evangelism

American  

[ih-van-juh-liz-uhm] / ɪˈvæn dʒəˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. the preaching or promulgation of the gospel; the work of an evangelist.

2. evangelicalism.

3. missionary zeal, purpose, or activity.

---

evangelism British  

/ ɪˈvændʒɪˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. RC Church term: evangelization.   evangelisation.  (in Protestant churches) the practice of spreading the Christian gospel

2. ardent or missionary zeal for a cause

3. the work, methods, or characteristic outlook of a revivalist or evangelist preacher

4. a less common word for evangelicalism See evangelicalism

---

Etymology

Origin of evangelism

First recorded in 1620–30; evangel ² + -ism

Explanation

If you've ever seen a street preacher, you know what evangelism is — it's the enthusiastic sharing of a religious belief. You can use the noun evangelism to talk about the spreading of any idea that someone is passionate about, but it most often describes the Christian gospels specifically. Many branches of Christianity include evangelism as an important part of their religious practice — it's vital not just to believe, but to spread those beliefs among as many people as possible. Missionaries, who travel to foreign countries to convert people to Christianity, practice evangelism too.

Example Sentences

Church members would pass them out surreptitiously for evangelism to prospective Iranian converts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Nicknamed “God’s influencer,” Carlo was canonized for his internet evangelism, his faith amid fatal sickness and other reasons, including two healing miracles attributed to his posthumous intervention.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

Catholic perspectives add nuance: conversion is understood as a lifelong process, with debates around evangelism emphasizing persuasion over coercion and relationship-building over public pressure.

From Salon • Nov. 2, 2025

Whether the videos are anti-AA or pro-AA, many are full of misinformation, reductive characterizations, evangelism, rage bait, and wannabe spiritual gurus.

From Slate • Sep. 10, 2025

There are two lines of Christian work which call loudly to-day to men and women—personal evangelism and the missionary enterprise.

From Training the Teacher by Schauffler, A. F.