Evangelism is the proclaiming of the Christian Gospel. The word evangelist comes from the Greek word ("eu-aggelos") for 'bringing good news' (εὐάγγελος).

As a specialised usage, "Evangelist" can designate each of the authors of the four Gospels in the New Testament, traditionally known as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Evangelical Protestantism

The "Evangelical" movement in Christianity encompasses denominations and parachurch organizations which, among other characteristics, focus on evangelism and the drawing-in of new converts -- in their terminology, the "saving of souls". Discussion of religious behavior sometimes contrasts Evangelical groups with liturgical groups - those whose forms of worship are based on: historic, ritual forms; an annual liturgical calendar of days and seasons; and an established three-year cycle of Scripture readings. Liturgical groups sometimes also engage in evangelism, but not always.

For many groups, a church planter is called an evangelist. Other groups reserve the title of evangelist for those who lead large meetings, possibly in tents or existing church buildings, or those who address the public in street corner preaching, which targets listeners who happen to pass nearby on the street. Sometimes, the regular minister of a church is called an "evangelist" in a way that other groups would typically use the term "pastor". Among these groups is the Church of Christ.

Internet evangelism

Internet evangelism is the intentional use of the internet to propagate the Christian message to internet users. The methodology varies with many examples such as the Web Evangelism Guide [1]. The Internet Evangelism Coalition [2] holds annual conferences to envision Christians. April 24, 2005 has been named Internet Evangelism Day for Christian churches [3].

There are a number of opportunities for distance learning and training in web evangelism [4].

Some organizations plan special training sessions, such as the Liberty University MA Communication Studies "Internet Evangelism for the 21st Century" planned for April 1-2, 2005. See http://ie-21stcentury.com/.

Biblical quotes

A more strict biblical definition of evangelist would equate to a missionary:

Ac 21:8 (KJV) And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the [evangelist], which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

2Ti 4:5 (KJV) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Well known evangelists

Well known evangelists include (in age order):

• The Apostle Paul
• John Wesley
• Jonathan Edwards
• George Whitefield
• Charles Grandison Finney
• Charles Spurgeon
• Dwight L. Moody
• Billy Sunday
• Aimee Semple McPherson
• Billy Graham
• Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones
• Oral Roberts
• Benny Hinn

Some other evangelists are:

• William M. Branham
• Brother Jed
• Mordecai Ham
• Wes Morris
• Luis Palau
• John Sung
• Stephen Tong
• Arnold Murray
• Sherry Shriner

Non-traditional uses

By metaphorical extension, evangelism may also refer to any form of recruitment or spreading-the-word for a group or movement seen as ideological or committed: hence, for instance, open source evangelism.

In the context of commercial enterprises which develop or foster a cult following and religious-like fanatacism, the term evangelist can become an unofficial or even an official role/title. This usage was pioneered by Guy Kawasaki in Apple Computer's marketing of the Apple Macintosh (see Apple evangelist).

"Urban lingo" only just emerged based on the same principle as Bushism but this time based on Eve Angeli's ([5] (French)) strange expressions. Note that the spelling is particular in this case : "EvAngelism".

See also

• Missions
• Televangelism
• The Evangelical Movement of Wales