The role of an evangelism or outreach pastor is vitally important in the church. This role is centered around spreading the gospel and fulfilling the Great Commission that Jesus gave his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The Bible has a lot to say about the responsibilities and priorities of those called to evangelism and outreach ministries. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical principles regarding this role:
Proclaiming the Gospel
The core responsibility of an evangelism pastor is proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus commanded his followers to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). Paul sums up the mission by saying he was “eager to preach the gospel” (Romans 1:15) and that he was entrusted with “the gospel, for which I am an ambassador” (2 Corinthians 5:20). An outreach pastor must be diligent in sharing the message of salvation at every opportunity through preaching, teaching, writing, and personal evangelism.
Reaching the Lost
A primary focus of outreach pastors should be reaching those who don’t know Christ. Jesus spent much of his time ministering to the lost, marginalized, and spiritually confused. He said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). Paul made it his aim to “become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Evangelism pastors should prayerfully seek ways to connect with non-believers, build relationships, meet felt needs, and introduce them to Christ.
Equipping the Church
While the evangelism pastor may be the point person for outreach ministries, he or she also plays a key role in equipping church members to do the work of evangelism. Ephesians 4:11-12 notes that pastors and teachers are given to the church to “equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” This involves training church members how to share their faith, defending the gospel, and modeling evangelism in their spheres of influence. The outreach pastor oversees equipping ministries that prepare the congregation for evangelistic work.
Going Where People Are
Effective evangelism requires meeting unbelievers where they are. Jesus modeled this in how he traveled through cities and villages to reach people (Matthew 9:35). The early church “went from house to house” sharing the gospel (Acts 5:42). Evangelism pastors should get creative in considering the various public venues, special events, community programs, and other “fields ripe for harvest” (John 4:35) where people can be reached for Christ. This also requires understanding the target audience and what draws their interest and attention.
Planting Churches
Church planting is a common component of the evangelism pastor’s role. Paul spread the gospel through Asia Minor by planting churches in key cities like Ephesus, Corinth, and Thessalonica. He reminded Timothy that “the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2). As churches are planted, new beachheads for the gospel are established. Outreach pastors help initiate new churches and raise up church planters who can reach surrounding regions and people groups.
Collaborating with Other Ministries
While the evangelism pastor focuses on outreach, this role should also involve collaborating with other church ministries and functions. Paul describes the interdependent nature of ministries needed for a healthy church (1 Corinthians 12). The youth pastor, worship leader, small group director and others all play a part in attracting people to hear the gospel and nurturing spiritual growth. The outreach pastor should coordinate with these other ministries, lend vision for how they can support evangelism, and maximize the synergy between them.
Being Examples
One of the best ways to motivate others to evangelize is by modeling it well. Paul told believers to “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Evangelism pastors should exemplify the Christian life, shine with genuine love for unbelievers, graciously answer objections to the faith, and live with integrity that gives weight to their words. As believers see evangelism modeled, they gain confidence that they can do it too with God’s help.
Praying for the Lost
Prayer is indispensable to any evangelistic endeavor. Jesus modeled prayer for those who needed to hear the gospel (Luke 10:2). Paul urges churches to pray for the advancement of the message (2 Thessalonians 3:1) and for his own evangelistic ministry (Ephesians 6:19). A primary task for outreach pastors is motivating and mobilizing the church to pray for non-believers to open their hearts to the gospel. Prayerloosens spiritual barriers to receptivity.
Fostering Evangelistic Passion
One of the outreach pastor’s most important roles is cultivating evangelistic passion in the church. So many churches lose their zeal and become complacent. The evangelism pastor needs to constantly remind believers of the reality of hell, Christ’s love for the lost, the brevity of life, and God’s mandate to make disciples. Challenging sermons, outreach conferences, missionary speakers, and testimonies of new believers all help kindle evangelistic flames. Keeping evangelism central fosters passion in the congregation.
Supporting Discipleship
Salvation is just the beginning of Christian life. The Great Commission includes teaching new believers to obey all Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:20). Evangelism and discipleship go hand-in-hand. Those the evangelism pastor reaches need to be nurtured toward spiritual maturity. Outreach pastors should connect new believers with classes, mentors, or other next steps to ground them in biblical truth. Discipleship ensures converts become fruitful followers of Christ who can then reproduce.
Reaching Neglected Groups
The New Testament indicates that special efforts should be made to reach neglected groups. Jesus ministered to marginalized people like the Samaritans that the Jews tended to avoid (John 4:1-42). Philip was sent to encounter an Ethiopian eunuch who likely faced exclusion (Acts 8:26-40). James says true religion cares for widows and orphans in distress (James 1:27). Effective evangelism requires awareness of subgroups that may be underserved with the gospel whether due to cultural, language, geographic, economic or other barriers. Creative strategies should be explored to extend the gospel’s reach.
Prioritizing Unreached Areas
While evangelism should happen locally, outreach pastors also coordinate efforts farther afield. Paul aimed to preach where Christ was not yet known to avoid “building on someone else’s foundation” (Romans 15:20). He also organized an offering fromMacedonian and Achaian churches to support the poor in faraway Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9). This demonstrated the wider scope of gospel outreach. Outreach pastors keep attuned to mission fields and unreached people groups who urgently need pioneering evangelism. Mobilizing for distant needs develops vision.
Utilizing Appropriate Methods
The Bible suggests using methods of outreach that are appropriate to the context. Paul adapted his approach in Athens to start on common ground with local culture (Acts 17:16-34). Proverbs says to “answer a fool according to his folly” (Proverbs 26:5). Evangelistic methods that work in one setting may not work in another. Outreach pastors prayerfully consider what communication styles, formats, events, language, media, and technology options might best suit different target audiences and communities. They also discern when more assertive or more subtle approaches are called for.
Avoiding Deception and Manipulation
While evangelists must be shrewd in their methods, they must also avoid deception or manipulation. Paul states he renounced secret and shameful ways, not distorting God’s word, but setting forth the truth plainly (2 Corinthians 4:2). Those engaged in outreach should avoid “bait and switch” tactics, fund-raising scams, overhyped promotionalism, and other practices that could tarnish gospel integrity and undermine evangelistic aims. Straightforward, transparent communication of the gospel is always best.
Persisting Despite Resistance
Opposition often arises when spreading the message of Christ. Jesus told his followers to expect persecution (John 15:18-21). Paul was beaten, stoned, imprisoned, and harassed for preaching the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Outreach pastors must prepare believers to withstand antagonism, skepticism, or apathy when doing evangelism. Endurance and boldness come by filling hearts with the power and motivation of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8, 4:31). Evangelism should press forward through resistance since eternal destinies hang in the balance.
Relying on God’s Power
At the end of the day, evangelistic fruit comes by God’s Spirit, not human effort. Jesus told his disciples “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Paul planted and Apollos watered, but God gave the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). That takes the pressure off. The evangelism pastor’s role is to be faithful and let God work through his weak clay vessels. Prayerfully sowing gospel seeds and trusting the Spirit’s wind to blow those seeds where He wills is the wise path forward. God’s power working through committed outreach pastors accomplishes more than we can ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Conclusion
Evangelism and outreach pastors have an exciting but challenging role in fulfilling the Great Commission. They are on the frontlines of gospel proclamation to the lost. They mobilize the church for evangelistic impact in the community and world. They model evangelistic passion and equip Christians to share their faith. When outreach pastors give prayerful attention to the principles the Bible outlines regarding their responsibilities – with reliance on the Spirit’s working – amazing things happen for God’s kingdom. The lost get found. Nominal Christians get renewed. Entire cities and people groups gain access to the light of salvation. The evangelism pastor’s role is indispensable for fulfilling the mission Jesus has given his church on earth.
