Do you have to be an Evangelist to be effective in evangelism?
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
These are nearly Paul’s dying words to his understudy Pastor Timothy. Considering that they take on great weight.
Paul was highly effective in the ministry of evangelism since he was an Evangelist. but what about Pastor Timothy in Ephesus who received this letter. He was a shepherd. He didn’t travel about preaching like Paul, yet he did the work of an evangelist right in Ephesus. How did he do the work of an Evangelist?
- He encouraged those who had the gift of Evangelist. Those people stirred up evangelism in a dynamic, catalytic way in Ephesus.
- He weaved the value for evangelism into his messages on a regular basis.
- He dedicated a significant percentage of the funds coming into the coffers in Ephesus directly local and distant outreach to see the Kingdom expanded.
Paul’s words serve as a balancing message for those who tend to excuse themselves entirely from any involvement from evangelism simply because they don’t see themselves as naturally operating in the realm of evangelism.
I lead a church in a town just southwest of Portland, Oregon. I have seen many get involved in the ministry of evangelism even though they are not entirely natural Evangelists. They have rightly understood that evangelism is a huge priority in the Kingdom of God, so they walk out the value of evangelism as part of their discipline as Believers – plus it’s incredibly fun to reach out in practical ways to the community! They too are doing the work of an Evangelist and I am incredibly proud of them for that.
