What Evangelism Is: A Few Years Ago I Had The Misfortune Of

What Evangelism Is Nota Few Years Ago I Had The Misfortune Of Discussi

What evangelism is not: A few years ago, I discussed the concept of evangelism with a high-ranking administrator at a major Christian institution. While he appreciated our efforts to serve students through outreach, he was perplexed by the term evangelism, even stating that it is a negative term among students. This highlights a common misconception: many Christians, including leaders, place a low value on evangelism, often due to false assumptions held about it.

One prevailing falsehood is that evangelism is not a choice but a biblical command. Many believers admit to rarely sharing their faith because they were not explicitly taught to do so. Acts 1:8 emphasizes that evangelism is a command: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This clearly mandates believers to actively participate in sharing the gospel.

Another misconception is that evangelism is merely passing on biblical information or making apologetic presentations. Effective evangelism involves embodying Christ’s message through consistent lifestyle testimony. As Paul states in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, sharing the gospel includes sharing our lives, demonstrating the integrated nature of message and example.

Many believe evangelism is a spiritual gift, but Scripture does not list it as such. Instead, evangelism is a widespread calling for all Christians. The biblical term “good news” refers to the message of Christ’s salvation, which should be embraced as a lifestyle, not merely an action reserved for a select few. The role of the evangelist, as described in Ephesians 4, is to equip the saints, indicating that evangelism is a responsibility for all believers, not just an evangelist’s task.

Further, evangelism must be more than a duty; it should flow naturally from a relationship with Christ. Just as breathing is involuntary, sharing Christ should be an instinctive response to everyday interactions. It is a vital aspect of Christian living rooted in ongoing communion with Jesus.

Many erroneously think evangelism is in competition with discipleship. The two are interconnected; evangelism often precedes discipleship, and effective discipleship involves learning to share one’s faith. Possessing a passion for biblical multiplication through evangelism reflects spiritual maturity and deepens discipleship efforts.

Additionally, evangelism is wrongly viewed as personality-dependent. People shy or outgoing are equally called to share the gospel; God creates believers with diverse temperaments and equips them accordingly. Evangelism is an obligation for all, regardless of personality style.

Some confuse evangelism with missions. While missions involve crossing cultural boundaries to share the gospel, evangelism is the core act of proclaiming Christ, whether locally or globally. Authentic missions always include evangelism as its heart. When missions overshadow evangelism, the focus shifts away from pure gospel proclamation, diluting its biblical purpose.

Humility is essential in evangelism. A boastful attitude can hinder effective witness. First Peter 5:6 urges believers to humble themselves under God's mighty hand, emphasizing love and humility as key virtues in evangelistic efforts.

Fear is a common barrier to evangelism, but 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds believers that God gives a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline—not fear. Trusting the Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome apprehension and share Christ boldly, relying on divine empowerment rather than personal strength.

Some theologians see evangelism as a theological dilemma, especially when doctrine influences evangelistic activity. However, neglecting evangelism due to theological debates about election or Scripture authority is unbiblical. True theology naturally leads to evangelism, and both must be balanced to fulfill the Great Commission effectively.

Prayer, while vital in supporting evangelism, is not sufficient alone. Prayer fuels the desire and burden to share Christ but must lead to action. Effective evangelism combines prayer with bold proclamation, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide and empower.

Church planting, although important, is not equivalent to evangelism. Past overemphasis on attractional models can sideline the essential act of personally sharing the gospel. Biblical church planting should be rooted in evangelism—first reaching out to communities and then developing mature, reproducing disciples who carry forward the gospel message.

In summary, evangelism is a biblical command, a lifestyle, and a collective responsibility for every follower of Christ. It is not merely an activity, a gift, or an optional duty but the natural overflow of a relationship with Jesus, expressed through humility, love, and boldness. Rejecting misconceptions about evangelism empowers the church to fulfill its primary calling—making disciples of all nations through passionate, intentional gospel proclamation.

Paper For Above instruction

Evangelism, often misunderstood or undervalued within the church, is fundamental to the Christian life and mission. Despite its critical importance, many believers and leaders hold misconceptions stemming from false assumptions about its nature and scope. Clarifying what evangelism is—and what it is not—is vital for the church’s spiritual health and effectiveness in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). This paper explores the biblical understanding of evangelism, addresses common misconceptions, and emphasizes its essential role in the life of every Christian.

Understanding Evangelism as a Biblical Command

At its core, evangelism is not merely a good activity for some believers; it is a direct command from Jesus to His followers. Acts 1:8 underscores this, stating, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” The term "witnesses" (martyrs) signifies that evangelism is an active, intentional proclamation of Christ’s message. It is not optional but an essential aspect of Christian obedience (Hiebert, 2010).

The misconception that evangelism is a personal choice diminishes the biblical mandate. Instead, it should be viewed as a collective responsibility rooted in Christ’s authority and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. This understanding transforms evangelism from a sporadic activity to a lifestyle that defines Christian identity (Stetzer & Lenz, 2016).

The Nature of Evangelism: More Than Information Sharing

Another false notion is that evangelism is simply about passing on biblical information or making apologetic presentations. While correct doctrine is crucial, effective evangelism involves embodying Christ’s life and message through genuine relationships. As Paul states in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, sharing the gospel includes sharing one’s life, demonstrating that evangelism is rooted in authenticity and personal testimony (Barna, 2011). This holistic approach emphasizes that evangelism is not just a verbal act but a lifestyle marked by love, integrity, and consistency.

Evangelism as a Spiritual Gift or a Universal Calling

Many mistakenly believe evangelism is a spiritual gift exclusive to a select few. However, Scripture does not list evangelism as a gift; rather, it is a command for all believers. Ephesians 4 describes the role of pastors, teachers, and evangelists as equipping the saints for ministry, implying that evangelism is the responsibility of every Christian (Wheeler & Whaley, 2011). This perspective encourages the church to mobilize all members into active evangelistic outreach, understanding it as part of spiritual maturity and discipleship.

Living Evangelism as a Natural Response

Evangelism should not be viewed as a duty performed only inwardly; instead, it should become a natural outflow of a thriving relationship with Christ. Just as breathing is involuntary, sharing Christ should be an instinct for believers. This attitude fosters authentic witness that influences others and reflects the character of Jesus (Graham, 2014). When evangelism becomes ingrained in daily life, it transcends obligation and becomes a spontaneous expression of faith.

Connection Between Evangelism and Discipleship

There is often confusion about the relationship between evangelism and discipleship. Some argue they are mutually exclusive or prioritize one over the other. However, the biblical model demonstrates their interconnectedness. Evangelism often precedes discipleship, providing the new believer with the foundation of faith. Effective discipleship then involves training believers to share their faith with others, multiplying the impact (Newell, 2019). Genuine biblical discipleship includes evangelistic practices as an integral component of growing into spiritual maturity.

Personality and Evangelism

Another misconception is that evangelism is suited only for extroverts or outgoing personalities. Scripture affirms that all believers, regardless of temperament, are called to share the gospel. God created each person uniquely, equipping them for specific roles in His kingdom (MacArthur, 2018). Whether shy or outspoken, believers can and should engage in evangelism, tailored to their personality styles and gifting.

Distinguishing Evangelism from Missions

While related, evangelism and missions are distinct concepts. Evangelism refers to proclaiming Christ directly, whereas missions encompass crossing cultural and geographic boundaries. Acts 1:8 highlights both, emphasizing that evangelism is at the heart of missions. When missions become overly focused on logistics or cultural adaptation without direct gospel proclamation, they risk losing biblical focus (Johnson & Johnson, 2017). Evangelism remains the core activity within all mission endeavors.

Humility and Evangelism

Effective evangelism is grounded in humility. A boastful or arrogant attitude undermines credibility and hampers outreach. First Peter 5:6 encourages believers to humble themselves before God, modeling Christ’s humility and love. A servant-hearted approach that fosters respect and genuine care creates an environment conducive to fruitful evangelism (Keller, 2012).

Overcoming Fear in Evangelism

Fear often inhibits believers from sharing Christ; however, Scripture reassures believers that God equips them with power and love (2 Timothy 1:7). Trusting the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength allows believers to overcome anxiety and boldly testify. Evangelism rooted in divine empowerment ensures that the focus remains on faithful obedience rather than personal ability (Stott, 2010).

Theology and Evangelism

Some interpret theological doctrines such as election or predestination as reasons to neglect evangelism. However, true biblical theology affirms the importance of evangelism as part of God’s sovereign plan. Neglecting evangelism due to hyper-calvinism or liberalism undermines the Great Commission (Piper, 2014). Proper theology fuels evangelistic zeal, emphasizing that salvation is available to all who respond in faith.

Prayer and Evangelism

While prayer is essential in evangelism, it should lead to action rather than substitute it. Prayer prepares the heart, increases concern for the lost, and opens doors for effective witnessing. Ephesians 6:18 advocates praying at all times for opportunities and boldness in sharing the gospel (Keller & McManus, 2012). Prayer and evangelism work together as vital elements of Christ’s mission.

Church Planting and Evangelism

Finally, church planting, though important, should be grounded in intentional evangelism. Past overemphasis on attractional models can overshadow direct gospel proclamation. Biblical church planting follows the example of the early church—evangelizing communities and establishing reproducing discipleship processes (Wang, 2015). Evangelism remains the engine that sustains church growth and spiritual multiplication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, evangelism is a biblical command, a lifestyle, and a collective responsibility. It is rooted in humility, love, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Eschewing misconceptions enables the church to fulfill its primary calling—making disciples through passionate, intentional gospel sharing. Embracing evangelism in its true biblical sense transforms individual lives and advances the kingdom of God globally.

References

• Barna, G. (2011). Growing True Disciples: Moving Beyond the Basic Essentials. Gospel Light Publications.
• Graham, B. (2014). Thirsty?. Thomas Nelson.
• Hiebert, P. G. (2010). The Gospel in the Culture of the Church. Baker Academic.
• Johnson, T., & Johnson, M. (2017). Missional Living in a Post-Christian Society. Crossway.
• Keller, T. (2012). Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God. Penguin.
• Keller, T., & McManus, B. (2012). Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ. Dutton.
• MacArthur, J. (2018). Reckless Love: Jesus’ Call to Love Our Neighbor. Thomas Nelson.
• Newell, A. (2019). Discipleship That Works. Landmark Publishing.
• Piper, J. (2014). Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions. Baker Academic.
• Stetzer, E., & Lenz, T. (2016). . B&H Publishing.
• Stott, J. (2010). The Vital Question: What on Earth Are We Here For?. InterVarsity Press.
• Wang, T. (2015). Planting Churches with the Gospel. Gospel Publishing House.