evangelical Christians

evangelical Christians
Name	Evangelical Christianity
Main classification	Protestantism
Theology	Evangelicalism
Orientation	Conservative, Pietistic
Scripture	Bible
Founder	Various leaders
Founded date	18th century onward
Founded place	England, North America
Members	Estimates vary widely

evangelical Christians are adherents of a movement within Protestantism emphasizing the authority of the Bible, the necessity of personal conversion, the centrality of Jesus's atoning death and resurrection, and active evangelism. They draw from a range of traditions including Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican Communion, and independent non-denominationalism networks. Prominent figures associated with evangelical movements include John Wesley, George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, Billy Graham, and contemporary leaders such as Rick Warren and James Dobson.

Definition and beliefs

Evangelicals typically affirm biblical authority as articulated in documents like the Westminster Confession of Faith (for some), the Baptist Faith and Message (for others), and statements from organizations such as the World Evangelical Alliance, the National Association of Evangelicals, and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. Core doctrines often cited are the necessity of being "born again" as in Nicene Creed-era Christology debates, the substitutionary atonement theology traced to Anselm of Canterbury and later reformers, and an emphasis on missions exemplified by the Great Commission. Variations include differing views on soteriology (e.g., Calvinism vs. Arminianism), sacramental theology compared across Anglican Church and Lutheranism, and positions on social ethics discussed within forums like the World Congress of Families and debates in the United Nations arena.

History and origins

Roots trace to the Protestant Reformation figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, while the term "evangelical" gained currency during the 18th-century evangelical revival led by John Wesley, George Whitefield, and Jonathan Edwards in the Great Awakening. The 19th century saw expansion through missionaries associated with the London Missionary Society, American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and revival movements tied to the Second Great Awakening. Influential 20th-century developments include the ministries of Billy Graham, the founding of institutions like Moody Bible Institute and Dallas Theological Seminary, and the reaction to modernist theology marked by events such as the Scopes Trial and the creation of organizations like the National Association of Evangelicals.

Denominations and organizational structures

Evangelicals are found across denominations, including Southern Baptist Convention, Assemblies of God, Plymouth Brethren, Church of the Nazarene, Seventh-day Adventist Church (overlapping in some regions), and many non-denominational church networks and parachurch organizations such as Youth for Christ, Cru, Navigators (organization), and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Institutional structures vary from congregational polity seen in Baptist bodies to episcopal arrangements in Anglican contexts and presbyterian governance in Presbyterian Church (USA). Global coordinating bodies include the World Evangelical Alliance and mission agencies like Youth With A Mission and the International Mission Board.

Demographics and global distribution

Significant concentrations exist in the United States, where groups such as the Southern Baptist Convention and organizations like the Christian Coalition of America have large memberships, and in Brazil, Nigeria, South Korea, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia where rapid growth occurred through networks like Brazilian Pentecostalism and Korean Presbyterianism. Statistical surveys by institutions such as the Pew Research Center and the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life document varying estimates; notable national examples include the prominence of evangelicals in countries like Chile and Philippines. Migration, missionary activity from agencies like the International Mission Board, and transnational media ministries (e.g., TBN, Saddleback Church's media outreach) have shaped demographics.

Worship, practices, and culture

Worship styles range from liturgical services in Anglican Communion parishes to charismatic worship in Pentecostalism-inflected congregations; common practices include preaching, personal testimony, baptism (believer's baptism in many Baptist contexts), communion observances, small-group discipleship, and evangelistic campaigns exemplified by Billy Graham crusades and modern events by Franklin Graham. Cultural expressions include Christian publishing houses like Thomas Nelson (publisher) and Zondervan, music scenes linked to festivals such as Creation Festival and artists associated with GMA Dove Awards, and educational institutions from Liberty University to seminaries like Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Political and social influence

Evangelicals have engaged in public life through voter mobilization by organizations like the Christian Coalition of America, policy advocacy via groups such as Focus on the Family, and legal efforts supported by entities like the Alliance Defending Freedom. In the United States notable intersections occurred during the Moral Majority era, the rise of the Religious Right, and electoral coalitions influencing presidencies and congressional campaigns. Internationally, evangelical NGOs participate in humanitarian efforts coordinated with bodies like the World Health Organization and developmental projects partnering with governments and agencies such as USAID. Contested issues include positions on reproductive rights (debates involving the Supreme Court of the United States), marriage definitions challenged in cases brought before courts like the European Court of Human Rights, and religious liberty claims addressed at forums including the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Category:Protestant movements