a big opportunity. We begin right where we are—loving the person in front of us and inviting them into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Want to learn more about St. Thérèse? Check out our article on three reasons why we love her so much!
Evangelization Happens One Soul at a Time
At FOCUS, we often describe evangelization in three simple steps: Win, Build, and Send.
- Win – Invite someone into authentic friendship, where they can encounter Christ.
- Build – Walk with them in faith, helping them grow in virtue, prayer, and understanding of Jesus Christ’s teachings.
- Send – Encourage them to imitate Jesus and to be Spirit-filled evangelists by going on to win, build, and send others.
This process mirrors the way Jesus formed His disciples. He didn’t rush. He didn’t start with crowds. He began with a few people, walked with them, loved them—and through them, changed the world.
The Little Way of Evangelization is about embracing that same model. It’s slow. It’s personal. It takes patience. But it’s powerful.
Why the Little Way Matters
In a world that prizes instant results, the Little Way reminds us to trust in God’s timing. You may never see the fruit of a conversation, a kind gesture, or a word of encouragement—but God does.
Sometimes, we wonder: Am I really making a difference? Does this Bible study invitation matter? Will this conversation go anywhere? The truth is, we don’t always know. But love always bears fruit—often in ways we can’t immediately see.
The Little Way teaches us that evangelization isn’t about quantity. It’s about faithfulness. When we consistently love others, live out our faith, and offer even the smallest moments to God, He multiplies our efforts in ways we could never imagine.
Practical Ways to Live the Little Way of Evangelization
- Start with one person. Evangelization doesn’t begin with a crowd—it begins with a name. Who in your life needs encouragement, friendship, or a deeper encounter with Jesus?
- Be present. Listen well. Ask questions. Care about the details of someone’s life.
- Invite. Extend an invitation—to Mass, to a Bible study, to pray, or just to talk more about faith.
- Share your story. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just share what Christ has done in your life.
- Offer up small sufferings or inconveniences for the conversion of others.
- Do simple acts of service (like helping with dishes or errands) intentionally for the spiritual benefit of someone.
- Practice radical patience when someone frustrates you, offering it quietly as a witness.
- Bring faith into daily conversation naturally—share what God is doing in your life without forcing it.
- Use social media to share beauty and truth, not arguments—post quotes from saints, Scripture, or your own reflections.
- Forgive quickly and quietly, even when no one knows you were wronged.
Additional Resources
Want to go deeper? Explore these resources to grow in your understanding of evangelization and your role in the Church’s mission:
- SEEK Replay: Watch powerful keynotes and evangelization talks from SEEK25.
- Discover FOCUS’ evangelization model—and how to live it in your own relationships.
Get everything you need to start and lead a Bible study—from guides to how-tos.
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