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.

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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

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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

Jones, of Brentwood, Essex, grew up in the Christian-based religious movement, probably best known for its door-to-door evangelism.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Pope John XXIII’s goal was to promote evangelism, not to accept secularism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

His father, Jack, was a pastor of a Baptist church in South L.A. and would would soon branch into evangelism, which would take the family to Chicago and Philadelphia.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 16, 2025

Milla’s evangelism brings her true believers and an income, but she's also honest with her fans when her cancer aggressively returns and her diagnosis is terminal.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2025

Christian social service is necessary to conserve the results of evangelism.

From The Challenge of the Country A Study of Country Life Opportunity by Fiske, George Walter