“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom …when he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd…” (Matt. 9:35-38)
Jesus prioritised evangelism while He was on earth. We see it in verses like Matthew 9:35, Mark 1:38-39 and even John 4:4 where Jesus had to pass through Samaria for His divine appointment with the woman at Jacob’s well. Jesus came to the earth to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10.) If our Lord’s priority was evangelism and if His command to us is to go “and make disciples of all nations,” it stands to reason that every believer should also make it a priority to evangelise.
What is an Evangelist?
Biblically, an evangelist is one who proclaims the good news of Jesus – whether as a vocation or simply as a follower of Christ. Our English word “evangelist” comes from the Greek word, “euaggelistés” which means “bringer of good news.” It shows up three times in Scripture: Acts 21:8 when identifying Philip the evangelist, Ephesians 4:11 where Paul instructs on the roles in the church, and 2 Timothy 4:5 where Paul is instructing the young pastor, Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist.” For the church pastor, part of the role as set forth by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:11-12 is “equipping the saints for ministry,” in part so that believers are able to do the work of evangelising – proclaiming the good news.
What is the Work of an Evangelist?
The verb “evangelise” is from the Greek word, “euaggelizo,” which appears many times in the New Testament and refers to those who “bring the good news” of Jesus or his kingdom to the lost. The pastor must champion and model evangelism, but Ephesians 4:11-12 indicates that there are both pastors and evangelists in the church. Evangelists typically get people to the front door of the church, and pastors care for them once they’re in, though evangelism will likely also lead to discipleship. Perhaps you’ve noticed members in the church body who seem to embody this and live it out. These godly people with the gift of evangelism can serve as the “spark plug” in your church; training and catalysing the body toward this ministry required of every believer. Effective evangelism begins and is cultivated through our understanding of the gospel – how God pursued us as sinners, loved us and wanted us, and so made a way for us through the Son’s life, sacrifice and resurrection. If we love and pursue people the way Jesus did, as well as understand and embrace our role as ambassadors for Christ, we will be making a start at the work of an evangelist.
The Importance of Evangelism in the Church
It’s clear that evangelism is at the heart of the Great Commission, and the Great Commission is THE Mission of the church, so while that is more than enough reason to make this a key pillar in the church, there are other reasons given in Scripture (and this is by no means an exhaustive list.)
The gospel is powerful and effective. Romans 1:16 tells us the gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,” [emphasis added.] The gospel is what saves people.
People must hear the gospel before they can receive it. Later in Romans 10:14-15, Paul outlines the process of how people call on the name of the Lord to be saved. As part of that process, they must hear – which means we must proclaim. And when we proclaim, Paul reminds us of Isaiah 52:7, “As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”
The gospel is our reason for hope in this world. The Apostle Peter exhorts the believers in Rome while under heavy persecution – persecution most of us have never, and will never know – to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander,” (1 Peter 3:15.) As believers, we always have hope through Christ and it’s our responsibility and joy to share that with others so that they can have the same hope in a dark world.
We are charged to be ambassadors for Christ. That could be better said that we are given the privilege, honour, and joy of being ambassadors for Christ. What an absolute miracle that God would include us in His plan for reconciling the world to Himself. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 Paul tells us (after reminding us that we are new creations in Christ and now ministers of reconciliation) that “we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” What an amazing job description we have as believers!
Scripture clearly outlines the importance of evangelism. So, how do we spark and grow evangelism in the church?
Fanning the Flame of Evangelism in the Church
Evangelism is part of the “ministry of the saints” (Ephesians 4:11,) therefore believers must be equipped in evangelism. Just as we cannot expect someone untrained in engineering to build a bridge, we cannot expect church members to evangelise when they haven’t been taught. It might be surprising that this may not solely fall to the pastor. Pastors are gifted with various qualities, but evangelism may not be one of their strengths – and that’s ok – we’re all gifted differently as the Lord sees fit. As all the members minister to edify the whole body, if there are evangelists within your church, encourage and challenge them to train others to evangelise.
How we Can Help
Biblical Ministries South Africa can help church leaders train and strategize for evangelism. As a missions agency, it’s at the heart of what we do. We are dedicated to sending out evangelists to preach the gospel to all nations, make disciples, plant churches and reproduce more believers and churches. It would be our joy to come alongside you and your church as you build this ministry.
Contact us to learn more or book our free workshop, “Fostering the Harvest.” This workshop is for the entire church body and is designed to help your congregation improve their own evangelism. From learning to tell one’s personal story to identifying meaningful opportunities with others, your church members will walk away with practical tools for speaking about their faith with others. Scheduling for 2025 has already begun!
