Evangelism refers to communicating the gospel efficiently to those who have not heard it, have not accepted it, or do not believe it. The word is derived from the Greek evangelion, or “good news.” That is what the gospel is: good news. It is a message that frees one from bondage and oppression; it is message that reinstitutes one’s state of life in the holiness and goodness of God’s person. It is a message of mercy, love, and hope.
Often, “the gospel” is thrown around in theological circles, with many scholars and theologians attempting to develop a systematic format to understand what the gospel is, when it started, how it is expressed, and what it means to people. Although theology is a wonderful tool that it should not be separated from social transformation or the expression of the gospel, too much of a good thing can be too much of a good thing. As Walter Rauschenbusch asserts, “Theology is not superior to the gospel. It exists to aid the preaching of salvation. Its business to make the essential facts and principles so simple and clear, so adequate and mighty, that all who preach or teach the gospel, both ministers and laymen, can draw on its stores and deliver a complete and unclouded Christian message.”
Sometimes, however, we must stop overthinking things. Yes, it is good to think. It is good to question, Why? It is good to philosophize the workings of the world and all of its wonders and mysteries. It is good to read God’s words and contemplate on the fullest extent of their meaning. But when push comes to shove, our own ideologies should not affect the expression of the gospel—the gospel should be affected by the Great Commission. All of our lives are supposed to revolve around spreading the gospel to others, which is becoming less and less efficient given the Christians’ growing concern with the next Christian rock album or spoken word artist, hence neglecting the souls of those in their immediate vicinity.
The theology of evangelization is Christian theology in practice. If we claim to believe in a thing, then we must express our belief in it by acting authentically. This means that we must engage ourselves actively with our neighbors and communities and show love and sincere sympathy to them amid their worries. The theology of evangelization is different from, let’s say, Christology of ecclesiology; the latter deals predominately with theories and historical data. In contrast, the theology of evangelization is focused on what one should do rather than what one should think. It is the lifeblood of the Christian faith, and without it, the message of Christ would not have gone beyond the first century.
Have you been looking for an open door to be used for the Lord’s Kingdom? Won’t it benefit you to operate in the prophetic in all areas of your life. This year, I want to gift you this FREE Course and experience the Power of Prophecy as a gift to open your mind to receive the Mind of Christ.
How are you living out your belief in the theology of evangelism in your life?
