Defining Evangelicalism Remains Elusive for Global Scholars
A recent webinar hosted by the World Evangelical Alliance highlighted the ongoing complexities of defining and quantifying evangelical Christians worldwide. Held on September 2 and released publicly September 5, the event featured Dr. Gina A. Zurlo of Harvard Divinity School and Jason Mandryk of Operation World, both respected voices in global Christian demography.
Unlike Catholicism or Orthodoxy, evangelicalism lacks a clear, universally accepted definition. This ambiguity complicates efforts to count adherents, even as such data becomes more important in understanding Christianity’s global transformation.
The Challenge of Language and Labels
Mandryk opened the discussion with a stark observation: “There is no such thing as the evangelical.” He argued that the term varies widely by context—often theological within churches, yet political or pejorative in media and public discourse. Zurlo agreed, calling the term “squishy,” but emphasized the importance of recognizing these variances rather than attempting to force rigid classifications.
Despite definitional challenges, both scholars insisted that demographic tracking remains essential—not to determine salvation, but to map the faith’s evolving global footprint.
Counting Evangelicals: Two Different Frameworks
Mandryk uses the Bebbington Quadrilateral—biblicism, crucicentrism, conversionism, and activism—to classify evangelical groups worldwide. His team estimates that there are over 700 million evangelicals globally, noting a significant overlap with the Pentecostal and charismatic movements.
Zurlo, however, applies a layered, sociological model. Her three-tiered framework places the evangelical population between 393 million and 937 million. The broadest category includes mainline Protestants in the Global South and unregistered house churches in China, which often reflect evangelical traits despite avoiding the label.
Disputes and Diversity Within the Movement
Supporters of broader definitions see diversity as a strength that reflects the vitality of global Christianity. Zurlo and Mandryk emphasized the shift in Christianity’s center from the West to the Global South, urging humility from Western observers who no longer represent the movement’s demographic core.
Detractors argue that without clear definitions, the term “evangelical” risks becoming meaningless or manipulated for political ends. Some, especially in the U.S., avoid the label due to its politicized connotations.
A Movement United by Family Resemblance, Not Rigid Identity
Zurlo proposed that evangelicalism be seen as a “global family” connected by shared traits rather than strict boundaries. This approach, both scholars agreed, enables a richer and more accurate understanding of evangelicalism’s role in shaping global Christianity.
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Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
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