From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Evangelism
Evangelism
en to the messenger (εὔ = "good", ἀγγέλλω = "I bring a
message"; the word angel is of the same root) and later
"good news".
The verb form of euangelion, euangelizo (transliter-
ated "evangelism"), was used rarely in Greek literature
outside the New Testament, making its meaning more
difficult to ascertain. Parallel texts of the Gospels of Luke
and Mark reveal a synonymous relationship between the
verb euangelizo and a Greek verb "kerusso" which means
"to proclaim".[1]
Proselytism
Main article: Proselytism
While evangelism is usually regarded as converting non-
Christians to Christianity, this is not always the proper
usage of the word. If converting to Christianity includes
services or material benefits it is called proselytism. Dif-
ferent denominations follow different theological inter-
pretations which reflect upon the point of who is doing
the actual conversion being the Evangelist or the Holy
The Four Evangelists, by Jakob Jordaens Spirit or both. Calvinists only believe the soul is convert-
ed if the Holy Spirit is effective in the act.[2]
Evangelism refers to the practice of relaying information Catholic missionary work in Russia is commonly seen
about a particular set of beliefs to others who do not as evangelism, not proselytism. Archbishop Kon-
hold those beliefs. The term is often used in reference to drusiewicz openly stated "that proselytism is absolutely
Christianity. unacceptable and cannot constitute a strategy for the de-
Christians who specialize in evangelism are known as velopment of our structures either in Russia or in any
evangelists whether they are in their home communities other country in the world."[3] Especially regarding
or living as missionaries in the field. Some Christian tra- claims by Orthodox church that spreading the faith and
ditions consider evangelists to be in a leadership posi- receiving converts amounts to proselytism[4] Catholic
tion; they may be found preaching to large meetings or in Church Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued
governance roles. Christian groups who actively encour- document called "Doctrinal Note on some aspects of
age evangelism are sometimes known as evangelistic or evangelisation"[5] which states that evangelism is "an in-
evangelist. The scriptures do not use the word evangelism, alienable right and duty, an expression of religious liber-
but evangelist is used in Acts 21:8, Ephesians 4:11, and 2 Ti- ty ...", document added that "The incorporation of new
mothy 4:5. members into the Church is not the expansion of a power
The communication of Christian faith to new geo- group, but rather entrance into the network of friend-
graphical areas and cultures is often referred to as evan- ship with Christ which connects heaven and earth, differ-
gelization, or specifically, world evangelization. ent continents and age. It is entrance into the gift of com-
munion with Christ...."
Etymology
Main article: Good news (Christianity) Origin
The word evangelist comes from the Koine Greek word Main article: Great Commandment
εὐαγγέλιον (transliterated as "euangelion") via Latinised In recent history, certain Bible passages have been used
"Evangelium", as used in the canonical titles of the four to promote evangelism. William Carey, in a book entitled,
Gospels, authored by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (al- ’An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use
so known as the Four Evangelists). The Greek word Means for the Conversion of the Heathens’ popularised a
εὐαγγέλιον originally meant a reward for good news giv- quotation, where, according to the Bible, during his last
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Evangelism
days on earth Jesus commanded his eleven disciples (the tians of various theological perspectives would call them-
apostles) as follows: selves "evangelists" because they are spreaders of the
gospel. Many churches believe one of their major func-
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, bap- tions is to function as evangelists to spread the evangelist
tizing them in the name of the Father and of the belief that Jesus is savior of humanity.
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to The title of evangelist is often associated with those
obey everything I have commanded you. And sure- who lead large meetings like those of Billy Graham, pos-
ly I am with you always, to the very end of the age." sibly in tents or existing church buildings, or those who
— Matthew 28:19,20 NIV address the public in street corner preaching, which tar-
gets listeners who happen to pass nearby. It can also be
However, recent scholarship by Chris Wright[6] and oth- done in small groups or even on a one-to-one basis, but
ers has suggested that such activity is promoted by the actually it is simply one who spreads the gospel. Increas-
entire Bible, or at least the wider term ’mission’, although ingly, the internet enables anyone to become an Internet
the meaning of the word ’mission’ and its relationship to evangelist.
’evangelism’ is disputed amongst Christians.
Missionary work
Reception and Controversies
See also: Approaches to evangelism
Evangelism is not always received positively. People who The New Testament urges believers to speak the gospel
are not interested in converting to Christianity may find clearly, fearlessly, graciously, and respectfully whenever
such interventions by religious preachers and their re- an opportunity presents itself (see Colossians 4:2–6, Eph-
spective movements to be patronizing and bothersome. esians 6:19–20, and I Peter 3:15).
Saint Stephen was one of the first evangelists to be killed Throughout most of its history, Christianity has been
by people who rejected his words. spread evangelistically, though the extent of evangelism
has varied significantly between Christian communities,
Modern methods and denominations. Evangelism, apologetics and apos-
tolic ministry often go hand in hand. An ἀπόστολος (apos-
Dramas such as Heaven’s Gates, Hell’s Flames have gained tolos) is literally "one who is sent" and refers to the mis-
enormous popularity since the 1980s. These dramas typ- sionary calling of being sent into the world. An example
ically depict fictional characters who die and learn of an interplay between Evangelism and Apologetics can
whether they will go to heaven or hell. Other be seen in the USA when upon door to door Evangelism
entertainment-based Christian evangelism events in- the prospect is an unbeliever and challenges the Evan-
clude sporting exhibitions, wherein professional athletes gelist wherein the Evangelist then follows into the role
entertain crowds. At some point a gospel presentation is of the Apologist in defense of their faith with the hope
usually given. that Evangelism may be restarted. Since missionaries of-
In the 1970s, The Power Team spawned an entire ten travel to areas or people groups where Jesus is not
genre of Christian entertainment based on strong-man yet known, they frequently take on an evangelistic role.
exploits mixed with a Christian message and usually ac- But the apostolic or missionary calling is not necessarily
companied by an opportunity to respond with a prayer the same (and it is a misnomer and misinterpretation to
for salvation. equate them), as there are many who serve in mission-
The Christian music industry has also played a signif- ary, church planting, and ministry development roles
icant role in modern evangelism. Rock (and other gen- who have an apostolic calling or serve in an apostolic role
res) concerts in which the artist(s) exhort non-believing but whose primary duty is not evangelism.
attendees to pray a prayer for salvation have become
common, and just as common are concerts that are fo-
cused on activity not necessarily on prayer and conver- See also
sion, thus forming an environment that is not driven by • Bible
conversion, but instead relaying of a message. • Catholic action
• Catholic charismatics
Evangelists • Charismatic renewal
• Emmanuel Community
Sometimes, the regular minister of a church is called • Evangelical Catholic
a preacher in a way that other groups would typically • Evangelical environmentalism
use the term pastor. The evangelist in some churches is • Evangelicalism
one that travels from town to town and from church to • Fidesco
church, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many Chris- • Good news (Christianity)
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Evangelism
• Internet evangelist [3] "Russia’s conversion does not require leaving
• Missionary Orthodox faith: Catholic prelate". Catholic World
• Open-air preaching News. 14 May 2007.
• Romans Road http://www.catholicculture.org/news/features/
• Theology index.cfm?recnum=51118. Retrieved 10 January
• Worldwide Faith Missions 2009.
[4] "Vatican defends duty to evangelize and accept
Notes and references converts". Reuters. 14 December 2007.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/
[1] Bible as a Second Language, webpage, retrieved idUSL1463542120071214?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc
November 5, 2008 Retrieved 10 January 2009.
[2] "Hindu extremists accuse world’s largest floating [5] "Doctrinal Note on some aspects of Evangelism".
book fair of Christian proselytism". asianews. 28 Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
April 2006. http://www.asianews.it/ December 3, 2007. Archived from the original on
view.php?l=en&art=6025. Retrieved 10 January December 20, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/
2009. 20071220172248/http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/
"Curb proselytism in Andhra Pradesh". News Today. PDF%27s/
4 July 2006. http://www.hvk.org/articles/0706/ evangelisation_note_english_141207.pdf.
44.html. Retrieved 10 January 2009. [6] Wright, Christopher (2006). The Mission of God. IVP
Academic. ISBN 0830825711.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Evangelism&oldid=462052568"
Categories:
• Christian missions
• Christian interfaith and secular relations
• Evangelists
• Practical theology
• Religious occupations
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