Evangelism
- John Welborn
- Feb 7, 2007
The Evangelist and the
-John Welborn-
He has a pink suit, greasy helmet hair, a red face and a King James Version Bible. He offers envelopes and 5 finely-tuned sermons that have been preached 1,000 times. He is quick to ask for a love offering and slow to respect his time as he begs, pleads and even manipulates people down the isle. Is this what you picture when you hear of an “evangelist?”
Unfortunately, there has developed a negative stigma around those who call themselves “evangelists.” Certainly, there are those who have earned their negative reputation by caring more about money and numbers than being a blessing to the local church. More disturbing, however, is the sentiment among more progressive and contemporary pastors that the evangelist is no longer relevant in the 21st Century Church. In fact, the evangelist has been deemed by some as unnecessary and outdated. But, ignoring the ministry of the evangelist denies the local church an incredible blessing as well as disregards Biblical teaching on the subject.
According to scriptures, the gift of the evangelist is as specific as that of a pastor/teacher while being separate. According to Ephesians 4, just as God has gifted certain men to be pastors, so he has gifted others to be evangelists. Why then is the church so hesitant to utilize the evangelist? Many conservative scholars including Dr. Alvin Reid, Chair of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, say that evangelism is a challenge to all Christians but some are gifted and called to be evangelists. It is therefore unwise to lay aside the ministry of the evangelist just as it would be to deny the ministry of the pastor. The evangelist is just as relevant to the body of Christ as the pastor/teacher.
Other pastors may simply find the idea of independent evangelists intimidating. But, many leading pastors across the country including Dr. Jerry Vines, Dr. Ted Traylor, and Dr. Johnny Hunt, acknowledge the giftedness of an evangelist to preach the gospel and invite people to respond. According to Romans chapter one, the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Pastors should not be insecure about God using someone else to facilitate a particular area of spiritual growth.
Could it be possible that many 21st Century churches don’t find the evangelist irrelevant or intimidating, but rather find the traditional Sunday through Wednesday “Revival” meetings impractical? I believe it is not only possible, it is the case. The trouble many churches have with these meetings rests in pragmatism. It seems that there exists a perception that says “in order to utilize the ministry of an evangelist, it must be done through a Sunday through Wednesday revival meeting.” But, isn’t there room for evangelism in a creative context?
A true evangelist is consumed by ONE PASSION: Assisting the local church in reaching people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The evangelist knows that this does not only happen within the context of a “Revival” or “Crusade” meeting. Pastors can and need to get creative in the various ways they lead their churches in reaching people with the gospel.
Dr. Johnny Hunt, pastor of a 14,000-member church in suburban Atlanta says that the evangelist is “God’s gift to the church.” The evangelist wants to be a blessing to the local church through whatever means necessary. Many modern churches employ an evangelist on their staff to train, equip and organize their members to share the gospel. This ministry is vital to the growth of local church. Other churches will invite an evangelist to preach during their normal weekly worship services from time to time with the expressed purpose of preaching the gospel and inviting people to be saved.
Every growing and healthy New Testament church will hold events on occasion in order to reach people who may not normally attend weekly services. Events like these may include Christmas and Easter productions, patriotic services, conferences, children’s productions, and various community events. These are perfect opportunities to use an evangelist to present the gospel and give an invitation. What about youth camps and other retreats? An evangelist is uniquely prepared to come and offer challenges on many different areas of spiritual growth in these settings.
Progressive pastors should strongly consider using an evangelist in their church to reach people with the gospel. It is not only encouraged Biblically but can be an incredible blessing. But, in order for evangelism to flourish, we must be innovative in how we use the evangelist. As we begin 2007, why not consider creatively utilizing the gift of the evangelist in your place of ministry? Just make sure he leaves the pink suit at home.
John Welborn is a dynamic, young evangelist and founder of John Welborn Ministries. Each summer, his ministry hosts Foundation Camp, featuring some of America's most prominent speakers and pastors. To contact John or find out more about his ministries, visit http://www.foundationcamp.org/.
