Evangelism is a crucial concept in Christianity, directly related to spreading the “good news” of Jesus Christ. But What Is Evangelism exactly? This article will delve into the definition, significance, and practical implications of evangelism, differentiating it from other related concepts and highlighting its importance in fulfilling the Christian mission.
Evangelism, at its core, refers to the act of preaching or proclaiming the Gospel. It originates from the Greek word euangelion, which means “gospel.” Therefore, when we evangelize, we are essentially “gospeling” – sharing and disseminating the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. It’s about making the core tenets of Christian belief known to others.
Evangelism plays a vital role in fulfilling Christ’s call to be His witnesses, as stated in Acts 1:8. Witnessing, in a biblical context, involves making visible what is otherwise invisible. Specifically, it is bearing witness to the invisible kingdom of God, striving to make the Lord’s reign visibly manifest in the world. We can testify about the kingdom of God through loving other believers. As stated in John 13:34-35, we reveal our faith through love for one another. Celebrating the Lord’s supper proclaims visibly the Lord’s death until He comes again, as stated in 1 Corinthians 11:26. In preaching the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we help to make the invisible reality of Christ more visible.
A key distinction exists between witnessing and evangelism. It’s easy to assume that all acts of witnessing equate to evangelism, but this is not always the case. While sharing one’s personal testimony is valuable, it doesn’t fully encompass evangelism. Testifying to God’s work in our lives showcases what Christ has done for us, but it doesn’t inherently convey the complete Gospel message. Living a righteous life demonstrates the work of the Holy Spirit, yet simply being kind or honest isn’t evangelism if we never explicitly share the Gospel with our neighbor. Conversion happens through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:25–34).
While God has gifted individuals with varied personalities and talents, some are naturally more skilled at verbally communicating the Gospel. Nevertheless, proclaiming the message of salvation through Christ remains a universal responsibility for all believers. We must actively seek opportunities to preach the Gospel. As Matthew 10:32-33 states, only if we confess Him before men will He confess us before the Father.
In conclusion, what is evangelism? It is more than simply being a good person or sharing personal experiences. It’s the deliberate and active communication of the Gospel message – the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ – with the intention of leading others to faith and repentance. It is a fundamental aspect of Christian life and a crucial component of fulfilling the Great Commission.
