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)
Proselytizing vs Evangelizing
Previous post: The Table, The Pulpit and the Square
Next post: Setting up a Moleskine
I am the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship; husband to Jen; Dad to Katherine, Elias, Madeline, and Kilian. If you're in town you can probably find me in the local coffee house or running through the neighborhoods.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
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.
It the difference between making “converts” and making “disciples”. Thanks for sharing Joe!
It’s the difference between making “converts” and making “disciples”. Thanks for sharing Joe!
{ 2 trackbacks }