Revisiting Evangelism: Toward a Dual-Structured Theology of Kērygma and Euangelizomai

Contemporary discussions of evangelism often conflate its theological and practical dimensions into a single communicative mode, overlooking the New Testament's more textured vision. This study investigates the biblical and communicative foundations of evangelism through a comparative analysis of two key Greek terms: kērygma (κήρυγμα) and euangelizomai (εὐαγγελίζομαι). While frequently conflated, these terms represent distinct yet interdependent aspects of gospel witness— kērygma emphasizing declarative proclamation and euangelizomai highlighting relational and contextual engagement. The study traces the theological trajectories of both terms through lexical analysis of the Septuagint and New Testament texts, supported by biblical narratives involving Jesus, Peter, Philip, and Paul. Drawing on receptor-oriented communication theory, particularly frameworks developed by Paul Hiebert and Charles Kraft, it proposes a dual-structured theology of evangelism that integrates content and context, clarity and compassion. Historical patterns—ranging from the relationally embedded Celtic missions, to the proclamation-centered Reformers, to John Wesley's integrated evangelistic approach—further illustrate the enduring relevance of a dual-structured theology of evangelism. This model equips the church for faithful and credible gospel witness in an age of digital mediation, cultural fragmentation, and institutional skepticism. Rather than reinforcing a dichotomy between proclamation and presence, the study affirms their theological integration as essential to New Testament evangelism.