July 23, 2026

Episode 112: Evangelical Energy

44 minutes

In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the Holy Convergence series by exploring the gift of the evangelical tradition: energy. While the word evangelical has come to carry political and cultural connotations, Derek describes historic or classic evangelicalism as a movement centered on the gospel (euangelion) of Jesus Christ and characterized by conversion, missions, Scripture, and the cross.

Tracing the history of classic evangelicalism from the First Great Awakening through the ministries of John Wesley and Billy Graham, Derek highlights the remarkable missionary passion and evangelistic zeal that have shaped the movement for nearly three centuries. Evangelicalism's greatest contribution is not simply activity for activity's sake, but a Spirit-empowered energy directed toward proclaiming the gospel, planting churches, serving the poor, translating Scripture, and calling people to new life in Christ.

Evangelical energy is also evident in the emphasis on intentionality seen, for example, in Dallas Willard's VIM model of spiritual formation: Vision, Intention, and Means. True evangelical energy is sustained by intentional discipleship rooted in God's grace. Following Jesus requires both wholehearted commitment and a willingness to cooperate with the Holy Spirit through the ordinary practices of the Christian life.

Key Takeaways

Historic evangelicalism is a theological movement, not a political identity.

The word evangelical comes from the Greek euangelion, meaning "good news" or "gospel."

David Bebbington's four characteristics provide a helpful framework for understanding classic evangelicalism.

John Wesley's emphasis on conversion and holiness helped shape the modern evangelical movement.

Billy Graham embodied evangelicalism's passion for gospel proclamation and global mission.

Evangelical energy has fueled evangelism, missions, church planting, Bible translation, publishing, and social reform.

Dallas Willard reminds us that spiritual formation requires vision, intention, and means.

Grace empowers effort without becoming a system of earning God's favor.

Books Mentioned

Evangelicalism in Modern Britain — David W. Bebbington

Discovering an Evangelical Heritage — Donald W. Dayton

Renovation of the Heart — Dallas Willard

The Great Omission — Dallas Willard

By the Way: Getting Serious about Following Jesus — Derek Vreeland

Scriptures Mentioned

Matthew 10:34

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Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs
Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk
Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0

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