8. Gospel People: The Modern Evangelical Movement (1925 – present)

With roots in the Great Awakenings, the modern Evangelical Movement emerged in the 1930s as a third way between theological liberalism and strict fundamentalism. The word “evangelical” is from the Greek word euangelion, meaning “good news” or “gospel.” Evangelicalism is not a denomination, but a network of like-minded people from across many denominations. It’s a big-tent Christianity that brings together different kinds of Christians with these four commitments:[1]

1. Conversion – “You must be born again.”

2. Scripture – the Bible is the authoritative, infallible Word of God.

3. The Cross – the heart of the gospel is Jesus’ atoning death on the cross.

4. Activism – the gospel must be shared in word and deed.

Evangelicalism is now a global movement that has been a driving force for missions, church planting, and social action around the world.

In addition, the Evangelical movement has a rich tradition of biblical scholarship and intellectual activity. It has given birth to many seminaries, colleges, book publishers, and magazines.

Scripture: John 3:16-18; 1 Corinthians 15:1-6

People: Billy Graham (1918-2018), Carl F. Henry (1913-2003), John Stott (1921-2011), Henrietta Mears (1890-1963), John Perkins (1930 -)

“Christianity is by no means the social gospel of modernism, but is nonetheless vibrant with social implications as a religion of redemptive transformation.”[2] – Carl F.H. Henry

“God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, 'I love you.” ― Billy Graham

“Make the Bible your source and your authority. Quote it frequently. Let its message be your message. Study it, meditate upon it, memorize it. Trust its promises. The Word of God itself has power.”[3] – Billy Graham

“It is our duty to do all we can to introduce every generation to Christ.”[4] -Henrietta Mears

“Every Christian should be both conservative and radical; conservative in preserving the faith and radical in applying it.” – John Stott

“For too long, many in the Church have argued that unity in the body of Christ across ethnic and class lines is a separate issue from the gospel. There has been the suggestion that we can be reconciled to God without being reconciled to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Scripture doesn’t bear that out.” – John Perkins

Application: Look back at the four commitments that define the Evangelical movement. Are you committed to these things? Is there anything you would add?

[1] This idea comes from historian David Bebbington

[2] Carl F.H. Henry, “Dare We Renew the Controversy?” in Keith J. Hardman, ed. Issues in American Christianity: Primary Sources with Introductions (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1993), 282.

[3] Quoted in video “Honoring Billy Graham,” (https://billygrahamlibrary.org/photos-videos/honoring-billy-graham/) Accessed 5/22/2025.

[4] Dr. Henrietta C. Mears (2016). “Sunday School Changes Everything”, NavPress, p. 15.