The preachers quoted here define evangelism as announcing the good news of Jesus Christ crucified and risen, and confronting those outside with his claims. They say it is not manufactured, not reciting verses, and not doctrine pressed on people without compassion, but something learned by keeping close to Christ.
The word comes from the Greek for announcing good news.1 To evangelise is to tell the gospel: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Evangelism is therefore defined by the message delivered and not by the results obtained.
It rests on Christ's command. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). It rests also on need: "how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14). Paul adds, quoting Isaiah, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace" (10:15).
The New Testament shows it done by the whole church. When persecution scattered the believers from Jerusalem, "they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word" (Acts 8:4), and these were not the apostles. Some are specially gifted as evangelists (Ephesians 4:11), and pastors are told to "do the work of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:5). Every believer is to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15).
Its manner matters. Paul describes it as an appeal: "we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). It is backed by a life: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works" (Matthew 5:16).
The results belong to God. "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:6). This frees the evangelist from both pride and despair. The confidence is in the message: "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16).
Scripture commends the work. "He that winneth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). C. H. Spurgeon told his students, "Soulwinning is the chief business of the Christian minister; indeed, it should be the main pursuit of every true believer."2
- Strong's Greek 2097, euangelízō: "to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel".
- C.H. Spurgeon, Soul Winner, "CH 01. What is it to Win a Soul?".
In their own words
Each line below is quoted exactly from a sermon on this site. Follow the link to hear or read it where it was said.
Evangelism is the activity of publishing, or announcing, the "evangel," the gospel, i.e., the glad tidings of Jesus the Christ, crucified and risen.
David J. Engelsma
in Evangelism and the Reformed Faith
Read in context
Evangelism is confronting those without with the claims of Christ.
C. William Fisher
in Revival and Evangelism
Read in context
So evangelism is the instinct of the Christian species.
Walter Chantry
in Evangelism and Historic Calvinism
Listen at 9:20
Now, evangelism is not running around pounding doctrine or certain doctrines into people's heads with no compassion and concern for their soul.
Ernest C. Reisinger
in The Biblical Evangelism of the Westminster Confession #1
Listen at 16:57
Soul winning is learned as we follow Christ, as we keep close to Him.
Gerhard Du Toit
in Helps in Soul-Winning
Listen at 1:30
Witnessing is not something that we manufacture.
Warren Wiersbe
in Witness Power
Listen at 30:47
So witnessing is not just spouting off Scripture.
Carter Conlon
in Evangelism Series - Part 1
Listen at 3:33
Where they differ
Most of these preachers treat evangelism as every Christian's work. One writer holds that it is a particular calling.
Evangelism is a specific calling, and if God is calling us to this office it will be made clear.
Stephen C. Perks
in Evangelism and Apologetics
Read in context
What Scripture says
- Mark 16:15 go into all the world, and preach the gospel
- Romans 10:14-15 how shall they hear without a preacher?
- Romans 1:16 the gospel is the power of God unto salvation
- 2 Corinthians 5:20 we are ambassadors for Christ
- 1 Peter 3:15 be ready always to give an answer
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