What Does an Evangelist Look Like Today?
Share
Through the ages, many have dedicated their lives to carrying the message of salvation through faith in Jesus to unbelievers. Some were traveling preachers, missionaries, and speakers. But evangelism has always been an assignment for every believer, not just a select few.
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:14-15).
Today, the message of Jesus certainly remains the same, but with the changes in society and technology, it has become easier for us to join in the work. Theodore Epp, an American Pastor and radio evangelist, understood this shift when he said, “God has given believers the responsibility of spreading the Gospel to all the world, and we need to use all at our disposal to accomplish this task.”
What Is an Evangelist?
The word “evangelist” comes from the Greek root word euangelizesthai, which means to "bring good news." The modern term began to be used in the 12th century to describe those in the Bible who proclaimed the Gospel to others who weren’t yet followers of Christ.
One of the Merriam Webster definitions for it is: “an enthusiastic advocate,” a more general description which could apply to any passion a person might have. But in Baker’s Theological Dictionary, the meaning is much more specific: “to preach the gospel to unsaved people.” It goes on to say that evangelism is also one of the spiritual gifts that the Apostle Paul lists in his letter to the Ephesians (4:11-13).
The title of evangelist has often been used for someone who preaches or who is a missionary. Many who do this work have usually been willing to trek either around the country or around the world.
Some Evangelists in the Bible
The writers of the four Gospels in the New Testament - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - are traditionally called evangelists because they proclaimed the Good News of Christ in their books. They each documented events in the life of Jesus, as well as His words, teachings, and interactions, to help readers learn who He is.
Some of the most powerful examples of evangelism recorded in the Bible were at the time of the early church. Many of their experiences are found in the Book of Acts. Others later carried on the work they started.
Peter
- During Passover, after being anointed with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:15-40)
“Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ‘Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say’” (Acts 2:14).
- After healing a lame man at the Beautiful gate (Acts 3:13-26)
“...all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: ‘Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?’” (Acts 3:11-12).
- When he and John were brought before the religious leaders (Acts 4:9-12)
“They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: ‘By what power or what name did you do this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: ‘Rulers and elders of the people!’” (Acts 4:7-8).
Stephen
- When brought before the Sanhedrin and being falsely accused of blasphemy (Acts 7:2-53)
“‘You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!’” (Acts 7:51).
Phillip
- In Samaria
“Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there” (Acts 7:5).
- While walking with a eunuch in the way to Gaza (Acts 8:35)
“Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked’” (Acts 8:30).
Paul
- In the synagogue of Antioch (Acts 13:17-41)
“Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: ‘Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!’” (Acts 13:16).
- In many towns such as Ephesus
“Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God” (Acts 19:8).
Timothy
- As part of the work Paul gave him to do at the Ephesian church
“I give you this charge: Preach the word…do the work of an evangelist…” (2 Timothy 4:1-2, 5).
Do You Have to Be a Pastor, or a Man, or an Adult, to Be an Evangelist?
In Scripture, the title of evangelist is usually applied to the Apostles. And they truly did devote their lives to telling everyone they could about our Lord. But according to Matthew 28:19 20, this is a calling that applies to all believers - men, women, and even teens and children.
“‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’”
Paul’s Instruction in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 states that women should not have authority over or teach men - but that does not apply to evangelism. In fact, several women, such as Pricilla and Phoebe, are mentioned in the New Testament as being engaged in telling others about the Lord.
“Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus … He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:24, 26).
Some want to assign the work of evangelism only to those we think are anointed or talented in the area of preaching or missionary work. But that leads to missing opportunities to spread the Gospel, and possibly grow God’s Kingdom.
“‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’” (Acts 1:8).
What Does It Look Like to Be an Evangelist Today?
The purpose of evangelism remains the same now as ever. But with such a variety of methods to use, the look of evangelizing, and those who do it, can be different these days.
Evangelists can look like pastors, who preach the Good News from the pulpit.
Evangelists can look like missionaries, men and women who go to other regions or lands to teach about Jesus.
Evangelists can look like neighbors, who share their personal faith with people one-on-one.
Evangelists can look like kids, who tell friends the stories about Jesus they heard in Sunday School.
Evangelists can look like writers, who post blogs, articles, and Bible Studies about Jesus online.
Evangelists can look like any of us who feel a passion for reaching those who don’t yet call Jesus their Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Opportunities to Evangelize
Gracious God,
I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Just thinking about Your Son coming down to earth to save us fills me with awe. It is a truth that the whole world desperately needs to hear.
Father, Jesus gave the Great Commission to all believers. So I pray that You would plant a desire in me to share the Good News. Then show me how I can use the gifts and talents You gave me to step out in obedience to that call.
Help me to be humble, knowing that my role is to tell others how glorious and wonderful my Lord is. Give me courage, keep me strong, and make me alert to any opportunities, either near me or around the globe. Most of all, let my words be clear and full of grace.
I pray this in Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
God designed evangelism as an integral part of His plan for the world, and will equip each one of us to participate. All we need is a love for our Lord, and a desire to spread the true and wonderful Gospel of Jesus. God can make any of us bold and brave enough to step out in an impactful way.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15).
Related articles
5 Ways You Can Share the Gospel like John the Baptist
3 Ways to Weave Evangelism into Daily Life
5 Tips to Equip You – Yes You! – for Evangelism
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Himarkley
