by Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott
Come on, you can say it? I am sure you can! I help you out; e.van.ge.lism. Now, does that feel good? It’s not a bad word, after all! All kidding aside, in recent times, the word “evangelism” has become a controversial and, to some, an unpopular term. For many, it conjures images of aggressive proselytizing or insincere attempts to convert others. Some might say this word is pure, unadulterated hate. Don’t worry; I was once there myself early in my faith walk! This perception has led some siblings to shy away from the term altogether. However, as we reflect on our mission as followers of Christ, we must reclaim and redefine evangelism in a way that speaks to the heart of the Gospel.
From the scriptures, Jesus’ command in the Great Commission is clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This call to evangelism is not about coercion or manipulation. Instead, it is about sharing the transformative love and grace received through Jesus Christ.
At its core, evangelism is about spreading the Good News. It is about sharing our personal experiences of God’s love and grace. It offers hope, peace, and a sense of belonging to those who may feel lost or marginalized. When we share our faith authentically and lovingly, we embody the message of Jesus and invite others to experience the fullness of life that He offers.
In addition, it is essential to differentiate between proselytizing and evangelizing. Proselytizing often involves a forceful or insistent approach to converting someone to a particular faith, sometimes disregarding the individual’s journey or beliefs. We have seen this happen in church history. Some examples are the missionary’s treatment of Native Americans, the indigenous people of Hawaii, and the enslavement of people from the African diaspora. On the other hand, evangelizing is about witnessing the love of Christ through our actions and words, inviting others to explore faith respectfully and compassionately. Evangelism is rooted in genuine relationship-building and empathy rather than persuasion and pressure.
In our modern context, evangelism should be reimagined as an act of love and service. It involves listening to others, understanding their struggles, and offering a message of hope that speaks to their needs. It is about building genuine relationships and demonstrating the love of Christ through our actions. As St. Francis of Assisi famously said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”
As we strive to live out our calling to evangelize, let us remember that evangelism is not about increasing church membership or winning debates. It is about sharing Jesus’s life-changing message in a humble, compassionate, and authentic way. It is about witnessing the power of God’s love in our lives and inviting others to join us on this faith journey.
When we look into the history of the United Church of Christ, we are blessed with five historic streams that shape our identity and mission: Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, Reformed, and Afro-Christian. I am not naive about the history of some of these streams regarding evangelism. I recognize the need to address restorative justice for past wrongs and harms associated with evangelistic efforts.
However, each stream can bring some unique perspective and rich heritage that informs how we live out our faith and engage in evangelism.
-The Congregational Stream emphasizes the local church’s autonomy and the importance of community and covenant.
-The Christian Stream focuses on the unity of all believers and the simplicity of the Gospel message.
-The Evangelical Stream calls us to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to sharing the Good News.
-The Reformed Stream reminds us of the sovereignty of God and the importance of continuous reform and renewal.
-The Afro-Christian Stream highlights African American Christians’ rich spiritual traditions and resilience, emphasizing justice, liberation, and communal worship.
By embracing the diverse gifts and insights from these streams, we can approach evangelism with a deeper understanding and a broader perspective. This diversity enriches our witness and allows us to connect with people from various backgrounds and experiences.
We must also acknowledge the challenge of biblical illiteracy in our society. ( I have more to say about this topic in a blog post) Many people today lack a basic understanding of the Bible and its teachings. This makes our role as evangelists (Yes, that’s you)even more critical. We are called to be educators and guides, helping others to discover the richness of Scripture and its relevance to their lives. Through thoughtful study, compassionate teaching, and living out biblical principles, we can address this gap and bring the transformative power of God’s Word to a broader audience.
In a world that is often filled with division and despair, the message of the Gospel is more needed than ever. Let us not be afraid to embrace the call to evangelize. Let us now reclaim this word and live it out in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus. By doing so, we can bring the light of Christ into the lives of those around us and fulfill our mission to spread the Good News to all corners of the earth.
For resources, check out this link: https://www.evangelismconnections.com
Excellent article, Derrick.