Even though Jesus clearly commanded us to go out and “make disciples of all nations,” many Christians are still uncomfortable with the concept of evangelism. And maybe part of the problem has to do with the word itself. Like a lot of “ism” words, the word “evangelism” sometimes carries the connotation of arrogance and ideological superiority. “We have the answers, and you don’t. Therefore, you need to convert!”

But the problem is deeper than just language; it’s also one of image. Mention evangelism to most people, and they immediately picture a slickly dressed “TV preacher,” or maybe that pushy next-door neighbor, who insists on turning every conversation into an altar call. With these as our prevailing images, it’s no wonder that so many of us have a strong aversion to evangelism.

If you ask me, I think it’s time for the church to reclaim the word “evangelism.” In its broadest sense, evangelism simply means living the gospel in ways that can be seen, heard, and felt by others. This doesn’t necessary imply that we have to stand on a street corner handing out Christian pamphlets, or that we start buttonholing strangers at the grocery store and inquiring, “Have you been saved?” What it does imply is that we begin “to let our light shine.”

Thomas Long offers the following analogy. Suppose that a few inmates in a prisoner-of-war camp have secretly managed to build a crude radio receiver out of a razor blade and some scraps of wire. Gathered covertly around this radio late one night, they hear, through the static, a news report that an army of liberation is advancing steadily toward the camp and that their freedom is near. Now this small group has heard news of immense importance for the entire camp, and there is simply no question that it must be told to the other prisoners. None would dare suggest that this word of coming liberation be cherished privately and silently within their hearts. They know that this is news, which must be shared.

However, they also know that doing so will be difficult—and perhaps even dangerous. The powers that still rule the camp will resist its telling at all costs. Moreover, some of the prisoners may have become so adjusted to their captivity that they will have trouble believing the message. It will sound implausible and too good to be true. Still, the news must be told, and this group will find the means to do it. Perhaps they will whisper it from prisoner to prisoner in the stillness of the night, or tap it out in code at mealtimes … but make no mistake, they will tell it regardless.

In much the same way, Christians have received news that is simply too vital and wonderful to be kept all to ourselves. It must be shared with the world, because the very nature of the news demands it. Finding ways to do that is precisely what evangelism is all about.