A decade of life seems to go so quickly, even more so when you are in itinerant work. “Just passing through” becomes a living reality! Ten years ago this month, my family and I entered into full-time evangelism. After two decades in the same local church ministry, God led us to take a step of faith and give ourselves entirely to the work of the evangelist. It has been amazing to watch the Lord work and to labor with so many of his faithful servants around the world. My heart is full of gratitude to God and deep appreciation for those who have prayed for and encouraged us along the way.

Soon after I left my work in the church and college, I was asked to speak to a group of ministry staff members about some things I learned serving on a staff. (You may be interested in reading My Advice to Church Staff.) Now, after ten years in evangelism, I thought it might be helpful to share some of what God has been teaching me at this season of ministry.

10 Things God Has Taught Me In the First 10 Years of Evangelism

We all are all on our journey with Jesus, and at every mile marker there are things to be learned. I have learned lessons from so many, and I am learning more every day. Permit me to share a few…

1. God’s people are a family wherever you go.

It is truly amazing to get off an airplane, halfway around the world, and join a group of people who are complete strangers, only to feel like family in a few minutes together. Cultures vary, and each area is unique, but believers have Christ in common (Titus 1:4). Suddenly, strangers are brothers and sisters, because we have the same Father! Yes, God’s family is the greatest family on earth, and I am happy to be a part of it.

2. The life of faith is the greatest adventure of all.

When we entered into evangelism, it was the biggest step of faith God had called us to take to that point. Faith is not a single decision; it is a way of life. Again and again, God reminds me that I must trust Him for everything. Each year is different, and no two meetings are the same. Sometimes adjustments must be made to the schedule, and things do not always work out as planned. Wait, believe, and pray – the Lord is in the lead…and the adventure continues.

3. Evangelism is much more than traveling and preaching sermons.

The biblical evangelist is not just a traveling preacher – he is a gospel man. In the pattern of Philip, the evangelist, we are called on to seek the advancement of the gospel, the salvation of the lost, and the stirring of the church to the great commission. Evangelism is not confined to the pulpit or the organized meetings of a church. Evangelism is the heartbeat of Christ to preach the good news to a broken world.

If everything reproduces after its own kind, then an evangelist should not only leave new believers behind; he should leave new evangelists. The goal is not the meeting itself, and the fruit is not always seen in the invitation. Evangelists do not get to stay and see the work continue, but it is a joy to hear about fruit that remains in the months that follow. It is not about what we can accomplish, but what we can be used of God to set in motion.

4. The Holy Spirit works when the gospel is preached and Christ is exalted.

There is no theme like the redemptive message of Scripture. When the Lord Jesus is lifted up, and the plain truth of the gospel is preached, the Holy Spirit works deeply in the hearts of people. In a world of issues and complexities, it is easy to lose “the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). The servant of the Lord has nothing to prove and no one to please – only Christ to preach. If you want to see the Spirit’s power demonstrated, talk about what He wants to talk about, and that is Jesus.

5. The simple preaching and teaching of the Word of God works everywhere.

People are hungry for truth, and there is no substitute for a regular diet of God’s Word. The evangelist’s ministry varies in some ways from the pastor’s, but it is the same in that both are to preach the Bible. I do not have to come up with something novel, answer every question, or address every subject. Rather, my job is to find the mind of God about the text He wants preached and faithfully give that to His churches. I stopped asking the Lord which of my sermons I should preach and began to pray about what Scripture He wanted me to preach. My sermons never changed anyone’s life, but His Word always does.

6. Pastors are in a fierce spiritual battle and need encouragement.

The longer I am in evangelism, the more I thank God for His faithful shepherds in each place. These men faithfully lead and feed the flock week after week. It is an honor to come alongside them and labor with them in the greatest work in the world. One may plant, and another may water, but it is God who gives the increase (John 4:36-38; 1 Corinthians 3:6). Many pastors just need someone to listen and to encourage. The intensity of spiritual warfare has increased in these last days, and God’s men need friends. Isolation is dangerous; fellowship is essential. In the words of my longtime pastor, if you encourage the pastor, you encourage everyone to whom he will minister.

7. The Lord always takes care of His servants.

There is something liberating about not having a fixed salary. I know that sounds strange, but trusting God for daily provision has been an education of its own for me. I work for One person, and my Master takes good care of His servants. The Lord has used many channels to deliver His provision to us, but I know He is the Source. God did not give me peace about raising personal support in those early days, yet He has used kind Christians and churches to meet every need. God is good always.

8. Our closest partners are intercessors.

So many times, as we have witnessed the work of the Holy Spirit and people responding to the Word in public meetings, I have been reminded that somewhere, some saint of God is praying. I meet people constantly who say that they pray for us every day. I believe I will meet many more at the judgment seat of Christ someday, whom we never knew, who labored with us in prayer. Prayer is the work! It is my increasing conviction that the most important times in any gospel or revival effort are the weeks that lead up to it and the days that grow out of it. No preacher brings revival. But when people prepare in prayer, hearts are made ready. And when people continue in prayer after the preaching is done, the seed finds deep root and brings more fruit. Thank God for the intercessors!

9. Every work has its challenges – accentuate the positive and minimize the negative.

Evangelism is similar to the pastoral and administrative work that was ours for many years, in that it is gospel work, church work, people work, and Bible work. But it is unique in that the rhythm of life is much different. Travel can be exhausting. There is an ebb and flow, like in every work, and attitude makes all the difference. Occasionally, people will say to me that they could never do what God has called us to do. God gives grace that corresponds to His will. We have tried to make the most of every opportunity, with the full realization that there will be opposition and obstacles. You can’t have one without the other (1 Corinthians 16:9).

10. Enjoy the journey.

Ministry is not about the next meeting, the next project, or the next place. It is about walking with God, waiting on Him, and watching for divine appointments. Beware of making the destination the goal; often, the greatest blessings are found along the way. Enjoy your family. Learn to enjoy your friends. Discover how to enjoy the Lord. This is more than just the name of our podcast or the motto for our ministry. It is a daily choice that all of us have to make. Acts 20:24 is my life verse, and it expresses my sincere desire to “finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Would you pray for us as we begin the next decade in this work? We may only have days. God knows. But I do want to be faithful and fruitful until God is finished with us. I cannot do everything, but I want to fulfill everything God wants for our ministry (Colossians 4:12, 17; 2 Timothy 4:5). Please pray for us, and pray for many more evangelists at this crucial time.

Evangelist George Whitefield expressed well what is in my heart when he said, ”Had I a thousand souls and bodies they should all be itinerants for Jesus Christ. Oh, may I never cease itinerating till I sit down in the kingdom of heaven. Oh, for a pilgrim’s heart with my pilgrim’s life.”

Amen.

About Scott Pauley

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Message: The Led Life

*This was Scott’s final message at Temple Baptist Church before stepping into full-time evangelism.