Evangelism

Evangelism is the act of proclaiming the gospel with the aim of sharing religious beliefs and inviting others to respond in faith. The word derives from the Greek euangelion, "good news." In Christian usage, evangelism centers on Jesus Christ as the savior and the message of his death and resurrection. Practices often include preaching, teaching, personal testimony, missionary activity, and services oriented toward bringing individuals into a faith community. It may involve sermonizing, street outreach, literature distribution, and, in modern contexts, digital media and humanitarian service as avenues to communicate beliefs.

Historically, evangelism has been central to early Christian outreach, with the Apostle Paul traveling across the Mediterranean to establish churches. Through the medieval era, evangelistic emphasis varied; the Reformation reframed proclamation in Protestant contexts. In the 18th and 19th centuries, evangelical movements in Britain and the United States emphasized personal conversion, Bible-centered preaching, and missionary societies. In the 20th century, global missions expanded through parachurch organizations, revival campaigns, and media ministries.

Different Christian traditions approach evangelism with varying emphasis. Some prioritize explicit conversion through proclamation, while others focus on social action, discipleship, and apologetics in addition to preaching. Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant communities may share common goals in mission and catechesis but differ in structure and emphasis. Outside Christianity, the term evangelism is sometimes used to describe efforts to promote a religious belief or worldview; however, many traditions employ different language and aims.

Ethical considerations include respecting autonomy, avoiding coercion, and contextualizing messages to cultural contexts. Critics point to tensions between evangelism and pluralism, while supporters argue that sharing faith can be a legitimate expression of religious conviction. In the contemporary era, digital platforms have expanded reach, while debates continue about impact, consent, and cultural sensitivity.