Evangelicalism

==Beliefs==
[[File: PingstVästeråsDopgrav1801.jpg|thumb|right|[[Baptistery]] in the Pentecostal church (Pingstförsamlingen) of [[Västerås]], in Sweden, 2018.]]
[[File: Georgia Dome - Passion Conference.JPG|thumb| [[Passion Conferences]], a music and evangelism festival at [[Georgia Dome]] in [[Atlanta, Georgia]], United States, in 2013.]]
{{Further|Evangelical theology}}
One influential definition of evangelicalism has been proposed by historian David Bebbington.{{sfn|Trueman|2011|p=14}} Bebbington notes four distinctive aspects of evangelical faith: [[Religious conversion|conversionism]], [[biblicism]], [[David Bebbington#Bebbington quadrilateral|crucicentrism]], and activism, noting, "Together they form a quadrilateral of priorities that is the basis of Evangelicalism."{{sfn|Bebbington|1993|p=3}}

Conversionism, or belief in the necessity of being "[[Born again (Christianity)|born again]]," has been a constant theme of evangelicalism since its beginnings.<ref name="Kidd2019">{{cite book |last1=Kidd |first1=Thomas S. |title=Who Is an Evangelical? |date=September 24, 2019 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-24141-9 |page=4 |language=English |quote=What does it mean to be evangelical? The simple answer is that evangelical Christianity is the ''religion of the born again.''}}</ref> To evangelicals, the central message of the gospel is [[justification by faith]] in Christ and [[repentance]], or turning away, from [[sin]]. Conversion differentiates the Christian from the non-Christian, and the change in life it leads to is marked by both a rejection of sin and a corresponding personal [[Sanctification|holiness]] of life. A conversion experience can be emotional, including grief and sorrow for sin followed by great relief at receiving forgiveness. The stress on conversion differentiates evangelicalism from other forms of Protestantism by the associated belief that an [[assurance (theology)|assurance]] will accompany conversion.<ref name="Yates2015">{{cite book |last1=Yates |first1=Arthur S. |title=The Doctrine of Assurance: With Special Reference to John Wesley |date=2015 |publisher=Wipf and Stock Publishers |isbn=9781498205047 |quote=Writing to Arthur Bedford on 4th August 1738, Wesley says: 'That assurance of which alone I speak, I should not choose to call an assurance of salvation, but rather (with the Scriptures) the assurance of faith. . . . I think the Scriptural words are ...}}</ref> Among evangelicals, individuals have testified to both sudden and gradual conversions.{{sfn|Bebbington|1993|pp=5–8}}<ref>{{harvnb|Worthen|2014|p=4}}: "A logical place to start is to ask Christians who call themselves evangelical what they believe. The trouble is that evangelicals differ widely in how they interpret and emphasize 'fundamental' doctrines. Even the 'born again experience,' supposedly the quintessence of evangelicalism, is not an ironclad indicator. Some evangelicals have always viewed conversion as an incremental process rather than an instantaneous rebirth (and their numbers may be increasing)."</ref>

Biblicism is reverence for the [[Protestant Bible|Bible]] and high regard for [[biblical authority]]. All evangelicals believe in [[biblical inspiration]], though they disagree over how this inspiration should be defined. Many evangelicals believe in [[biblical inerrancy]], while other evangelicals believe in [[biblical infallibility]].{{sfn|Bebbington|1993|pp=12–14}}

Crucicentrism is the centrality that evangelicals give to the [[Atonement in Christianity|Atonement]], the saving [[Crucifixion of Jesus|death]] and the [[resurrection of Jesus]], that offers forgiveness of sins and new life. This is understood most commonly in terms of a [[substitutionary atonement]], in which Christ died as a substitute for sinful humanity by taking on himself the guilt and punishment for sin.{{sfn|Bebbington|1993|pp=15–16}}

Activism describes the tendency toward active expression and sharing of the gospel in diverse ways that include preaching and social action. This aspect of evangelicalism continues to be seen today in the proliferation of evangelical voluntary religious groups and [[parachurch organizations]].{{sfn|Bebbington|1993|p=12}}

=== Church government and organizations ===
[[File:HK HongKongBaptistTheologicalSeminary Admin&EdBlock.JPG|thumb|right|[[Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary]], in [[Hong Kong]], 2008.]]
[[File:Baptist Hospital Mutengene.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Baptist Hospital Mutengene ([[Tiko]]), member of the [[Cameroon Baptist Convention]].]]
The word ''church'' has several meanings among evangelicals. It can refer to the universal church (the [[body of Christ]]) including all Christians everywhere.<ref>Robert Paul Lightner, ''Handbook of Evangelical Theology'', Kregel Academic, USA, 1995, p. 228</ref> It can also refer to the [[church (congregation)]], which is the [[visible church|visible]] representation of the [[invisible church]]. It is responsible for teaching and administering the [[sacrament]]s or [[Ordinance (Christianity)|ordinances]] ([[baptism]] and the [[Eucharist|Lord's Supper]], but some evangelicals also count [[footwashing]] as an ordinance as well).<ref>Robert Paul Lightner, ''Handbook of Evangelical Theology'', Kregel Academic, USA, 1995, p. 234</ref>

Many evangelical traditions adhere to the doctrine of the [[believers' Church]], which teaches that one becomes a member of the [[Christian Church|Church]] by the [[new birth]] and profession of faith.<ref name="religion.info">Religioscope, Sébastien Fath, [https://www.religion.info/2002/03/03/evangelisme-et-eglises-evangeliques-en-france-entretien-avec-sebastien-fath/ À propos de l'évangélisme et des Églises évangéliques en France – Entretien avec Sébastien Fath] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101053917/https://www.religion.info/2002/03/03/evangelisme-et-eglises-evangeliques-en-france-entretien-avec-sebastien-fath/ |date=November 1, 2020 }}, religion.info, France, March 3, 2002</ref>{{sfn|Ohlmann|1991|p=155}} This originated in the [[Radical Reformation]] with [[Anabaptism|Anabaptists]]<ref>Sébastien Fath, ''Du ghetto au réseau: Le protestantisme évangélique en France, 1800–2005'', Édition Labor et Fides, Genève, 2005, p. 378.</ref> but is held by denominations that practice [[believer's baptism]].<ref>Donald F. Durnbaugh, ''The Believers' Church: The History and Character of Radical Protestantism'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2003, p. 65, 73</ref> Evangelicals in the Anglican, Methodist and Reformed traditions practice [[infant baptism]] as one's initiation into the community of faith and the New Testament counterpart to [[Religious male circumcision|circumcision]], while also stressing the necessity of personal conversion later in life for [[Salvation in Christianity|salvation]].{{sfn|Balmer|2002|p=54}}{{sfn|Bebbington|1993|pp=8–10}}<ref name="UMC – By Water and the Spirit">{{cite web|url = http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=992| title = By Water and the Spirit: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism|publisher = [[The United Methodist Church]]|quote= John Wesley retained the sacramental theology which he received from his Anglican heritage. He taught that in baptism a child was cleansed of the guilt of original sin, initiated into the covenant with God, admitted into the church, made an heir of the divine kingdom, and spiritually born anew. He said that while baptism was neither essential to nor sufficient for salvation, it was the "ordinary means" that God designated for applying the benefits of the work of Christ in human lives. On the other hand, although he affirmed the regenerating grace of infant baptism, he also insisted upon the necessity of adult conversion for those who have fallen from grace. A person who matures into moral accountability must respond to God's grace in repentance and faith. Without personal decision and commitment to Christ, the baptismal gift is rendered ineffective. <br /> ''Baptism as Forgiveness of Sin''. In baptism God offers and we accept the forgiveness of our sin (Acts 2:38). With the pardoning of sin which has separated us from God, we are justified—freed from the guilt and penalty of sin and restored to right relationship with God. This reconciliation is made possible through the atonement of Christ and made real in our lives by the work of the Holy Spirit. We respond by confessing and repenting of our sin, and affirming our faith that Jesus Christ has accomplished all that is necessary for our salvation. Faith is the necessary condition for justification; in baptism, that faith is professed. God's forgiveness makes possible the renewal of our spiritual lives and our becoming new beings in Christ. <br /> ''Baptism as New Life''. Baptism is the sacramental sign of new life through and in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Variously identified as regeneration, new birth, and being born again, this work of grace makes us into new spiritual creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). We die to our old nature which was dominated by sin and enter into the very life of Christ who transforms us. Baptism is the means of entry into new life in Christ (John 3:5; Titus 3:5), but new birth may not always coincide with the moment of the administration of water or the laying on of hands. Our awareness and acceptance of our redemption by Christ and new life in him may vary throughout our lives. But, in whatever way the reality of the new birth is experienced, it carries out the promises God made to us in our baptism.|access-date =August 2, 2007}}</ref>

Some evangelical denominations operate according to [[episcopal polity]] or [[presbyterian polity]]. However, the most common form of church government within Evangelicalism is [[congregational polity]]. This is especially common among nondenominational evangelical churches.{{sfn|Balmer|2002|p=549}} Many churches are members of a national and international [[Christian denomination|denomination]] for a cooperative relationship in common organizations, for the [[Mission (Christianity)|mission]] and social areas, such as [[Christian humanitarian aid|humanitarian aid]], schools, [[Bible college|theological institutes]] and hospitals.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 7, 173–174</ref><ref>Henrik Enroth, Douglas Brommesson, ''Global Community?: Transnational and Transdisciplinary Exchanges'', Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, USA, 2015, p. 125</ref><ref>Timothy J. Demy PhD, Paul R. Shockley PhD, ''Evangelical America: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Religious Culture'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2017, p. 105</ref><ref>Brad Christerson, Richard Flory, ''The Rise of Network Christianity'', Oxford University Press, USA, 2017, p. 58</ref> Common [[Minister (Christianity)|ministries]] within evangelical congregations are [[pastor]], [[Elder (Christianity)|elder]], [[deacon]], [[evangelism|evangelist]] and [[worship leader]].<ref>Walter A. Elwell, ''Evangelical Dictionary of Theology'', Baker Academic, USA, 2001, pp. 370, 778</ref> The ministry of [[bishop]] with a function of supervision over churches on a regional or national scale is present in all the Evangelical [[Christian denominations]], even if the titles president of the council or general overseer are mainly used for this function.<ref>John H. Y. Briggs, ''A Dictionary of European Baptist Life and Thought'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2009, p. 53</ref><ref>William K. Kay, ''Pentecostalism: A Very Short Introduction'', OUP Oxford, UK, 2011, p. 81</ref> The term bishop is explicitly used in certain denominations.<ref>Walter A. Elwell, ''Evangelical Dictionary of Theology'', Baker Academic, USA, 2001, p. 171</ref> Some evangelical denominations are members of the [[World Evangelical Alliance]] and its 129 national alliances.<ref>Brian Stiller, ''Evangelicals Around the World: A Global Handbook for the 21st Century'', Thomas Nelson, USA, 2015, p. 210</ref>

Some evangelical denominations officially authorize the [[ordination of women]] in churches.<ref>Brian Stiller, ''Evangelicals Around the World: A Global Handbook for the 21st Century'', Thomas Nelson, USA, 2015, p. 117</ref> The female ministry is justified by the fact that [[Mary Magdalene]] was chosen by Jesus to announce his resurrection to the apostles.<ref>Mark Husbands, Timothy Larsen, ''Women, Ministry and the Gospel: Exploring New Paradigms'', InterVarsity Press, USA, 2007, p. 230</ref> The first [[Baptist]] woman who was consecrated pastor is the American Clarissa Danforth in the denomination [[Free Will Baptist]] in 1815.<ref>Rosemary Skinner Keller, Rosemary Radford Ruether, Marie Cantlon, ''Encyclopedia of Women and Religion in North America, Volume 1'', Indiana University Press, USA, 2006, p. 294</ref> In 1882, in the [[American Baptist Churches USA]].<ref>Erich Geldbach, ''Baptists Worldwide: Origins, Expansions, Emerging Realities'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2022, p. 110</ref> In the [[Assemblies of God]] of the United States, since 1927.<ref>Lisa Stephenson, ''Dismantling the Dualisms for American Pentecostal Women in Ministry'', BRILL, Leyde, 2011, p. 46</ref> In 1965, in the [[National Baptist Convention, USA]].<ref>Larry G. Murphy, J. Gordon Melton, Gary L. Ward, ''Encyclopedia of African American Religions'', Routledge, Abingdon-on-Thames, 2013, p. LXXIV</ref> In 1969, in the [[Progressive National Baptist Convention]].<ref>Erich Geldbach, ''Baptists Worldwide: Origins, Expansions, Emerging Realities'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2022, p. 111.</ref> In 1975, in [[The Foursquare Church]].<ref>Lisa Stephenson, ''Dismantling the Dualisms for American Pentecostal Women in Ministry'', BRILL, Leyde, 2011, p. 55.</ref>

===Worship service===
[[File:CCFPasigjf1305 07.JPG|thumb|right| [[Worship service (evangelicalism)|Worship service]] at [[Christ's Commission Fellowship]] Pasig affiliated to the [[Christ's Commission Fellowship]] in 2014, in [[Pasig]], Philippines.]]

For evangelicals, there are three interrelated meanings to the term ''worship''. It can refer to living a "God-pleasing and God-focused way of life," specific actions of praise to God, and a public [[Worship service (evangelicalism)|worship service]].{{sfn|Witvliet|2010|pp=310–311}} Diversity characterizes evangelical worship practices. [[Christian liturgy|Liturgical]], [[Contemporary worship|contemporary]], [[evangelical charismatic movement|charismatic]] and [[seeker-sensitive]] worship styles can all be found among evangelical churches. Overall, evangelicals tend to be more flexible and experimental with worship practices than mainline Protestant churches.<ref>Roger E. Olson, ''The Westminster Handbook to Evangelical Theology'', Westminster John Knox Press, UK, 2004, p. 282–283</ref> It is usually run by a Christian [[pastor]]. A service is often divided into several parts, including congregational singing, a sermon, [[intercessory prayer]], and other ministry.<ref>Bruce E. Shields, David Alan Butzu, ''Generations of Praise: The History of Worship'', College Press, USA, 2006, p. 307-308</ref><ref>Robert Dusek, ''Facing the Music'', Xulon Press, USA, 2008, p. 65</ref><ref>Gaspard Dhellemmes, [https://www.lejdd.fr/JDD-Paris/Spectaculaire-poussee-des-evangeliques-en-Ile-de-France-736370 Spectaculaire poussée des évangéliques en Île-de-France] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101170624/https://www.lejdd.fr/JDD-Paris/Spectaculaire-poussee-des-evangeliques-en-Ile-de-France-736370 |date=November 1, 2020 }}, lejdd.fr, France, June 7, 2015</ref><ref>Franklin M. Segler, Randall Bradley, ''Christian Worship: Its Theology and Practice'', B&H Publishing Group, USA, 2006, p. 207</ref> During worship there is usually a [[nursery school|nursery]] for babies.<ref>Greg Dickinson, ''Suburban Dreams: Imagining and Building the Good Life'', University of Alabama Press, USA, 2015, p. 144</ref> Children and young people receive an adapted education, [[Sunday school]], in a separate room.<ref>Jeanne Halgren Kilde, ''When Church Became Theatre: The Transformation of Evangelical Architecture and Worship in Nineteenth-century America'', Oxford University Press, USA, 2005, p. 159, 170, 188</ref>

[[File:Chumukedima Ao Baptist Church.jpg|thumb|right| Chümoukedima Ao Baptist Church building in [[Chümoukedima]], affiliated with the [[Nagaland Baptist Church Council]] (India).]]
Places of worship are usually called "churches."<ref>D. A. Carson, ''Worship: Adoration and Action: Adoration and Action'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2002, p. 161</ref><ref>Jeanne Halgren Kilde, ''Sacred Power, Sacred Space: An Introduction to Christian Architecture and Worship'', Oxford University Press, USA, 2008, p. 193</ref><ref>Harold W. Turner, ''From Temple to Meeting House: The Phenomenology and Theology of Places of Worship'', Walter de Gruyter, Germany, 1979, p. 258</ref> In some [[megachurches]], the building is called "campus."<ref>Justin G. Wilford, ''Sacred Subdivisions: The Postsuburban Transformation of American Evangelicalism'', NYU Press, USA, 2012, p. 78</ref><ref>Anne C. Loveland, Otis B. Wheeler, '' From Meetinghouse to Megachurch: A Material and Cultural History'', University of Missouri Press, USA, 2003, p. 2</ref> The [[architecture]] of places of worship is mainly characterized by its sobriety.<ref>Peter W. Williams, ''Houses of God: Region, Religion, and Architecture in the United States'', University of Illinois Press, USA, 2000, p. 125</ref><ref>Murray Dempster, Byron D. Klaus, Douglas Petersen, ''The Globalization of Pentecostalism: A Religion Made to Travel'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2011, p. 210</ref> The [[Latin cross]] is one of the only spiritual symbols that can usually be seen on the building of an evangelical church and that identifies the place's belonging.<ref>Mark A. Lamport, ''Encyclopedia of Christianity in the Global South, Volume 2'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2018, p. 32</ref><ref>Anne C. Loveland, Otis B. Wheeler, '' From Meetinghouse to Megachurch: A Material and Cultural History'', University of Missouri Press, USA, 2003, p. 149</ref>

Some services take place in theaters, schools or multipurpose rooms, rented for Sunday only.<ref name="Caillou">{{Cite web |last=Caillou |first=Annabelle |date=November 10, 2018 |title=Vivre grâce aux dons et au bénévolat |url=https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/541071/vivre-grace-aux-dons-et-au-benevolat |access-date=July 20, 2022 |website=Le Devoir |language=fr}}</ref><ref>Helmuth Berking, Silke Steets, Jochen Schwenk, ''Religious Pluralism and the City: Inquiries into Postsecular Urbanism'', Bloomsbury Publishing, UK, 2018, p. 78</ref><ref>George Thomas Kurian, Mark A. Lamport, ''Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States, Volume 5'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2016, p. 1359</ref> Because of their understanding of [[Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image|the second]] of the [[Ten Commandments]], some evangelicals do not have religious material representations such as statues, icons, or paintings in their places of worship.<ref>Cameron J. Anderson, ''The Faithful Artist: A Vision for Evangelicalism and the Arts'', InterVarsity Press, USA, 2016, p. 124</ref><ref>Doug Jones, ''Sound of Worship'', Taylor & Francis, Abingdon-on-Thames, 2013, p. 90</ref> There is usually a [[baptistery]] on what is variously known as the [[chancel]] (also called sanctuary) or stage, though they may be alternatively found in a separate room, for the [[Immersion baptism|baptisms by immersion]].<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 61</ref><ref>Wade Clark Roof, ''Contemporary American Religion, Volume 1'', Macmillan, UK, 2000, p. 49</ref>

In some countries of the world which apply [[sharia]] or [[communism]], government authorizations for worship are complex for Evangelical Christians.<ref>Erwin Fahlbusch, Geoffrey William Bromiley, ''The Encyclopedia of Christianity, Volume 4'', Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, USA, 2005, p. 163</ref><ref>Yves Mamou, [https://www.lefigaro.fr/vox/religion/2019/03/20/31004-20190320ARTFIG00076-yves-mamou-les-persecutions-de-chretiens-ont-lieu-en-majorite-dans-des-pays-musulmans.php Yves Mamou: «Les persécutions de chrétiens ont lieu en majorité dans des pays musulmans»] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111023318/https://www.lefigaro.fr/vox/religion/2019/03/20/31004-20190320ARTFIG00076-yves-mamou-les-persecutions-de-chretiens-ont-lieu-en-majorite-dans-des-pays-musulmans.php |date=January 11, 2021 }}, lefigaro.fr, France, March 20, 2019</ref><ref>Wesley Rahn, [https://www.dw.com/en/in-xi-we-trust-is-china-cracking-down-on-christianity/a-42224752 In Xi we trust – Is China cracking down on Christianity?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220161203/https://www.dw.com/en/in-xi-we-trust-is-china-cracking-down-on-christianity/a-42224752 |date=February 20, 2021 }}, dw.com, Germany, January 19, 2018</ref> Because of [[persecution of Christians]], Evangelical [[house churches]] are the only option for many Christians to live their faith in community.<ref>Allan Heaton Anderson, ''An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity'', Cambridge University Press, UK, 2013, p. 104</ref> For example, there is the [[House church (China)|Evangelical house churches in China]] movement.<ref>Brian Stiller, ''Evangelicals Around the World: A Global Handbook for the 21st Century'', Thomas Nelson, USA, 2015, p. 328</ref> The meetings thus take place in private houses, in secret and in illegality.<ref>Mark A. Lamport, ''Encyclopedia of Christianity in the Global South, Volume 2'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2018, p. 364</ref>

The main Christian feasts celebrated by the Evangelicals are [[Christmas]], [[Pentecost]] (by a majority of Evangelical denominations) and [[Easter]] for all believers.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 402</ref><ref>Daniel E. Albrecht, ''Rites in the Spirit: A Ritual Approach to Pentecostal/Charismatic Spirituality'', Sheffield Academic Press, UK, 1999, p. 124</ref><ref>Walter A. Elwell, ''Evangelical Dictionary of Theology'', Baker Academic, USA, 2001, p. 236–239</ref>

===Education===
[[File:Loreto D. Tupaz Hall.jpg|thumb|right| College of Nursing, [[Central Philippine University]] in [[Iloilo City]], affiliated with the [[Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches]], 2018.]]
Evangelical churches have been involved in the establishment of elementary and secondary schools.<ref>Kevin M. Taylor, ''American Evangelicals and Religious Diversity: Subcultural Education, Theological Boundaries, and the Relativization of Tradition'', Information Age Publishing, USA, 2006, p. 34</ref> It also enabled the development of several [[bible colleges]], [[colleges]] and [[universities]] in the United States during the 19th century.<ref>James Findlay, ''Agency, Denominations, and the Western Colleges, 1830–1860'' dans Roger L. Geiger, ''The American College in the Nineteenth Century'', Vanderbilt University Press, USA, 2000, p. 115</ref><ref>Timothy J. Demy PhD, Paul R. Shockley PhD, ''Evangelical America: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Religious Culture'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2017, p. 206</ref> Other evangelical universities have been established in various countries of the world.<ref>Mark A. Noll, ''The New Shape of World Christianity: How American Experience Reflects Global Faith'', InterVarsity Press, USA, 2009, p. 45</ref>

The [[Council for Christian Colleges and Universities]] was founded in 1976.<ref>George Thomas Kurian, Mark A. Lamport, ''Encyclopedia of Christian Education, Volume 3'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2015, p. 348</ref><ref>Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 190</ref> In 2023, the CCCU had 185 members in 21 countries.<ref>Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, [https://www.cccu.org/about/ About] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005012456/https://www.cccu.org/about/ |date=October 5, 2021 }}, cccu.org, USA, retrieved November 2, 2023</ref>

The [[Association of Christian Schools International]] was founded in 1978 by 3 American associations of evangelical Christian schools.<ref>George Thomas Kurian, Mark A. Lamport, ''Encyclopedia of Christian Education, Volume 3'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2015, p. 819</ref> Various international schools have joined the network.<ref>Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 40</ref> In 2023, it had 23,000 schools in 100 countries.<ref>ACSI, [https://www.acsi.org/about/about-the-association-of-christian-schools-international/faqs Where does ACSI work?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005020449/https://www.acsi.org/about/about-the-association-of-christian-schools-international/faqs |date=October 5, 2021 }}, acsi.org, USA, retrieved November 2, 2023</ref>

The [[International Council for Evangelical Theological Education]] was founded in 1980 by the Theological Commission of the [[World Evangelical Alliance]].<ref>Bernhard Ott, ''Understanding and Developing Theological Education'', Langham Global Library, UK, 2016, p. 23</ref> In 2023, it had 850 member schools in 113 countries.<ref>ICETE, [https://icete.info/constituents/member-associations-schools/ Member Associations], icete.info, USA, accessed November 2, 2023</ref>

===Sexuality===
[[File: Wedding, Nicaragua.JPG|thumb|right| Wedding ceremony at First Baptist Church of [[Rivas, Nicaragua|Rivas]], [[Baptist Convention of Nicaragua]], 2011.]]
In matters of [[Human sexuality|sexuality]], several evangelical churches promote the [[virginity pledge]] (abstinence pledge) among young evangelical Christians, who are invited to commit themselves, during a public ceremony, to [[sexual abstinence]] until [[Christian marriage]].<ref>John DeLamater, Rebecca F. Plante, ''Handbook of the Sociology of Sexualities'', Springer, USA, 2015, p. 351</ref> This pledge is often symbolized by a [[purity ring]].<ref>Kathleen J. Fitzgerald, Kandice L. Grossman, ''Sociology of Sexualities'', SAGE Publications, USA, 2017, p. 166</ref>

In some evangelical churches, young adults and unmarried couples are encouraged to marry early in order to live a sexuality according to the will of God.<ref>Noah Manskar, [https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/religion/2014/08/12/southern-baptists-double-marriage/13894197/ Baptists encourage marrying younger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220161204/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/religion/2014/08/12/southern-baptists-double-marriage/13894197/ |date=February 20, 2021 }}, tennessean.com, USA, August 12, 2014</ref><ref>Maïté Maskens, [http://journals.openedition.org/espacepolitique/1847 Le traitement de la virginité chez les migrants pentecôtistes à Bruxelles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129170930/https://journals.openedition.org/espacepolitique/1847 |date=November 29, 2020 }}, L'Espace Politique, 13 | 2011-1, France, posted on May 6, 2011, paragraph 28</ref>

A 2009 American study of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy reported that 80 percent of young, unmarried evangelicals had had sex and that 42 percent were in a relationship with sex, when surveyed.<ref>Anugrah Kumar, [https://www.christianpost.com/news/are-most-single-christians-in-america-having-sex.html Are Most Single Christians in America Having Sex?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202042150/https://www.christianpost.com/news/are-most-single-christians-in-america-having-sex.html |date=December 2, 2020 }}, christianpost.com, USA, September 28, 2011</ref>

The majority of evangelical Christian churches are against [[abortion]] and support adoption agencies and social support agencies for young mothers.<ref>Robert Woods, ''Evangelical Christians and Popular Culture: Pop Goes the Gospel, Volume 1'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2013, p. 44</ref>

[[Masturbation]] is seen as forbidden by some evangelical pastors because of the sexual thoughts that may accompany it.<ref>David K. Clark, Robert V. Rakestraw, ''Readings in Christian Ethics: Issues and Applications'', Baker Academic, USA, 1994, p. 162</ref><ref>Mark D. Regnerus, ''Forbidden Fruit : Sex & Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers'', Oxford University Press, USA, 2007, p. 115</ref> However, evangelical pastors have pointed out that the practice has been erroneously associated with [[Onan]] by scholars, that it is not a sin if it is not practiced with fantasies or compulsively, and that it was useful in a married couple, if his or her partner did not have the same frequency of sexual needs.<ref>Hilde Løvdal Stephens, ''Family Matters: James Dobson and Focus on the Family's Crusade for the Christian Home'', University of Alabama Press, USA, 2019, p. 95-97</ref><ref>Eromosele Ebhomele, [https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/02/24/masturbation-not-a-sin-oyakhilome/ Masturbation Not A Sin – Oyakhilome] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818053807/https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/02/24/masturbation-not-a-sin-oyakhilome/ |date=August 18, 2020 }}, pmnewsnigeria.com, Nigeria, February 24, 2012</ref>

Some evangelical churches speak only of [[sexual abstinence]] and do not speak of sexuality in marriage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Virginity pledges for men can lead to sexual confusion — even after the wedding day |url=https://www.washington.edu/news/2014/08/16/virginity-pledges-for-men-can-lead-to-sexual-confusion-even-after-the-wedding-day/ |access-date=July 20, 2022 |website=UW News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 11, 2013 |title=Many churches don't talk about sex beyond virginity, virginity, virginity {{!}} Joy Bennett |url=http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/feb/11/christian-church-obsessed-with-virginity |access-date=July 20, 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref><ref>Sara Moslener, ''Virgin Nation: Sexual Purity and American Adolescence'', Oxford University Press, USA, 2015, p. 14</ref> Other evangelical churches in the United States and Switzerland speak of satisfying [[Human sexuality|sexuality]] as a gift from God and a component of a Christian marriage harmonious, in messages during [[Worship service (evangelicalism)|worship services]] or conferences.<ref>Timothy J. Demy PhD, Paul R. Shockley PhD, ''Evangelical America: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Religious Culture'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2017, p. 371</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Emma |date=November 9, 2014 |title=The Warrior Wives of Evangelical Christianity |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/11/the-warrior-wives-of-evangelical-christianity/382365/ |access-date=July 20, 2022 |website=The Atlantic |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2016 |title=400 jeunes pour une conférence sur le sexe |url=https://www.christianismeaujourdhui.info/400-jeunes-pour-une-conference-sur-le-sexe/ |access-date=July 20, 2022 |website=Christianisme Aujourd'hui |language=fr-FR}}</ref> Many evangelical books and websites are specialized on the subject.<ref>Luiza Oleszczuk, [https://www.christianpost.com/news/interview-famed-author-gary-chapman-talks-love-marriage-sex-70265/ Interview: Famed Author Gary Chapman Talks Love, Marriage, Sex] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101203549/https://www.christianpost.com/news/interview-famed-author-gary-chapman-talks-love-marriage-sex-70265/ |date=November 1, 2020 }}, christianpost.com, USA, February 25, 2012</ref><ref>Kelsy Burke, ''Christians Under Covers: Evangelicals and Sexual Pleasure on the Internet'', University of California Press, USA, 2016, p. 31, 66</ref> The book ''[[The Act of Marriage: The Beauty of Sexual Love]]'' published in 1976 by Baptist pastor [[Tim LaHaye]] and his wife Beverly LaHaye was a pioneer in the field.<ref>Jonathan Zimmerman, [https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/jonathan-zimmerman-tim-lahaye-sex-ed-legacy-article-1.2731036 Tim LaHaye's sex-ed legacy: Before he wrote novels about the apocalypse, he and his wife opened right-wing Christian married couples' eyes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122011130/https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/jonathan-zimmerman-tim-lahaye-sex-ed-legacy-article-1.2731036 |date=January 22, 2021 }}, nydailynews.com, USA, July 29, 2016</ref>

The [[Christianity and homosexuality#Evangelical churches|perceptions of homosexuality in the Evangelical Churches]] are varied. They range from [[Liberal Christianity|liberal]] to [[Christian fundamentalism|fundamentalist]] or [[Moderate evangelical theology|moderate]] [[conservatism|conservative]] and neutral.<ref>Jeffrey S. Siker, ''Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia'', Greenwood Publishing Group, USA, 2007, p. 112</ref><ref>William Henard, Adam Greenway, ''Evangelicals Engaging Emergent'', B&H Publishing Group, USA, 2009, p. 20</ref> A 2011 Pew Research Center study found that 84 percent of evangelical leaders surveyed believed homosexuality should be discouraged.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 22, 2011 |title=Global Survey of Evangelical Protestant Leaders |url=https://www.pewforum.org/2011/06/22/global-survey-of-evangelical-protestant-leaders/#social-and-political-attitudes |access-date=August 9, 2020 |website= |publisher=Pew Research Center}}</ref> It is in the fundamentalist [[conservatism|conservative]] positions that there are [[anti-LGBT rhetoric|antigay activists]] on TV or radio who claim that homosexuality is the cause of many social problems, such as terrorism.<ref>"Some notable fundamentalist conservative evangelical television and radio speakers frequently blame gays in America for an assortment of social problems, including terrorism (…)" in Roger E. Olson, ''The Westminster Handbook to Evangelical Theology'', Westminster John Knox Press, USA, 2004, p. 315</ref><ref>Jeffrey S. Siker, ''Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia'', Greenwood Publishing Group, USA, 2007, p. 114</ref><ref>Ralph R. Smith, Russel R. Windes, ''Progay/Antigay: The Rhetorical War Over Sexuality'', SAGE Publications, USA, 2000, p. 29</ref> Some churches have a conservative moderate position.<ref>David L. Balch, Muddling Thought: The Church and Sexuality / Homosexuality by Mark G. Toulouse, '' Homosexuality, Science, and the "Plain Sense" of Scripture '', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2007, p . 28</ref> Although they do not approve homosexual practices, they claim to show sympathy and respect for homosexuals.<ref>Stephen Hunt, ''Contemporary Christianity and LGBT Sexualities'', Routledge, UK, 2016, p. 40-41</ref> Some evangelical denominations have adopted neutral positions, leaving the choice to local churches to decide for [[same-sex marriage]].<ref>Jacqueline L. Salmon, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/18/AR2007081801167.html Rift Over Gay Unions Reflects Battle New to Black Churches] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102093337/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/18/AR2007081801167.html |date=November 2, 2020 }}, washingtonpost.com, USA, August 19, 2007</ref><ref>Dan Dyck et Dick Benner, [https://canadianmennonite.org/stories/delegates-vote-allow-space-differences Delegates vote to allow space for differences] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109054016/https://canadianmennonite.org/stories/delegates-vote-allow-space-differences |date=November 9, 2020 }}, canadianmennonite.org, Canada, July 20, 2016</ref> There are some international evangelical denominations that are [[gay-friendly]].<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 603</ref><ref>Adrian Thatcher, ''The Oxford Handbook of Theology, Sexuality, and Gender'', Oxford University Press, UK, 2015, p. 368</ref>

[[Christian marriage]] is presented by some churches as a protection against sexual misconduct and a compulsory step to obtain a position of responsibility in the church.<ref>Erik Eckholm, [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/us/22pastor.html In the Beginning Unmarried Pastor, Seeking a Job, Sees Bias], nytimes.com, USA, March 21, 2011</ref> This concept, however, has been challenged by numerous sex scandals involving married evangelical leaders.<ref>Thomas Reese, [https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/signs-times/what-catholics-and-southern-baptists-can-learn-each-other-about-sex-abuse What Catholics and Southern Baptists can learn from each other about sex abuse crisis], ncronline.org, USA, February 18, 2019</ref><ref>Zachary Wagner, [https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/july-august/wagner-purity-culture-non-toxic-masculinity.html In Search of Non-Toxic Male Sexuality], christianitytoday.com, USA, June 12, 2023</ref> Finally, evangelical theologians recalled that [[celibacy]] should be more valued in the Church today, since the gift of celibacy was taught and lived by [[Jesus Christ]] and [[Paul of Tarsus]].<ref>Steve Tracy, [https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/july10/2.37.html Sex and the Single Christian], christianitytoday.com, USA, July 7, 2000</ref><ref>Pieter Valk, [https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/november-web-only/valk-case-for-vocational-singleness.html The Case for Vocational Singleness], christianitytoday.com, USA, November 25, 2020</ref>

=== Other views ===
For a majority of evangelical Christians, a belief in [[biblical inerrancy]] ensures that the [[miracle]]s described in the Bible are still relevant and may be present in the life of the believer.<ref>Sébastien Fath, ''Du ghetto au réseau: Le protestantisme évangélique en France, 1800–2005'', Édition Labor et Fides, Genève, 2005, p. 28</ref><ref>James Innell Packer, Thomas C. Oden, ''One Faith: The Evangelical Consensus'', InterVarsity Press, USA, 2004, p. 104.</ref> Healings, academic or professional successes, the birth of a child after several attempts, the end of an [[addiction]], etc., would be tangible examples of God's intervention with the [[faith in Christianity|faith]] and [[Christian prayer|prayer]], by the [[Holy Spirit]].<ref>Franck Poiraud, ''Les évangéliques dans la France du XXIe siècle'', Editions Edilivre, France, 2007, p. 69, 73, 75</ref> In the 1980s, the [[neo-charismatic movement]] re-emphasized miracles and [[faith healing]].<ref>George Thomas Kurian, Mark A. Lamport, ''Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States, Volume 5'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2016, p. 1069</ref> In certain churches, a special place is thus reserved for faith healings with [[laying on of hands]] during worship services or for evangelization campaigns.<ref>Cecil M. Robeck Jr., Amos Yong, ''The Cambridge Companion to Pentecostalism'', Cambridge University Press, UK, 2014, p. 138</ref><ref>Béatrice Mohr et Isabelle Nussbaum, [https://pages.rts.ch/emissions/temps-present/religion/3032510-rock-miracles-saint-esprit.html?anchor=3095947#3095947 Rock, miracles & Saint-Esprit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103074246/https://pages.rts.ch/emissions/temps-present/religion/3032510-rock-miracles-saint-esprit.html?anchor=3095947#3095947 |date=November 3, 2020 }}, rts.ch, Switzerland, April 21, 2011</ref> Faith healing or divine healing is considered to be an inheritance of [[Jesus]] acquired by his death and resurrection.<ref>Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 212</ref> This view is typically ascribed to Pentecostal denominations, and not others that are cessationist (believing that miraculous gifts have ceased.)

[[File:Ark-encounter-2514667 960 720.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ark Encounter]] in [[Williamstown, Kentucky|Williamstown]], Kentucky, United States.]]

In terms of denominational beliefs regarding [[science]] and the origin of the earth and human life, some evangelicals support [[young Earth creationism]].<ref>{{Cite web |title="Scientific" Creationism as a Pseudoscience {{!}} National Center for Science Education |url=https://ncse.ngo/scientific-creationism-pseudoscience |access-date=November 24, 2022 |website=ncse.ngo |language=en}}</ref> For example, [[Answers in Genesis]], founded in Australia in 1986, is an evangelical organization that seeks to defend the thesis.<ref>Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 29</ref> In 2007, they founded the [[Creation Museum]] in Petersburg, in [[Kentucky]]<ref>Quentin J. Schultze, Robert Herbert Woods Jr., ''Understanding Evangelical Media: The Changing Face of Christian Communication'', InterVarsity Press, USA, 2009, p. 164</ref> and in 2016 the [[Ark Encounter]] in [[Williamstown, Kentucky|Williamstown]].<ref>Alexis Weed, [https://www.cnn.com/2016/07/07/us/noahs-ark-kentucky/index.html Noah's Ark opens at Kentucky theme park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125091748/https://www.cnn.com/2016/07/07/us/noahs-ark-kentucky/index.html |date=November 25, 2020 }}, cnn.com, USA, July 7, 2016.</ref> Since the end of the 20th century, literalist [[creationism]] has been abandoned by some evangelicals in favor of [[intelligent design]].<ref>Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 353.</ref> For example, the [[think tank]] [[Discovery Institute]], established in 1991 in [[Seattle]], defends this thesis.<ref>Timothy J. Demy PhD, Paul R. Shockley PhD, ''Evangelical America: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Religious Culture'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2017, p. 224</ref> Other evangelicals who accept the [[scientific consensus]] on [[evolution]] and the [[age of Earth]] believe in [[theistic evolution]] or [[evolutionary creation]]—the notion that God used the process of evolution to create life; a Christian organization that espouses this view is the [[BioLogos Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web |title=What is Evolutionary Creation? |url=https://biologos.org/common-questions/what-is-evolutionary-creation |publisher=[[BioLogos Foundation]] |access-date=March 23, 2020}}</ref>