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Questions about: Apologetics and Theology
Shaneil: (03/01/07) What is Evangelism? What is Missions? Shaneil

Jack: Shaneil, Evangelism, coming from the word "evangel," which means the Gospel ("good news"), is usually understood as sharing the Gospel with those who haven't heard it clearly.

Missions usually refers to activities that minister to people across cultural or even sociological lines. Individuals who do so are usually referred to as "missionaries." Most missionaries, at least theoretically, seek to be sensitive to peoples' needs, trying to maintain a balance between the spiritual (sharing the Gospel, helping people grow in Christ) and physical (providing for people in emergencies, healing ministries, educational projects, etc.).

Thus, Missions includes Evangelism, but in a cross-cultural setting - which necessitates learning a foreign language, sensitivity to cultural distinctives, etc.

Both these terms will be influenced by one's theological orientation. I present this distinction from my evangelical Protestant frame of reference.

Jack

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