Proselytizing vs Evangelizing

by Joe Thorn on March 10, 2008

Proselytism and evangelism are not the same thing. To proselytize is to convert somebody else to our opinions and culture, and to squeeze him into our mould; to evangelize is to proclaim God’s good news about Jesus Christ to the end that people will believe in him, find life in him and ultimately be conformed to his image, not ours. The motive behind proselytism is concern for the spread of our own little empire; the motive behind evangelism is concern for the true welfare of men and thereby for the name, kingdom, will and glory of God

- John Stott, Christ the Controversialist (173, 174)

About Joe Thorn

I am the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in Saint Charles, IL, and author of Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself. Jen is my wife, and Katherine, Elias, Madeline and Kilian are my kids.

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  • http://www.ImpactYourSchool.com Nate

    Well said. Praise God for the work of faithful men like John Stott. May we be more concerned with the welfare of men and the kingdom of God far more than own own little empires. Thanks Joe for the encouraging words found here time and time again.

  • http://pcaldridgeadventures.blogspot.com Patrick A.

    It the difference between making “converts” and making “disciples”. Thanks for sharing Joe!

  • http://pcaldridgeadventures.blogspot.com Patrick A.

    It’s the difference between making “converts” and making “disciples”. Thanks for sharing Joe!

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