Evangelism Remixed

Evangelism | Mark Braye says don’t box it in

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he way we use words and the way we define them matters. In conversation, in print, in preaching and teaching, the way we use and define words will either take away from, or add to what is being expressed.

Take the word “evangelism” for example. I’ve heard the word defined as: “the preaching of God’s word.” I’m not against this definition, but it could include more.

The English word “evangelism” comes from the Greek noun euangelion, which means “good news,” and the Greek verb euangelizomai, which means to announce or proclaim or bring good news. Therefore, evangelism is the announcing or proclaiming of the good news; the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

For me, the old adage, “actions speak louder than words,” rings true for evangelism. Our actions, our presence and our service can proclaim and announce the gospel as much, if not more, than a 12-minute sermon preached on Sunday.

Defining evangelism as “the preaching of God’s word” seems to be a conservative evangelical definition of the word. This definition sells the word short. This definition puts evangelism in a box and places it on the shelf for specific times and places.

Existential thinker Jean-Paul Sartre thought choices and actions expressed meaning and value. Take this notion to a Christian context and it remains the same on a certain level. If we extend a helping hand to needy people (action), we are proclaiming with the choice to act that there is meaning and value in helping others. This action is motivated by the love of Christ we extend to fellow humans made in the image of God. Whether they believe it or not is irrelevant. Look no further than Matthew 25 where Christ speaks about the importance of helping others. Mother Teresa used this passage often and saw Christ in everyone she helped.

Our presence can be evangelism. When we sit with someone who needs a listening ear we are proclaiming, with our silence and presence, the gospel and love of Jesus Christ. When we spend time with someone who needs a friend we are proclaiming the gospel. Christ’s presence in our lives will not be contained when we spend time with people in need.

Service can proclaim and announce the gospel. Bob Dylan wrote and sang: “You gotta serve somebody. It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody.” Christ would agree. In John 13 Christ takes on the role of a servant and washes his disciples’ feet. Christ, through this act of service, was proclaiming to his friends the Gospel. Christ was showing his love and care for the disciples. Christ was announcing to them, and ultimately us, that serving others is vital to the Kingdom of Christ. Serving others is a way to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and his Kingdom.

Evangelism is proclaiming and announcing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which can be expressed through voice, song, in print, action, presence, and service. Think about the words of St. Francis of Assisi who said: “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

Further reading:
More Ready Than You Realize: Evangelism as Dance in the Postmodern Matrix – Brian McLaren
Reimagining Evangelism: Inviting Friends on a Spiritual Journey – Rick Richardson
Holy Conversation – Richard Peace
Evangelism without Additives – Jim Henderson
Evangelism for the Rest of Us – Mike Bechtle
Just Walk Across the Room – Bill Hybels

Writer: Captain Mark Braye enjoys film and music, being active, good conversation and a good laugh. Mark and his wife Nancy are the corps officers in Essex, Ontario, Canada. Hannah, their first child, was born last year.

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