A
man-on-the-street interviewer queried, "What is an evangelist?", of
passers-by. "Do you know what the word means?" he asked further on
seeing their blank expressions.
"It's
that huge animal that used to ravage Africa that is now extinct and doesn't
exist any more", was one reply. At the door to a large church, one saint
responded, "Wasn't Evangelist one of the twelve apostles just like Shadrach,
Meshach and Abednego?"
Neglect
of the "evangelist" by some and all-inclusive use of the word by others
has resulted in much ignorance and confusion about the evangelistic mission
of the church.
An
"evangelist" is a bearer of the "evangel", the good news
of the gospel of Christ.
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The
Body of Christ, His Church, was given the commission to "go to all the
world" and to "disciple all peoples". His last command is our
first priority!
Evangelists
are given to the church, Ephesians 4:10-13, along with other leaders, apostles,
prophets, pastors and teachers, to lead the church in its development to the
full maturity of Christ-likeness that pleases the Father.
Amsterdam
2000 used the simplified definition of an evangelist as one who shares the good
news, and urges a response, and does this within the life of the church. Evangelists
may consider their ministry to be outside the church organizationally and practically
because congregations have exhibited little interest or passion for evangelists.
This results in a kind of default lone-rangerism that detours biblical evangelism.
So,
what can a local church congregation do to work with its Evangelist? Here are
twelve practical suggestions that ought be considered.
Identify
them!
The
church is alert to the spiritual giftedness of its members. While all disciples
may witness and share the gospel with others, not all are evangelists, just
as all believers may offer shepherding comfort and care, though not all are
pastors.
The
Evangelist is especially gifted of the Spirit to bring others to spiritual birth
with particularly effective results. Both in success and in struggle, the true
evangelist's attitude and focus will be clear. A sense of urgency and passion
about the winning of others to the Lord is not worked up, but abides as part
of the character of the true evangelist.
The
church affirms the evangelist's gifts, agreeing with the fruitfulness and benefiting
from the ministry.
Encourage
them!
An
evangelist who begins in the local congregation ought be encouraged by the interest,
enthusiasm and thoughtfulness of his church family. Thoughtfulness to remember
the evangelist and their family, like occasions of his birthday, anniversary,
program start, etc., with a phone call, note, visit or other contact says much
to encourage and lift the spirit of the Lord's servant. To express the congregation's
care and concern, affection and appreciation, encourages the evangelist to persevere
in exercising God's gift.