Every field has its own vocabulary, and the language of evangelism can feel like a closed door if nobody explains it. Here are the words we use most, in plain English — each one linked to a guide that shows what it looks like in real life.
- Apologetics
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Giving reasons for the Christian faith, from the Greek apologia, "a defence" (1 Peter 3:15). In everyday evangelism it is less about winning debates and more about honest, gentle answers to real questions — including the freedom to say "I don't know yet".
Go deeper: Answering the Hard Questions
- Born again
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Jesus' description of the new spiritual life God gives a person who trusts in Him (John 3:3–7). It is not self-improvement but a new beginning received by grace through faith.
Go deeper: Someone Said Yes to Jesus. Now What?
- Church planting
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Starting new local churches, usually so that people reached through evangelism have a nearby community in which to grow as disciples. Multiplying churches is a central aim of the Great Commission's "make disciples".
Go deeper: Church Evangelism Training
- Discipleship
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The lifelong process of following Jesus and learning to obey His teaching, usually alongside other believers (Matthew 28:20). Evangelism invites someone to begin; discipleship is everything after.
Go deeper: Following up with a new believer
- Equipping
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Training ordinary church members to do the work of ministry themselves rather than leaving it to leaders (Ephesians 4:11–12). In evangelism, equipping means making sharing faith normal, practical and repeatable for a whole congregation.
- Evangelism
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Sharing the good news (the gospel) of Jesus Christ with others, from the Greek euangelion, "good news". It can be as simple as an honest conversation, a prayer offered, or a story of what God has done in your own life.
Go deeper: Evangelism as a Lifestyle
- Follow-up
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Staying in contact with someone after a faith conversation or a decision to follow Jesus — answering their questions, praying with them and connecting them to other believers and a local church.
Go deeper: Someone Said Yes to Jesus. Now What?
- Gospel
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The good news that God, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, forgives and restores everyone who trusts in Him (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). It is announced as a gift to receive, not a standard to earn.
Go deeper: Free Evangelism Resources
- Great Commission
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Jesus' final instruction to His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations", baptising and teaching them (Matthew 28:18–20). It is the reason evangelism, discipleship and church planting belong together.
Go deeper: Church Evangelism Training
- Intercession
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Praying on behalf of other people — for their needs, and for them to know God. Praying for specific people by name is often where evangelism begins.
Go deeper: 7-Day Evangelism Prayer Guide
- Kingdom of God
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God's reign and rule, which Jesus announced had come near (Mark 1:15) and taught His followers to pray for: "your kingdom come, your will be done" (Matthew 6:10). Seeking it first shapes every part of life, including work and business.
Go deeper: Your Work Is a Mission Field
- Oikos
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Greek for "household". In evangelism it means the network of people already in your everyday life — family, friends, neighbours and co-workers — the people you are most naturally placed to love and pray for.
Go deeper: Map Your Oikos
- Outreach
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Going out to meet people where they are, often with practical care such as food or coffee, together with prayer and conversation about Jesus. Regular street outreach is where Love on Hamilton began in 2014.
Go deeper: How to Start an Outreach Team
- Testimony
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Your own account of what life was like before you followed Jesus, how you came to trust Him, and what has changed since. A short, honest testimony is one of the most natural ways to share faith.
Go deeper: How to Share Your Testimony in Three Minutes
Looking for something to put into practice today? Start with the 7-day evangelism prayer guide, or write down your three-minute testimony.