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What is Evangelism?

The Greek word euaggelion (good news) is often translated as “gospel” and is at the root of the word “evangelism”. The Greek word euaggelizo (to herald or proclaim) is often translated “preach”. Many Christians today consider themselves “evangelical” by which they often mean some kind of more active Protestantism.

Many churches berate and bully their members to approach everyone they know or encounter in an attempt to get them to be Christian. This is often done to increase membership and revenue under the guise of wanting to rescue people from hell. However, when Jesus announced to the nation of Israel that their promised kingdom was potentially at hand, he did not cajole or even attempt to persuade. Jesus brought “good news” for the nation of Israel. Most were uninterested and those who presented themselves as religious leaders were actively hostile. By this many would see Jesus as a failure.

Today there are “Christian” companies that sell programs to help churches evangelize. These marketing campaigns might appear to produce results better than Jesus did, however, one might ask, exactly what results. An increase in the weekly attendance or giving might indicate a program was successful in achieving those objectives, but may not indicate that anyone has been saved or grown in Christ-likeness. In fact such programs risk making the cross of Christ of none effect (1Cor 1:17).

Paul asked for prayer that he would be bold in his evangelism (Eph 6:19), Paul told Timothy to do the work of an evangelist (2Tim 4:5). However,in his letters, Paul does not seem to berate his readers for failing to evangelize. One might assume that the “gift” of evangelism was only for some few specific individuals in the early church until the church was established. There are some today who declare themselves evangelists as well as some that declare themselves apostles. However, sincere these may be, it is difficult to see biblical support for the continuation of these positions.

In the natural world where life was more difficult, people would often discuss that which was substantive. In today’s artifical social world, people avoid substance as it can make someone feel uncomfortable or even offended. As a result, the most common response one would expect to a proclamation of the gospel would be flight or attack. Superficial relationships do not lend themselves to substance nor do superficial lives. However, one can still find opportunities to mention faith, God, Jesus, or the bible infrequently and indirectly in conversation so as to not trigger someone. The possibility then exists for the other person to inquire further, if interested.

Today there is hardly anyone who has not heard about Christianity. The difficulty is that what many have heard may not be accurate even to the point of inflaming hatred. One does not have to be a “closet” Christian, however, one also does not have to see himself as a superhero Christian swooping in to rescue others from the flames of hell. For example, telling a friend, “If you ever want to hear more about Christianity, let me know and I will tell you what little I know” This is not confrontational, smugly superior, or pushy and might be tolerable when brief.

Some favor what they call “lifestyle evangelism” thinking that how they live is so superior that others will want to know more about Christianity by knowing them. Peter warns the believing Jews that they are about to undergo persecution and to be ready to explain to any who might ask how they can have hope in such circumstances. This is not the same as neighbors being envious. That Christianity is not about “living your best life now” is made obvious with every misstep, bumble, and even sin that Christians make in life.

Today perhaps more needed than evangelistic proclamations are clarifications to the many strange ways Christianity is both practiced and presented. At the core Christianity is simply about the opportunity to regain a connection to our creator through trusting in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus. Through this new life, we can have eternal life, transcendence from our baser selves, and a growing understanding of wisdom, truth, and love. Since this does not often seem of value to most, one should not expect that many would be interested.

Most Christians advocate for their :flavor” (denomination) of Christianity which can be confusing because the actual gospel (good news) can be lost in extraneous doctrinal declarations. It is the basic gospel itself that is the power unto salvation (Rom 1:16).

The average person today does not even believe in God much less sin. As a result, there is often seen little need for salvation. While sad, it is the natural result of God giving us free will. For those few that still seek, we should be ready to give a reason for the hope that is within us.

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