Everything about Evangelize totally explained
Evangelism is the
Christian practice of
proselytization. The intention of most evangelism is to effect
eternal salvation to those who don't follow the
Christian god; others believe it's to inform others about the
Kingdom of God. Evangelism is done in obedience to the
Great Commission, a command from Jesus to his
disciples to
proselytize, as recorded in the
New Testament. Christians who specialize in evangelism are known as
evangelists, whether in their home communities or as
missionaries.
Some Christian traditions consider evangelists to be in a leadership position, and they may be found preaching to large meetings, and in governance roles.
Christian groups who actively encourage evangelism are sometimes known as
evangelistic or
evangelist.
The communication of Christian faith to new geographical areas and cultures is often referred to as
evangelization, or specifically, world evangelization.
Etymology of evangelism and evangelist
The word
evangelist comes from the
Koine Greek word [[wiktionary:εὐαγγέλιον(transliterated as "euangelion") via Latin "Evangelium", as used in the canonical titles of the four
Gospels, authored by
Matthew,
Mark,
Luke, and
John (also known as the
Four Evangelists). The Greek word εὐαγγέλιον originally meant a reward for good news given to the messenger (εὔ = "good", ἀγγέλλω = "I bring a message"; the word
angel is of the same root) and later "good news". The latter term gives rise to the word "Gospel".
Our modern word "Gospel" comes from the old English word, "Godspell." In old English "spell" meant "word" (we carry this meaning also in our word "spelling"). So in other words "Godspell" meant, "God word" or "Word of God." Therefore the Gospel is the
good news found in the
Word of God.
Evangelism or proselytism
While evangelism is usually regarded as converting non-Christians to Christianity, this isn't always the proper usage of the word. If converting to Christianity includes services or material benefits it's called proselytism
(External Link
)(External Link).
On the other hand, converting Christians (for example, Orthodox) who are not churchgoers to another Christian denomination is commonly seen as evangelism, not proselytism.
Catholic missionary work in Russia is commonly seen as evangelism, not proselytism. Archbishop
Kondrusiewicz openly stated
"that proselytism is absolutely unacceptable and can't constitute a strategy for the development of our structures either in Russia or in any other country in the world."
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Especially regarding claims by Orthodox church that spreading the faith and receiving converts amounts to proselytism
(External Link) Catholic church
CDF issued document called "
Doctrinal Note on some aspects of evangelization" which states that evangelism is "an inalienable right and duty, an expression of religious liberty ...", document added that "The incorporation of new members into the Church isn't the expansion of a power group, but rather entrance into the network of friendship with Christ which connects heaven and earth, different continents and age. It is entrance into the gift of communion with Christ ..."
Reasons for Evangelism
According to the Christian Bible, during his last days on earth
Jesus commanded his disciples as follows:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I've commanded you: and, lo, I'm with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. |
Other translations render the phrase
“teach all nations” in the above quotation as
“make disciples of all nations.” Jesus is also quoted in the
Gospel of Mark saying
Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" |
These are two main passages of the
New Testament from God that commands everyone who believes in Christ Jesus to preach the Gospel.
Evangelists
Sometimes, the regular minister of a church is called a
preacher in a way that other groups would typically use the term
pastor. The
evangelist in some churches is one that travels from town to town and from church to church, spreading the
gospel of Jesus Christ. Many Christians of various theological perspectives would call themselves 'evangelists' because they're spreaders of the gospel. Many churches believe one of their major functions is to function as evangelists to spread the evangelist belief that Jesus is savior of humanity.
The title of evangelist is often associated with those who lead large meetings like those of
Billy Graham, possibly in tents or existing
church buildings, or those who address the public in
street corner preaching, which targets listeners who happen to pass nearby on the street. It can also be done in small groups or even on a one-to-one basis, but actually it's simply one who spreads the gospel. Increasingly, the Web enables anyone to become an
Internet evangelist.
The term is also used in a non-religious sense to describe an individual who takes up a cause and convinces others to it (see
technology evangelist).
Guy Kawasaki, an author and venture capitalist, describes evangelists as individuals who promote a particular product. At Apple Computer, he was part of a team of
Apple evangelists that convinced programmers to develop software on the
Macintosh Platform. In
The Human Fabric (Aviri, 2004),
Bijoy Goswami describes the "Evangelist" as one of three core energies in people and society.
Perspectives on evangelism
Though there's some
controversy concerning missionary activity and possible implications of "
cultural imperialism", Christian D. T. Niles characterised evangelism as "… one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread."
Many modern TV "evangelists" are prone to scandal, like Jimmy Swaggart and several were under investigation in
2007 by the U.S. congress for their lavish lifestyles.
Like any religious leaders, they're also capable of great harm, like
Jim Jones and the famous religion-inspired .
Ray Comfort is, by some definitions, an evangelist best known for his sermon
"Hell's Best Kept Secret" and his ministries of
Living Waters and
Way of the Master, formed with
Kirk Cameron.
Evangelism and missions
Throughout most of its history, Christianity has been spread evangelistically, though the extent of evangelism has varied significantly between Christian communities and denominations. Evangelism and apostolic ministry often go hand in hand. As mentioned earlier, evangelism comes from the Ancient Greek
εὐαγγέλιον (
evangelion) meaning
good news, often translated
gospel; thus an evangelist is one who shares the "good news". An (
apostolos) is literally "one who goes" and refers to the missionary calling. Since missionaries often travel to areas or people groups where Jesus isn't yet known, they frequently take on an evangelistic role. But the apostolic or missionary calling isn't necessarily the same (and it's a misnomer and misinterpretation to equate them), as there are many who serve in missionary, church planting, and ministry development roles who have an apostolic calling or serve in an apostolic role but whose primary duty isn't evangelism.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Evangelize'.
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