07/03/2024
I have been thinking a lot lately about the ministry offices in the church, especially that of the Evangelist. From a child growing up in a Pentecostal home, and since starting in ministry myself, when we think about an Evangelist, many times the idea of that office, is thought of as a person that, in years gone by, that would go into a church preach for a week or many times several weeks, and in more recent years, as one that comes in and preaches 5 services (Sun - Wed), or that comes in for a Sunday "Super Sunday" where they blow in, blow up, and blow out. Where Bro. Charley (hope there's not one here that feels I am pointing them out) shouts for the first time since last year when the same preachers was there who has been scheduled there for the last 10 years. While the evangelist is there he/she is in a hotel room, eating or golfing or whatever else occupies the day with the local pastor and then on to the next place. The evangelist is almost seen as the modern church Rock Star that is only shadow by the latest singing soloist or group. Then on to the next "show"
Friends, i am not trying to be critical, because I have been a full time evangelist living on faith trusting God for the next open door to minister the burden that he has laid on my heart, being away from home, while hoping that what comes in will help pay the bills. It is a walk of faith to be in full time evangelistic ministry.
However, there is an epidemic of people, young men especially, that want to be an evangelist because it has all the thrills of pulpit ministry without the labor intensive work of caring for the flock, visiting hospitals, shut-ins, etc.
Yet In my studies I have found that what we have called Evangelists, the bible actually calls "Exhorters". Exhorters are ones that come in and build a fire and exhorts the people summons people. The greek word is parakaleo which means to call near, invite, invoke, implore. This activity is that that is done through every minister, but there is a call of God to Exhortation.
However, what when studying about Evangelist, according to Paul the apostle, was something different. Three men that Paul worked with that were described as an Evangelist. One was Philip, that we read about in Acts, the other two were Titus and Timothy, and I would venture to say that Apollos would have also been considered one. In the letters to Titus and Timothy, Paul instructs them to go into cities and "set things in order" and establish leaders in the church, and in both epistles, Paul then gives the qualifications of what those leaders should be characterized as calling them Bishops and Deacons.
When we think of evangelism that is what those in those offices should be set forth to do. Now this isn't the full extent, but it is a place to start. Evangelists should be the picture of going into cities and working with pastors to help not only physically revitalize the churches, but bringing to the table the work of evangelism in the people. Stirring the people by "show coaching" them how to go out into the streets, "the highways and the hedges and compelling them to come in". This should be the task of the that kind of department and should be the call to anyone supported by the church as an evangelist.
Beloved there is so much more that Paul says about this position and this is not the forum to be able to share it all, but as we look at this important calling and office in the church we must evaluate what the bible says about it vs. what we have considered this office to be.
Just my take. I love you all. Prayers for the growth of every church and ministry in Jesus name
