Evangelism Definitions and Comments

Evangelism is being, doing, and telling the gospel of the kingdom of God, in order that by the power of the Holy Spirit, persons and structures may be converted to the lordship of Jesus Christ. — Delos Miles

Evangelism is God's good news for man's bad news. — Albert Outler

Evangelism is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, or sharing the Good News of God's "unmerited favor" (grace) given to humankind through Jesus Christ. — Jack Barker

Evangelism is bringing people to Christ and bringing Christ to people. — Attributed to many

Evangelism is proclaiming in word and deed the good news of the kingdom of God, and calling people to repentance, to personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, to active membership in the church, and to obedient service in the world. — Richard S. Armstrong

Not just individual conversion, or establishing churches, but extending God's reign is our charge. — Leon Howell

New life comes to us on its way to someone else. — William Easum

Believers of all abilities and temperaments can help others discover the wonders of life in Christ. — George Sweazy

Within the small church, evangelism must be defined specifically. Normally, revitalization and evangelism go hand in hand. Revitalization occurs when a congregation turns outward in its ministry, and that is exactly what is needed to enable true evangelism to take place. The gospel can only be extended when the vision of the people of the church turns outward to the community. — James E. Cushman

The presentation of Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, in such ways that people may be led to believe in him as Savior and follow him as Lord within the fellowship of the church. — Episcopal Church General Convention

Evangelism itself is the proclamation of the historical, biblical Christ as Saviour and Lord, with a view to persuade people to come to him personally and so be reconciled to God... The results of evangelism include obedience to Christ, incorportation into his church and responsible service in the world. — Lausanne Covenant

Evangelism is what WE do to help make the Christian faith, life, and mission a live option to undiscipled people, both outside and inside the congregation. Evangelism is also what JESUS CHRIST does through the church's kerygma (message), koinonia (fellowship), and diakonia (service) to set people free. Evangelism happens when the RECEIVER (receptor, respondant) turns (1) to Christ, (2) to the Christian message and ethic, (3) to a Christian congregation, and (4) to the world, in love and mission — in any other. — George Hunter, III

Evangelism is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ from healing heart to hurting heart, so that persons may turn in faith and obedience to follow Christ, living the abundant life. — George Estes

Date Last Updated: August 6, 2007