noun

evangelist

ih-VAN-juh-list/ɪˈvændʒəlɪst/

Someone who spreads the Christian message.

The evangelist shares the Christian message with the listeners.

An adult openly addresses two attentive listeners while holding a plain bound Christian scripture volume marked only with a small cross; a nearby church cross supplies context.

Etymology

evGreekgood, well

+angelGreekto announce

+istGreekperson who does

An evangelist was a bringer of good news, especially a preacher of the gospel. The broader sense applies that preaching role to someone who enthusiastically champions a belief, product, or cause.

In context

ANU TV37:27

The Vice Chancellor's job at ANU is to be its chief evangelist, to help harness the energy and resolve of the community to achieve its mission.

2023 State of the University Address

More examples

Our church invites an evangelist to speak about the Christian faith.
She works as an evangelist, encouraging people to become Christians.
The evangelists share the gospel with anyone willing to listen.

Forms

evangelist · evangelists

evangelism noun — The activity of spreading the Christian message.

evangelize verb — To spread Christianity and encourage people to convert.

Similar words

preacher: Delivers religious sermons, often to an already established congregation.
missionary: Spreads religious teachings, often through an organized mission elsewhere.