The gift of the evangelist has been sorely (and sadly) neglected in many places. This is to the detriment of the church and its work in this world. If ever there was a time that we needed a strong emphasis on calling both believers and unbelievers to repentance and faith it is this hour! One of the burdens of my heart is to see a revival of true, first-century evangelism in our present generation.  

If you have not yet read Part 1 of this article you may do so here. As in everything, the real issue is not what we think, but rather: what does the Bible say?

Q 4: Are there evangelists mentioned in Scripture?

A: Only one man is mentioned by name in Scripture as an evangelist. This is Philip “the evangelist” (Acts 21:8). This limited reference does not mean that there was only one evangelist (Ephesians 4:11). God often uses both repetition and limited mention to place emphasis in His Word. It seems clear that the Apostle Paul was also gifted as an evangelist and many others carried on this same work. Holy Spirit inspired selection of Philip in Scripture is not incidental. He typifies the work of an evangelist from start to finish. 

He was a Spirit-filled servant with a desire to see souls saved and the church advance (Acts 6:5-7). He consistently gave the gospel wherever he went and to whomever he spoke (Acts 8, i.e. multitudes in the city of Samaria, an individual Ethiopian eunuch in the desert). He followed the leading and promptings of the Holy Spirit to many different places of ministry (Acts 8:39-40). In the final mention of this man, we see him concerned with helping Paul’s missionary team in their work (Acts 21:8), and having fulfilled his most important work of training his own children for the Lord (Acts 21:9).

Read more on the example of Philip the evangelist here.

Q 5: What is the relation of an evangelist to a pastor and local church?

A: First, I believe it is important to point out that it is not just evangelists who are to evangelize! The pastor is told to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5). All of God’s children are to be witnesses and all of those who lead in the church should set the example in that work. 

The gift of the evangelist is complementary and cooperative with the gift of the pastor-teacher according to Ephesians 4:11. In fact, Ephesians 4:12 shows that all of the offices are working toward one purpose – the equipping of the saints, to do the work of the ministry, so that the church can be built! We are not doing different things if we are fulfilling God’s purpose, but laboring together for the divine mission. The evangelist does not have his own work but rather connects to what God is doing in many places through His servants.

While the gifts work together (unity), they also have unique functions (variety). They do not, as some people have suggested, preach a different message. Not if they are New Testament preachers! The pastor may deal with some matters of growth that the evangelist, because of his short duration, limited knowledge and specific calling, may not address. Both must be ministers of the Word. The pastor labors with one flock, while the evangelist is often called on to labor in many fields. The pastor comes alongside the people to help them grow in the faith; the evangelist comes alongside the pastor to help in the work of the local church. The diversity between evangelist and pastor has more to do with emphasis and duration than with message or style. 

One final word. Some people believe that the sad state of our current culture prevents effective evangelism. Nothing could be further from the truth. Think of this: the worst time this world will ever know will be the seven year tribulation period that is coming on this earth. Yet, in that very time, 144,000 flaming Jewish evangelists will be preaching the gospel of the kingdom and many will turn to God. The truth and God’s power work in every age. We must not waste the opportunity that Christ has given us at the end of the church age. Soon it will be over.

May God raise up many more Biblical evangelists, and may every true follower of Jesus find a way to connect to the work of evangelism until Christ returns. 

(For more on this subject, please read “We Need More Evangelists!”)