evangelical

Evangelical is a term used within Christianity to describe a broad movement within Protestantism that emphasizes certain core commitments. The word derives from the Greek euangelion, meaning “good news,” and entered English through Latin as evangelicus. In modern usage, “evangelical” commonly refers to Christians and churches that prioritize the authority of the Bible, the necessity of personal conversion, and the obligation to share the gospel with others.

Historically, evangelicalism arose in connection with the Protestant Reformation’s emphasis on the gospel but took shape most clearly during the 18th-century Great Awakening in Britain and North America. It is not a single denomination; rather, it is a trans-denominational current that includes Baptist, Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist, and Pentecostal churches, among others. A widely cited framework for its core emphases is the Bebbington Quadrilateral, which identifies four broad traits: biblicism, conversionism, crucicentrism, and activism, with a central focus on the gospel.

Key practices of evangelical communities typically include evangelism, mission work, and a high regard for Scripture as the authority for belief and conduct. Personal faith is often described in terms of a conversion experience or being “born again,” accompanied by a commitment to living in a way that reflects biblical teaching.

Contemporary usage varies by region. In the United States, “evangelical” often denotes a segment of Protestantism associated with specific social values and political engagement, while in other countries the term may refer more narrowly to particular church traditions or theological emphases. The label is contested and fluid across contexts.