What defines an evangelical church?

Definition of “Evangelical”

The term “evangelical” is derived from the Greek word “euangelion,” meaning “good news.” Throughout the centuries, those identified as “evangelical” have been characterized by a commitment to proclaiming the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (cf. Mark 16:15). This commitment involves belief in the authority of Scripture, the necessity of personal conversion, and an active responsibility to share this message with others.

Historical Context and Roots

Evangelical churches trace many of their distinctives back to the early church, where believers emphasized faith in the risen Christ and adherence to the apostolic teachings (Acts 2:42). Over time, various movements laid groundwork for what would later become known as evangelicalism. In the Reformation (16th century), reformers highlighted “Scripture alone” (Sola Scriptura) and “faith alone” (Sola Fide), articulating the conviction that the Bible is the ultimate authority and that salvation is not earned by works but received through faith (cf. Ephesians 2:8–9).

Significant historical awakenings, such as the First Great Awakening in the 18th century and the Second Great Awakening in the 19th century, further shaped evangelical identity and practice, emphasizing personal conversion and the transformative effect of the gospel on both individuals and society.

Core Doctrines

1. Authority of Scripture

Evangelical churches hold the Bible as divinely inspired and inerrant in its original manuscripts (2 Timothy 3:16). Archaeological discoveries—including the Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran in 1947—demonstrate remarkable consistency in biblical texts over centuries (see Geisler, Norman L., and William E. Nix, “A General Introduction to the Bible”). Early New Testament manuscripts, like the Rylands Library Papyrus P52, confirm the rapid and widespread circulation of the Gospel writings shortly after the time of Christ, supporting the reliability of the biblical record.

2. Centrality of Christ’s Death and Resurrection

Evangelical churches universally affirm the historical crucifixion of Jesus and His bodily resurrection. The Apostle Paul declared, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Extra-biblical sources—such as the writings of Flavius Josephus and the record of the early church fathers—corroborate core events surrounding Jesus’s life, death, and the fervent belief in His resurrection.

3. Personal Conversion and New Birth

Evangelicals teach that every person must experience regeneration by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3). This personal conversion is often referred to as being “born again,” emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel in an individual’s life. Conversions throughout history, from the Apostle Paul (Acts 9) to myriad personal testimonies in modern times, illustrate this inward change that leads to outward growth in spiritual maturity (Galatians 5:22–23).

4. Evangelistic and Missional Emphasis

Evangelical churches emphasize sharing the faith in fulfillment of the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19–20). Missionary activity and evangelism lie at the heart of their calling, often resulting in educational, medical, and relief efforts worldwide. Historical and modern records show that evangelicals have established schools, hospitals, and humanitarian organizations, acknowledging the calling to minister both physically and spiritually.

5. The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is recognized as active in bringing conviction, imparting spiritual gifts, and guiding believers into all truth (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit’s empowering presence is believed to enable individual Christians and churches to live lives that reflect Christ’s love and mission, including miraculous gifts and healings, which some believers maintain still occur today.

Biblical Timeline and Creation

Evangelical churches hold diverse views on creation, but many accept a straightforward reading of Genesis that presents God as the direct Creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1). Geological observations—such as widespread sedimentary layers attributed by some scientists to large-scale catastrophic events—are viewed by advocates of a young earth perspective as consistent with a global flood (Genesis 6–9). Outside academic resources, including the work of geologists who advocate for a catastrophic flood model (cf. Andrew Snelling, “Earth’s Catastrophic Past”), support the possibility of a relatively recent origin of the earth. This perspective is not universally held by all evangelicals, but they broadly agree that God is the ultimate, intelligent Creator.

Characteristics of an Evangelical Church Community

1. Biblical Preaching and Teaching

Sermons typically center on reading and explaining Scripture so that it can be applied to daily life (Nehemiah 8:8). Many churches offer Bible studies, discipleship groups, and educational programs.

2. Worship and Community Life

Evangelical churches ordinarily gather for corporate worship, featuring Scriptural readings, prayer, congregational singing, and a sermon. Fellowship among believers, evidenced by shared activities and mutual support, is an important community value (Acts 2:44–47).

3. Ordinances (or Sacraments)

Most evangelical churches observe two primary ordinances: Baptism—often by immersion—and the Lord’s Supper (Communion). Baptism signifies identification with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4), while Communion is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice and a celebration of the fellowship believers share in Him (1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

4. Prayer and Dependence on God

Regular prayer gatherings, intercessory prayer for the world, and prayer for one another are hallmarks of evangelical practice (1 Timothy 2:1). Many also emphasize God’s ability to intervene supernaturally in personal lives and global events.

5. Holistic Transformation and Outreach

Evangelical churches often prioritize serving their local communities and responding to global issues. Through food drives, youth ministry, medical missions, and various outreach programs, evangelicals strive to demonstrate God’s love in action (James 2:15–17).

Influence and Contemporary Expressions

Evangelical churches are found worldwide, spanning diverse cultures, languages, and styles of worship. Many form parachurch organizations focused on evangelism, theological education, apologetics, and humanitarian work. Research about life transformation in rehabilitative ministries, for instance, demonstrates a correlation between deep Christian faith commitments and long-term behavioral change.

In addition, the robust tradition of Christian scholarly investigation—seen in fields like biblical archaeology—continues to support confidence in the Scriptures. Discoveries such as the Pilate Stone (found at Caesarea Maritima in 1961) affirm the existence of figures mentioned in the Gospels, bolstering historical credibility.

Conclusion

An evangelical church stands defined by its commitment to the authority of Scripture, the foundational truths of Christ’s death and resurrection, the necessity of personal conversion, and an outward-focused mission. This identity is grounded in centuries of church history, exemplified by global mission efforts and grounded in the firm belief that the Scriptures proclaim the one and only path to salvation and eternal life offered through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Evangelicalism’s wide-ranging influence is evident in its diverse cultural expressions, academic inquiry, and emphasis on personal and societal transformation—all shaped by the conviction that the good news of the gospel must be proclaimed to every generation and every corner of the world.