Evangelist: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a person who seeks to convert others to the Christian faith, often traveling to spread their message.

• The evangelist visited remote villages to share the message of hope.
• As an evangelist, she spent her life spreading the gospel.

Refers to a person who publicly speaks about religious topics, often in a church setting. It is a general term and can be used outside of Christian contexts too.

• The preacher gave a powerful sermon that moved the congregation.
• She felt inspired after listening to the preacher's words.

Commonly used for someone sent on a religious mission, particularly to promote Christianity in foreign countries, and often involves social help and cultural exchange.

• The missionary built schools and clinics in addition to preaching.
• He traveled to South America as a missionary to help indigenous communities.

Typically used in a critical or negative context to describe someone who is aggressively attempting to convert others to their faith.

• The proselytizer's pushy tactics made people uncomfortable.
• He was seen as a proselytizer, always trying to recruit new followers aggressively.