Write a short essay or article (500-1500 words) or create a short video of 5 minutes or less on one or more of the following questions:

What is evangelicalism?

What should Canadians expect from evangelicals?

What is the relationship between being an evangelical and loving God and neighbour?

Why is the term evangelical relevant?

Being “evangelical” isn’t synonymous with evangelism. So who are evangelicals? What does evangelical mean? Does the term even matter? Is it out of date? Why do we use the term today to describe a certain type of Christian?


Generally speaking, Evangelicals are Christians who share four main qualities:

  • Biblicism: a high regard for the Bible
  • Crucicentrism: a focus on the crucifixion of Jesus and his saving grace
  • Conversionism: a belief that humans need to be converted
  • Activism: the belief that faith should influence one’s public life

The term evangelical comes from the Greek word euangelion meaning “gospel” or “good news.” Evangelical refers to a person, church, or organization that is committed to the four qualities listed above.

Not all Christians are Evangelicals, but all Evangelicals are Christians. Some Christians don’t believe that the Bible is fully trustworthy and divinely inspired. They wouldn’t be considered an evangelical. When Christians come together to reach the world for Jesus, common beliefs and a way to identify our common beliefs can be helpful.

In a culture where labels are avoided, affinity to denominational affiliation is waning and a sense of Canadian evangelical identity is unclear, it is increasingly important for us to understand evangelicalism and to consider if we are unique as evangelicals in Canada.

Contest Details

The Evangelical Essay and Video Contest is designed to create awareness, spark conversations, inspire creative expression and academic dialogue around the topic of Canadian Evangelicalism. The contest is targeted to Canadian students in Christian post-secondary institutions and will be open to evangelicals from 18-35 years of age.

Prizes will be awarded for winning entries including a grand prize of $500 and a trip to Montreal to attend EFC’s Presidents Day to present the winning piece. Several other cash awards range from $250 to $150.

The vast majority of people in Canada who attend evangelical churches are not aware of what the term “evangelical” means. Considering the use of the term throughout history, its global scope, and its commonly accepted definition, this contest will re-introduce Canadian Christians to evangelicalism. The contest gives LIM readers and other Christians an opportunity to learn and share about how they fit into the evangelical family in Canada.

Contest Deadline

September 20, 2019


Up to two entries may be submitted per person.

Contest details are subject to change.

Related links:

Article: https://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/evangelicalism

Brian Stiller’s Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/theefc/to-be-or-not-be-an-evangelical
