The ministry of the lay missionary in the Church

Abstract

The term “lay missionary” is a modern term, which is associated with the tradition of the Church in Europe. In Africa, its equivalent term can be “catechist”. The purpose of the article is therefore to highlight the need to develop a differentiated terminology for this specific group of lay preachers of the Gospel, depending on the local Church, and to show the way in which Cameroonian catechists are involved in evangelising the local population. Its origins can be traced back to the first centuries, as evidenced by the examples of lay men and women involved in proclaiming the Gospel. At the root of the vocation of the laity involved in the proclamation of the Gospel is a specific call of the Holy Spirit, a special charism recognised over time by the Church and confirmed by a special mission. This involvement of the laity in the work of evangelisation is linked to their specialised preparation for this ministry, the definition of their basic tasks, the spirituality of lay missionaries. It is also linked to the economic dimension of their activity. All these elements contribute to the differentiation of the same ministry in the different local churches.