Proselytizing vs Evangelizing

Posted by Joe Thorn - 10/03/08
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)

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  1. 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.

    Comment by Nate — March 10, 2008 #

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

    Comment by Patrick A. — March 11, 2008 #

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

    Comment by Patrick A. — March 11, 2008 #

  4. [...] Joe Thorn shares a great quote from Stott on the difference between Proselytizing vs Evangelizing.  This is an important distinction.  Read it. [...]

    Pingback by Tuesday Links | Subverting Mediocrity — March 11, 2008 #

  5. [...] Pastor Joe Thorn shares a great Stott quote on proselytism and evangelism: 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 [...]

    Pingback by Do You Evangelize or Proselytize? | Ars Gratia — March 11, 2008 #

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