The word evangelist is ubiquitous among evangelicals throughout the world. Fascinating though, the word shows up only three times in the New Testament.
Luke referred to Philip as an evangelist in Acts 21:8, and Paul used the word twice. Regarding the latter, he noted the Lord “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers” (Eph 4:11). He also wrote to Timothy, reminding him to “always be sober-minded endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Tim 4:5).
Ask someone to describe an evangelist and you will likely get a description of one who preaches the gospel to unbelievers, calling them to repentance and faith. It will be assumed their realm of ministry is limited to the lost. Oh, you will likely get a few caricatures too–something probably related to greasy hair, white suits, and television.
Though it is possible Philip used olive oil on his doo and owned a white garment, he did not have a television ministry. However, he did have an evangelistic ministry among Samaritans and with an Ethiopian (Acts 8:5, 27).
While it is correct the evangelist should spend a great deal of time with unbelievers, I fear most of us have overlooked an important work of the evangelist: equipping Christians.
Paul is clear regarding the purpose for the apostles, prophets, evangelists, and shepherd-teachers. Following Ephesians 4:11, he notes these were given “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph 4:12). While such work by evangelists would include leadership/teaching-type ministries toward believers, we may assume the possibility that such teaching also involved instruction in the theological and practical elements of evangelistic endeavors.
Regardless, the evangelist’s function was not an act exclusively conducted among unbelievers but included equipping the saints for the work of the ministry.
So, to my evangelist friends: With whom are you spending your time in ministry?
Excellent point! Evangelists are included in the group of Christian leaders who should be equipping the saints. The message of great joy, of peace, and of the unsearchable riches of Christ is applicable to both Christians and non-Christians. If evangelists are effective, the Church should be inspired to go and make disciples.
Jesus proved His ministry to John the Baptist by stating that He evangelized the poor, in the following statement, “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached [euangelizo] to them.” (Matt 11:5)
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach [euangelizo] the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings [euangelizo] of good things!” (Rom 10:15)
“this grace was given, that I should preach [euangelizo] among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph 3:8)
Thank you, Robert. And thank you for sharing some great points!