conversionist

Conversionist is a term used to describe a person who seeks to convert others to a particular belief, most often a religious faith. It can also refer to a broader orientation within a religious movement that prioritizes attracting new adherents and encouraging personal conversion experiences.

In religious contexts, conversionists are commonly associated with evangelical or missionary strands of Christianity, but the term can apply to adherents of other faiths that emphasize proselytizing. Activities may include preaching, street outreach, door-to-door ministry, media campaigns, or personal dialogue aimed at persuading non-adherents to convert. The concept is discussed in relation to the methods and ethics of proselytism, though the label itself is descriptive rather than prescriptive.

In religious studies and sociology, conversionism denotes a pattern in which conversion to a faith is central to religious life and vitality. Scholars may contrast it with other patterns, such as retention-based or sacramental approaches, or with syncretism and secularization.

Outside religious discourse, the term is uncommon but can be used metaphorically to describe someone advocating a dramatic change in beliefs or policies; however, this usage is rare and context-dependent and can be ambiguous.

See also: proselytism, evangelism, missionary, conversion.