Reimagining Evangelism: An Interdisciplinary Assessment and Proposal

Abstract

The practice of evangelism has fallen on hardtimes in many churches and communities of faith for a variety of reasons but especially due to mis-interpretations of the Great Commission, which has had such a huge impact in summoning Christians to evangeilsm and mission. So, the essay begins with a critical reading of problematic receptions of the Jesus' final words to his disciples at the end of Matthew's gospel. Then the essay explores the connection between evangelism and the overall complex of the Christian tradition to resituate it as a practice integrally related to the entirety of Christian life, espically the Great Commandments to love God and one's neighhbors. Particular attention is given to the relation between evangelism and baptism—which is usually the most immediate rite following on the heels of evangelism—by examining John Wesley’s “Treatise on Baptism” in light of his understanding of the via salutis. The overall thrust of the study is that transforming evangelism will require robust conversations with biblical, historical, theological, and interdisciplinary studies that enable assessment, correction, and enlargement of its horizon. This urgent task of reimagination through critical, constructive, and creative engagement is no easy feat, but it offers a fighting chance to transform evangelism and reclaim it for the contemporary church.