Damascus Catholic Mission Campus in Knox County and Mount Vernon St. Vincent de Paul Church hosted American Catholic evangelist, author and biblical scholar Jeff Cavins on Feb. 11 and 22.
Cavins, a former Protestant who converted back to Catholicism, is the creator of The Great Adventure Bible study series and partnered with Father Mike Schmitz to create the Bible in a Year podcast. Cavins is also the founding host of Life on the Rock on EWTN and Morning Air on Relevant Radio.
The focus of Cavins’ talk at Damascus was forming oneself to be a disciple of Jesus. With an emphasis on evangelization, Cavins discussed making the change from just believing in Jesus Christ to being His disciple.
In the early days, it was expected that a boy would take up the trade of his father. A traveling rabbi would go from village to village and speak to the young men. As he got to know them, he would either confirm their role as an apprentice to their father or he might say to them, “Come, follow me.”
This phrase, when translated from Hebrew, means, “Can you become like me?” This calling to be a disciple was a great honor, but is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ calling of His disciples. In Mathew 11:28-29, Jesus says, “Take my yolk upon your shoulders.” Cavins said this means, “Take my world view.” As disciples of Jesus Christ, Cavins added, we are called to take his world view and witness accordingly.
Cavins also shared stories on how to evangelize and to share the Gospel:
• God loves you and has an amazing purpose for your life.
• Sin has wrecked this plan.
• Jesus Christ loves you. He paid the price for your sin and died for you.
• Jesus Christ loves you so much he wants you to radically reorient your life to Him.
• Be baptized and have your sins forgiven.
• Join His amazing family.
• Now go out and make disciples.
With a series of engaging stories, Cavins walked the audience through challenges they might face in sharing the Gospel message. He expressed his love for the kerygma (the Gospel message) and discussed his efforts to share it.
Cavins said that prior to dedicating his life to Jesus Christ, he loved comedy and was planning to become a stand-up comic. His comfort with the audience made the evening relaxed, enjoyable and formative.
Recently, Cavins has collaborated on Hallow, a Catholic prayer, meditation and sleep app, with actor Jonathon Roumie, who portrays Jesus in the television series The Chosen. Cavins also spoke with Damascus campus directors Aaron Richards and Dan Dematte on their podcast, Beyond Damascus.
The Damascus Speaker Series is free and open to the public. The next series event, “The Outpouring, Community-Wide Worship Night,” is set for 6:30 p.m. March 19 and will include Gospel preaching followed by worship, Adoration and prayer ministry.