evangelism

noun evan·ge·lism \ i-ˈvan-jə-ˌli-zəm \

Updated on: 18 May 2018

Definition of evangelism

1 : the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ

2 : militant or crusading zeal

—

evangelistic

play \i-ˌvan-jə-ˈli-stik\ adjective

—

evangelistically

play \i-ˌvan-jə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See evangelism defined for kids

Recent Examples of evangelism from the Web

So their curriculums expanded to include not just religious studies to prepare students for evangelism or missionary work but also majors in liberal-arts fields.

— naomi schaefer riley, WSJ, "‘Fundamentalist U’ Review: Believers in Higher Ed," 6 May 2018
Now, these same people seek out Oaxacan mole and fresh masa tortillas because of the evangelism and dedication of Bayless.

— michael nagrant, RedEye Chicago, "Want to be a Chicago dining expert? You must visit these 12 restaurants," 1 Mar. 2018
Every member at Catch of the Day goes through Dunmore’s evangelism course.

— julie zauzmer, Washington Post, "Fishing for another ‘like’: At Easter, many Christians return to door-to-door methods.," 30 Mar. 2018
But organizers said evangelicals need to return their focus to the term’s true definition: a person who believes in the authority of the Bible, salvation through Jesus’ work on the cross, personal conversion and the need for evangelism.

— sarah pulliam bailey, Washington Post, "‘When you Google evangelicals, you get Trump’: High-profile evangelicals will meet privately to discuss their future," 12 Apr. 2018
Donald Trump’s presidential support was important, but tax reform would not have happened without Mr. Ryan’s years of detailed policy work and evangelism.

— the editorial board, WSJ, "The Paul Ryan Difference," 11 Apr. 2018
In the 1990s, his unquestioned integrity helped save television evangelism after the public falls from grace of Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart.

— david briggs, cleveland.com, "Billy Graham's 'uwavering message' was heard around the world, and in Cleveland (photos)," 21 Feb. 2018
Evangelical Christians had their political views, but for the most part did not treat those views primarily as matters of faith, and concentrated instead on individual devotion to God and evangelism.

— barton swaim, WSJ, "In the Beginning Was the Word," 30 Mar. 2018
She was immediately drawn to Willow’s contemporary sound and approach to evangelism and volunteered on the vocal team.

— manya brachear pashman, chicagotribune.com, "After years of inquiries, Willow Creek pastor denies misconduct allegations," 23 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'evangelism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of evangelism

circa 1626

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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See words that rhyme with evangelism Spanish Central: Translation of evangelism Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about evangelism

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evangelism

Definition of evangelism

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evangelistically

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