The podcast reflects on the 25-year journey of Word on Fire, emphasizing its evolution from local efforts to a global evangelization ministry driven by modern media.
Bishop Barron's ambition to form a new Order of Priests underscores the commitment to fostering impactful evangelization through contemporary channels and training laity for future outreach.
Deep dives
Celebrating 25 Years of Evangelization
The celebration of Word on Fire's 25th anniversary highlights the ongoing mission of evangelizing the culture and bringing individuals to Christ and His Church. This milestone invites reflection on the ministry's origins, from Bishop Barron’s initial radio sermons to the broader reach it has today. The podcast discusses the ministry's foundational years, the significant developments that have occurred, and the challenges faced along the way. It emphasizes the importance of looking back with appreciation while also gazing into the future to understand the potential for continued growth in evangelization.
Bishop Barron’s Journey and Vision
Bishop Barron recounts the early years of his priesthood and his ambition as a parish priest, which unexpectedly led him to found Word on Fire. Initially envisioned as a traditional teaching career at a seminary, his path shifted dramatically, shaped by Cardinal George's encouragement to embrace media for evangelization. Tarred with the drive to engage with contemporary culture, Barron cites pivotal influences from his time in Paris, where he integrated theological studies with an appreciation for literature and art. This formative experience further fueled his commitment to making theology accessible and relevant to modern audiences.
Innovative Outreach and Technology
Bishop Barron discusses innovative outreach efforts, particularly through modern platforms like Reddit, where he engaged with secular audiences via Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions. These interactions provided insights into the contemporary questions and concerns regarding religion, revealing a significant interest in faith among a younger demographic. Furthermore, the need for evangelization evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic, as online sermons and daily Mass recordings became essential resources for isolated believers. This digital pivot enabled Word on Fire to reach new audiences and fostered a deeper connection with individuals seeking faith-based content.
Looking Towards the Future
The conversation shifts to the future directions of Word on Fire, including Bishop Barron's aspiration to establish a new Order of Priests focused on evangelization through contemporary media. This initiative is seen as a way to ensure the continuity of the work started 25 years ago, allowing the mission to thrive beyond his personal involvement. He emphasizes the role of the Word on Fire Institute in training laity to evangelize, enhancing their effectiveness in sharing faith with others. The potential for a broader global presence is also a key focus, with hopes to reach English-speaking audiences worldwide and further nurture the growth of this international ministry.
Word on Fire is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. That’s twenty-five years of proclaiming the Gospel, evangelizing the culture, and working hard to bring people to—or back to—Christ and his Church. It’s worth pausing to look back to remember where it all began and how the ministry has grown along the way. What is Word on Fire’s origin story? When, where, and why did Bishop Barron—then Fr. Barron—first conceive of the idea to found Word on Fire? What were the early years like? What have been some major developments along the way? What obstacles were encountered, what lessons learned? And what does the future look like for the next five, ten, and even fifty years?
A listener asks how he might be able to become a part of the Word on Fire religious order.
00:00 | Introduction 01:22 | Minnesota bishops visit state capital 02:55 | A brief look at Bishop Barron’s early priestly life 06:18 | Bishop Barron’s cathedral project 06:58 | Word on Fire’s beginning 09:49 | Beginning the Catholicism series 11:24 | Cardinal Francis George 14:30 | Early days with Fr. Steve Grunow 15:41 | Reddit’s “Ask Me Anything” 18:48 | Sunday Sermons 23:22 | Bishop Barron Presents 25:45 | The Word on Fire Show 27:07 | Public speaking events 28:32 | Speaking at Google and Facebook 29:57 | Expanding into the United Kingdom 31:17 | Word on Fire’s Institute and Publishing 33:58 | The Word on Fire Bible 37:08 | Looking into the future 38:32 | A message to donors 39:17 | Listener question: How can I join Word on Fire’s Third Order? 40:35 | Join the Word on Fire Institute
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