evangelist

An evangelist is a person who seeks to spread the message of the Christian gospel or, more broadly, someone who promotes a cause with zeal. The term derives from the Greek euangelion "good news" and euangelistes "one who proclaims good news." In Christian usage, an evangelist proclaims the Christian message, often in public preaching, missions, or revival meetings. In some traditions, evangelists are considered a distinct ecclesiastical office within the church, alongside apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers; in others, the term is used more loosely for itinerant preachers or lay evangelists. Early Christian writers used the word to describe those who carried the gospel beyond their original communities.

Historically, famous evangelists include revivalists and campaign preachers such as George Whitefield, John Wesley, D. L. Moody, and Billy Graham, whose campaigns reached large audiences through sermons and media. Modern evangelical activity uses television, radio, the internet, and print literature.

Outside religious contexts, "evangelist" has acquired secular senses: a vigorous promoter or advocate of a product, technology, or idea. In technology and business, for example, a product evangelist or technology evangelist is someone who builds broad enthusiasm and adoption.

The role and authority of evangelists have varied across denominations and eras. Critics have sometimes questioned revivalist tactics or the exclusivity of the salvific claims made by some evangelists, while supporters emphasize personal conversion, social outreach, and global missions.