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

Kafka’s posthumous fortune owes principally to the evangelism of his friend, Max Brod, who refused the author’s dying request to destroy his papers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

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

The former was the consummate flower of Old Testament prophecy; the latter was the ripe fruit of New Testament evangelism.

From Personal Friendships of Jesus by Miller, J. R. (James Russell)