From the Road to Emmaus to the Networked Mission. Towards a Synodal Outgoing Digital Church

Abstract

This article reflects on the Church's mission in the digital context in the light of the evangelical mandate to proclaim the Good News. Inspired by the pedagogy of the Emmaus narrative (Lk 24), the text proposes a model of evangelization based on encounter, listening, dialogue, and witness: key elements for meaningful ecclesial communication in the digital age. The article is divided into three parts: first, it presents the theological and pastoral foundation of Christian mission; then it reflects on the challenges and possibilities of digital networks as a new missionary space, introducing the concept of “digital anti-influence”; finally, it develops the “Emmaus method”, offering pastoral guidelines for an evangelizing praxis in the digital environment. The text highlights the need for a Church that goes forth, capable of engaging in dialogue with digital culture and “kindling the hearts” (Pope Francis) of contemporary men and women.