The Work of An Evangelist

When you hear or read the word “evangelist” or “evangelism” what comes to mind? Perhaps, you may conjure thoughts of Evangelist Billy Graham, also known as ‘America’s pastor,’ who shaped modern evangelicalism.  Surely, he restored a sense of goodness about the Good News.

Evangelism is the preaching of the message of the gospel of Christ. The renowned preacher of the 19th Century, Charles H. Spurgeon defined evangelism this way:

“It is one beggar telling another beggar where to get bread.”

An English Archbishop, William Temple gave a unique and elaborate definition on evangelism. He said,

“Evangelism is to so present Jesus Christ in the power of Holy Spirit, that men shall come to put their trust in God through Him, to accept Him as their Savior and serve Him as their King in the fellowship of the church.”

Regarding the above, God is strategic in raising individuals with the capacity for this important role of an evangelist. This is the duty of the evangelist. God has given the message and the evangelist is to be faithful to every word.

The Role of An Evangelist

The primary responsibility is to preach God’s Word, telling people simply and clearly what God says concerning His Son Jesus Christ and what He has done for all.

An evangelist may go out into the community himself/herself, perhaps in a door-to-door ministry, sharing the gospel of Christ with all they meet and inviting them to church.  

This soul winner may conduct regular evangelistic crusades or meetings in other areas for the goal of spreading the gospel and calling others to Christ.

1. Publisher of glad tidings.
2. Missionary preacher of the Gospel. Eph 4:11 (Easton’s Bible Dictionary)

What is the Biblical Definition of An Evangelist?

Evangelists is derived from the Greek Word “euaggelistes” which means a preacher of the Gospel (Strong’s Concordance). Evangelists proclaim Christ as the center of God’s redemption plan for all of humankind. Through salvation messages, evangelists project Christ and reconcile lost souls to God (Acts 8:4-14; 21:8).

What Does an Evangelist Do?

The Easton Bible Dictionary says of evangelists as itinerant preachers having it as their special function to publicly carry the Gospel to places where it was previously unknown.

Does an Evangelist Have to Be Ordained?

From Scriptures the Only two people who were referred to as Evangelists had hands laid on them which confirmed their ordination, these were Philip first ordained as a Deacon (Acts 6:5-6) but later referred to as Evangelists (Acts 21:8) and Timothy (1 Tim 4:14, 2 Tim 4:5).

So, the Bible approves ordination of evangelists. However, this does not disprove the fact that the Holy Spirit is the most potent anointing we all have received to function in our various offices.

What Are the Qualities of An Evangelist?

1. Have great oratory skills
2. They are Bold as they are missionary preachers (Eph. 4: 11)
3. Unrivaled passion for lost souls

What is the Difference Between a Preacher and An Evangelist?

A lot of Christian leaders such as pastors, teachers, elders or even apostles preach the gospel of Christ. They are often called preachers. Evangelists, however, are empowered and designed to share the gospel. They have been anointed to preach. It is the primary ministry of an evangelist to preach.

How Can I be a Good Evangelist?

The saying you can’t give what you don’t have comes to mind. Beyond the commissioning as evangelists, the evangelist must make fool proof of his/her ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).

For you to publicly declare the word to others you must have sufficient Word of God in you. Being a good evangelist begins first with a deep study of the Word.

Next, the evangelist must have a heart for lost souls. An evangelist who will please the Lord must feel Christ’s love for the lost world. It is also necessary for an evangelist to train himself/herself in the art of speaking.

Wrapping Up

The church is not complete without the roles of evangelists. Having been called, you must assume this role with such reverent fear of God and dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit. No evangelist excels in this call without a continuous dependence on God.

So, dear friend, are you ready to do the work of an evangelist?