Evangelism is one of those church words that can sound intimidating — or a bit dated. But at its heart it is simple. Evangelism is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people who have not yet trusted Him, and inviting them to respond.
Where the word comes from
"Evangelism" comes from the Greek word euangelion, which means "good news" — the same word translated "gospel." To evangelise is literally to announce good news. Evangelism is not first about a technique or a programme. It is about a message worth telling.
What is the good news?
Paul summarised it as the message "of first importance":
"that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (WEB)
Every person has sinned and is separated from God. God, in love, sent His Son. Jesus died in our place and rose again, and everyone who repents and trusts in Him is forgiven and receives new life. Our Gospel explainer walks through it step by step.
Why Christians evangelise
- Jesus commanded it. "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you" (Matthew 28:19–20, WEB).
- People need to hear it. "How will they believe in him whom they have not heard?" (Romans 10:14, WEB).
- The message has power. Paul was "not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16, WEB).
- Love moves us. If we believe Jesus is the way to life, keeping it to ourselves is not kindness.
What evangelism is not
- Not winning arguments. Questions deserve honest answers, but the goal is pointing to Jesus. See our guide to honest questions people ask about God.
- Not manipulation or pressure. We invite; the Holy Spirit convicts and draws people.
- Not only words — or only deeds. Practical love without the Gospel leaves people fed but without hope; words without love ring hollow. Jesus did both.
- Not just for experts. Some believers are especially gifted as evangelists, but every follower of Jesus is sent.
Common forms of evangelism
- Personal or friendship evangelism — sharing Jesus with the people already in your life, your oikos. Start with who is in your oikos.
- Street evangelism — conversations with people you meet in public places. Read what street evangelism is, or see it every Tuesday in downtown Hamilton.
- Serving with the Gospel — meeting practical needs like food and warmth while offering prayer and the message of Jesus.
- Testimony — simply telling what Jesus has done for you. Here is how to share your testimony in three minutes.
- Online — sharing your faith through messages, posts, and video with people you may never meet in person.
How to start this week
- Pray for one person by name every day.
- Learn a simple Gospel outline — how to share the Gospel simply.
- Prepare your story with the testimony builder.
- Look for one conversation and listen more than you talk. Our conversation guide helps.
- Follow up. A single conversation is a beginning, not the end.
Want a structured way in? Try the seven-day One Person Challenge, look up words like "repentance" and "grace" in our glossary, or come learn alongside us on a Tuesday night in Hamilton. If you lead a church or group, our evangelism training is built for you.
Found this helpful? Pass it on.
