An evangelist is someone who proclaims and preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ. The word “evangelist” comes from the Greek word euaggelistes, meaning “one who proclaims good news.” In the New Testament, the term is used to describe those who traveled spreading the message about Jesus and his offer of salvation. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about evangelists and evangelism:
The Role of an Evangelist
According to Scripture, an evangelist has a specific spiritual gift and calling from God to preach the gospel and lead others to faith in Christ. Paul lists “evangelists” along with apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers as gifts given by Christ to equip the church for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). Philip, who preached in Samaria and to the Ethiopian eunuch, is specifically called an “evangelist” in Acts 21:8. Timothy is exhorted by Paul to do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5). So evangelists are responsible for boldly proclaiming the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, urging people to repent and put their faith in Christ alone for salvation.
The Message of an Evangelist
The core message an evangelist proclaims is the gospel (meaning “good news”) of Jesus Christ. This includes preaching about:
– Sin and the need for repentance – All people have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, and the wages of sin is death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). People must repent and turn from their sins.
– Jesus as Savior – Jesus is the Son of God who came to save sinners by dying on the cross for our sins and rising again victorious over death. He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
– Salvation by grace through faith – We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Eternal life is a free gift received when someone puts their trust in Jesus.
– The kingdom of God – Through faith in Christ, we can enter God’s kingdom and live under His loving rule and reign (Mark 1:15).
Evangelists have a passion to see people reconciled to God through faith in Jesus. They plead and urge others to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20).
The Heart of an Evangelist
Effective evangelists not only preach truth, but preach it in love (Ephesians 4:15). They have compassion for the lost, remembering that they too were once separated from God. Just as Jesus “came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10), evangelists have a heart for the salvation of souls. They are burdened that the gospel would advance and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). They understand that faith comes by hearing the word about Christ (Romans 10:17). Some key attitudes of an evangelist’s heart include:
– Compassion for the lost
– Burden for spreading the gospel
– Commitment to biblical truth
– Courage to confront sin and call people to repentance
– Care for people as individuals, not just statistics
– Reliance on the Holy Spirit to empower and save
– Willingness to sacrifice personal comforts to reach others
The Priority of Evangelism
Proclaiming the gospel of Christ should be the top priority for every believer. Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). He commanded his followers to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). All Christians benefit from the spiritual gift of evangelists who devote themselves to gospel proclamation. As we evangelize, we must remember that it is the Holy Spirit who ultimately draws people to salvation. Our role is to faithfully preach God’s word and rely on God to save souls and change hearts. Charles Spurgeon said: “To spread the gospel, that is our business. Ours it is to sow the seed; God alone can make it spring up.” As we sow the seed of the gospel, we trust the Lord to produce the harvest of salvation.
Biblical Evangelists
The New Testament mentions several early Christian evangelists:
– Philip – Also known as Philip the Evangelist (Acts 21:8). Preached powerfully in Samaria resulting in many conversions and baptisms (Acts 8:4-13). Also shared the gospel one-on-one with an Ethiopian man (Acts 8:26-40).
– Paul – Known as the apostle to the Gentiles. Made extensive missionary journeys across the Roman empire preaching repentance and faith to establish churches (Acts 13-28).
– Timothy – A young minister mentored by Paul. Did the work of an evangelist and faithfully spread the gospel (2 Timothy 4:5).
– Mark – Traveled with Paul and Barnabas telling people about Jesus. Wrote the Gospel of Mark sharing the good news of Christ’s life and ministry (Acts 12:25).
– Luke – The author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Accompanied Paul on mission trips to proclaim Christ (Philemon 1:24).
– Apollos – An enthusiastic evangelist mentioned in Acts. He vigorously refuted the Jews with proofs from Scripture that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 18:24-28).
Other New Testament evangelists include Silas, Titus, Epaphras, and the unnamed men in 2 Timothy 4:5. The first evangelists were Jesus’ original twelve disciples who he commissioned to preach the kingdom of God (Luke 9:1-2). The early church valued evangelism and those uniquely gifted by God as evangelists.
Evangelism Today
Evangelism remains an urgent priority today with billions worldwide still not knowing Jesus as Savior. As in the early church, God continues to gift certain people as evangelists to preach the gospel widely and plant churches among unreached people groups. He also calls all believers to share their faith right where they live, work, and play. Modern methods of evangelism include:
– Street evangelism
– Door-to-door outreach
– Large crusades and events
– Literature and media distribution
– Friendship evangelism
– Apologetics and public debates
– Creative outreaches like music concerts
– Personal discipleship and mentoring
– Workplace ministry
– Online evangelism
But the message remains unchanged – salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus.
Being an Evangelist in Your Sphere of Influence
Though not all Christians are specially gifted as evangelists, every believer is called to be a witness for Christ in their sphere of influence. Here are some ways you can be an “evangelist” in your own context:
– Pray regularly for the lost people you know
– Build genuine friendships with non-believers
– Look for opportunities to bring up spiritual topics
– Share your testimony of how you came to faith
– Invite friends to church or events where they can hear the gospel
– Share Bible verses, literature, or media that communicates the message of salvation
– Explain the gospel message clearly when opportunities arise
– Urge friends to repent of their sins and trust in Christ, warning of the consequences of refusing to believe
– Make your own life a beautiful demonstration of God’s love and grace
You don’t have to preach on street corners to be an evangelist and introduce people to Jesus. Start building relationships, sharing Christ’s love, explaining the gospel, urging people to believe, and leaving the results to God.
Women Evangelists in the Bible and Church History
Even though most of the evangelists specifically named in the New Testament are men, women also played a significant role in spreading the gospel in the early church:
– Mary Magdalene was the first evangelist, sent by Jesus to proclaim his resurrection to the other disciples (John 20:17-18).
– Other women who discovered the empty tomb brought the news of Christ’s resurrection to the apostles (Matthew 28:7-8; Luke 24:9-10).
– Priscilla along with her husband Aquila explained the way of God more accurately to Apollos to better equip him for evangelism (Acts 18:24-28).
– Philip had four unmarried daughters who were prophetesses, likely sharing the gospel as they foretold the future inspired by the Spirit (Acts 21:8-9).
– Phoebe was a faithful servant in the church at Cenchreae commended by Paul for supporting many people, likely in their faith (Romans 16:1-2).
Throughout church history God has anointed both men and women to powerfully preach the gospel:
– Anne Askew (1521–1546) – English Protestant who evangelized before being martyred.
– Susanna Wesley (1669–1742) – Mother of John & Charles Wesley who taught and shared her faith.
– Lottie Moon (1840–1912) – American missionary in China who led many to Christ.
– Amanda Smith (1837–1915) – Former slave and itinerant preacher who saw thousands converted.
– Corrie ten Boom (1892–1983) – Dutch evangelist who helped hide Jews during WWII and traveled globally sharing her testimony after her release.
– Billy Graham’s evangelistic crusades often included gifted women evangelists like Ruth Graham and Leighton Ford.
Today, women continue to evangelize in diverse ways through writing, blogging, public speaking, apologetics, one-on-one discipleship, music, media, parenting, and serving as missionaries. God uses both men and women to fulfill the Great Commission.
Evangelism Methods to Avoid
In our passion to share Christ, Christians must be careful to evangelize biblically and avoid manipulative, deceptive, high-pressure tactics that can damage our witness:
– Forcing conversations about the gospel on strangers or in inappropriate contexts.
– Using fear and scare tactics to try to compel a “decision.”
– Implying that people aren’t really saved unless they make a public profession.
– Presenting only the positive benefits without warning of repentance, sacrifice, and persecution.
– Focusing on quick outward professions rather than true heart change.
– Manipulating emotions through music, lighting, or scoring “decisions.”
– Majoring on health and wealth benefits rather than the cross.
– Being rude, pushy, or threatening when people reject the message.
– Lying, exaggerating, or pretending to be someone you’re not.
The Bible teaches persusasive communication of the truth in love, allowing people to make their own choice about Christ. We should avoid turning evangelism into high-pressure salesmanship.
Conclusion
Evangelists have a special gift and calling from God to preach the gospel and appeal to others to be reconciled to Christ through repentance and faith. All Christians benefit from their ministry. While some are specially gifted as evangelists, every believer can share Christ’s love and the message of salvation with lost people in their sphere of influence. Evangelism should be done out of genuine care for the lost and reliance on the Spirit to convince and convert through the word. As Christ’s witnesses we prayerfully sow the seed of the gospel, trust God to give the growth, and reap a harvest of souls won to Him.
