Are all believers called to evangelize?

[Agios]

If all believers are to evangelize, why is there an office for it?

I understand we are to give an account for the hope we have in us, be able to defend our faith and answer questions. Even sharing our faith and testimony to those whom God has called us to share it with, but not seeing where we are all given the gift and/or office of evangelists.

Wouldn't an evangelist need to be more mature in their faith, have a strong foundation of knowledge about the faith. I have seen many believers play evangelists and they error in their doctrine when speaking and are not able to defend their faith in a way that is convincing.

Where did this idea originate that we are all evangelists? There are a few "evangelical churches" who should probably revisit foundational doctrine. It seems damage has been caused by these and people who go out and evangelize when God has clearly not called them to do so.

Agree? Disagree?

 

[historyb]

Agree. Being an Evangelist and evangelizing are callings but not for all. We are many members

 

[Josho]

Agree. Being an Evangelist and evangelizing are callings but not for all. We are many members

I am probably too introverted to be an evangelist, so I would think it's not my calling, but God did use Moses in a pretty big way.

 

[Jane_Doe22]

If all believers are to evangelize, why is there an office for it?

Every person whom is Christ's disciple is called to be a witness of Him in all times & all places-- that's just part of being a Christian. Christ's light should be shining through you every day.

Some people are especially gifted for using words to share His light, and are called for that -- hence the office.

I understand we are to give an account for the hope we have in us, be able to defend our faith and answer questions. Even sharing our faith and testimony to those whom God has called us to share it with

Amen with this part.

I
Wouldn't an evangelist need to be more mature in their faith, have a strong foundation of knowledge about the faith. I have seen many believers play evangelists and they error in their doctrine when speaking and are not able to defend their faith in a way that is convincing.

Not necessarily more mature and/or knowledgeable.
There are some fantastic babes in the faith that just sing His praises beautifully, despite being new and/or not knowing too much academically.
Conversely, there are some very knowledgeable old disciples whom due to pride or whatever reason really fail at sharing His Gospel.

Where did this idea originate that we are all evangelists? There are a few "evangelical churches" who should probably revisit foundational doctrine. It seems damage has been caused by these and people who go out and evangelize when God has clearly not called them to do so.

An "Evangelical church" is a denomination name, not to be confused with the office.

 

[farouk]

If all believers are to evangelize, why is there an office for it?

I understand we are to give an account for the hope we have in us, be able to defend our faith and answer questions. Even sharing our faith and testimony to those whom God has called us to share it with, but not seeing where we are all given the gift and/or office of evangelists.

Wouldn't an evangelist need to be more mature in their faith, have a strong foundation of knowledge about the faith. I have seen many believers play evangelists and they error in their doctrine when speaking and are not able to defend their faith in a way that is convincing.

Where did this idea originate that we are all evangelists? There are a few "evangelical churches" who should probably revisit foundational doctrine. It seems damage has been caused by these and people who go out and evangelize when God has clearly not called them to do so.

Agree? Disagree?

I do think that the idea of sitting back and let others evangelize is foreign to the NT. At the same time, there are those who are particularly gifted evangelists, and it is good for those who are younger in the faith to stir up the gift that is in them, as Paul said to Timothy. As you implied, we do need to be ready to give a reason for the hope within us (1 Peter 3.15).

 

[Agios]

Every person whom is Christ's disciple is called to be a witness of Him in all times & all places-- that's just part of being a Christian. Christ's light should be shining through you every day.

What you are describing is not the definition of evangelist as described in the new testament. We are to give an account of our hope and being a witness is living a godly life. Sharing our testimony is a good thing too if God calls us to do so, but again, this is not an evangilist.

Some people are especially gifted for using words to share His light, and are called for that -- hence the office.

Amen with this part.

Agreed.

Not necessarily more mature and/or knowledgeable.
There are some fantastic babes in the faith that just sing His praises beautifully, despite being new and/or not knowing too much academically.
Conversely, there are some very knowledgeable old disciples whom due to pride or whatever reason really fail at sharing His Gospel.

I would disagree here, in order to be an evangelist, the person must have a sound understanding of the gospel AND be able to teach it to others.

Younger, less mature believers - who are not called - believe they are supposed to go and evangelize, imo, this has caused a major negative impact on the church.

An "Evangelical church" is a denomination name, not to be confused with the office.

An evangelical church is not a denomination, it's a "type" of church, as in we are evangelizing, most protestant non-denominational churches today claim to be "evangelical". The members of these churches believe they are ALL called to this position - evangelism - and this is what I disagree with.

 

[Randy Kluth]

If all believers are to evangelize, why is there an office for it?

I understand we are to give an account for the hope we have in us, be able to defend our faith and answer questions. Even sharing our faith and testimony to those whom God has called us to share it with, but not seeing where we are all given the gift and/or office of evangelists.

Wouldn't an evangelist need to be more mature in their faith, have a strong foundation of knowledge about the faith. I have seen many believers play evangelists and they error in their doctrine when speaking and are not able to defend their faith in a way that is convincing.

Where did this idea originate that we are all evangelists? There are a few "evangelical churches" who should probably revisit foundational doctrine. It seems damage has been caused by these and people who go out and evangelize when God has clearly not called them to do so.

Agree? Disagree?

I think you ask an important question. Up front, I do believe in a special ministry of evangelist. I've seen many Christians over the years who have a burning need to ask people to give their hearts to Christ. By contrast, other Christian ministers may want people to get saved, and pursue that goal, but their ministry leads them in other directions, whether healing, or teaching, or administration--whatever. We all have different gifts, and there are certainly a diversity of ministries.

I'm not sure Paul spent time holding evangelical rallies. He probably preached the Gospel, just as all the apostles did, and saw initial results. And then he spent a lot of time teaching them, so that they produced more evangelists and teachers. Obviously, some leaders were given multiple gifts. Being an apostle, I doubt Paul could be either 100% evangelist or 100% teacher. He started the ball rolling, and others took over.

Ministers should, of course, be equipped, having been taught proper doctrine, and being seasoned in their spirituality. Otherwise, they're going to get knocked off their horse. Satanic forces are nothing to be sniffed at.

 

[Jane_Doe22]

What you are describing is not the definition of evangelist as described in the new testament. We are to give an account of our hope and being a witness is living a godly life. Sharing our testimony is a good thing too if God calls us to do so, but again, this is not an evangilist.

Agreed.

I would disagree here, in order to be an evangelist, the person must have a sound understanding of the gospel AND be able to teach it to others.

Younger, less mature believers - who are not called - believe they are supposed to go and evangelize, imo, this has caused a major negative impact on the church.

An evangelical church is not a denomination, it's a "type" of church, as in we are evangelizing, most protestant non-denominational churches today claim to be "evangelical". The members of these churches believe they are ALL called to this position - evangelism - and this is what I disagree with.

So you're using very specific definition of "evangelize" (a certain time, way, place, etc) and saying that not all people at all times are sharing their light in that way at all times and all places. This is separate from the Evangelical church denomination.

Well, simply by your definitions I don't really find anything to argue with ere. I myself operate with different definitions for things and a different perspective.

 

[Agios]

So you're using very specific definition of "evangelize" (a certain time, way, place, etc) and saying that not all people at all times are sharing their light in that way at all times and all places. This is separate from the Evangelical church denomination.

Well, simply by your definitions I don't really find anything to argue with ere. I myself operate with different definitions for things and a different perspective.

I am using the Biblical definition of the word evangelism, found in the New Testament, in the Greek. This is part of the point I brought this up, the church has put their own definition on words, by using words as "witness", "evangelical church", when these are not part of the Biblical definition of evangelical (besides having to be actually called to the office of evangelist).

euaggelistés: an evangelist, a bringer of good news
Original Word: εὐαγγελιστής, οῦ, ὁ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: euaggelistés
Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-ang-ghel-is-tace')
Definition: an evangelist, a bringer of good news
Usage: an evangelist, a missionary, bearer of good tidings.
HELPS Word-studies
2099 euaggelistḗs (from 2097 /euaggelízō, "evangelize") – properly, an "evangelist" (L & N, 1, 53.76); someone with a vocational calling from God to announce the good news of the Gospel (see Eph 4:11).

Every Christian is called to share the Gospel, but 2099 /euaggelistḗs ("an evangelist") does so as a vocation, which includes preaching the full message of Christ's salvation (the whole Gospel). See 2097 /euangelizō ("gospelizing").

 

[Agios]

I think you ask an important question. Up front, I do believe in a special ministry of evangelist. I've seen many Christians over the years who have a burning need to ask people to give their hearts to Christ. By contrast, other Christian ministers may want people to get saved, and pursue that goal, but their ministry leads them in other directions, whether healing, or teaching, or administration--whatever. We all have different gifts, and there are certainly a diversity of ministries.

I'm not sure Paul spent time holding evangelical rallies. He probably preached the Gospel, just as all the apostles did, and saw initial results. And then he spent a lot of time teaching them, so that they produced more evangelists and teachers. Obviously, some leaders were given multiple gifts. Being an apostle, I doubt Paul could be either 100% evangelist or 100% teacher. He started the ball rolling, and others took over.

Ministers should, of course, be equipped, having been taught proper doctrine, and being seasoned in their spirituality. Otherwise, they're going to get knocked off their horse. Satanic forces are nothing to be sniffed at.

I agree, Paul would have been a teacher, evangelist, apostle, he was a definite evangelist, Peter, James, etc. They were all called by God.

Thanks - your post is informative.

 

[justbyfaith]

Of course, if someone preaches a different gospel than what Paul preached, they will be forever accursed (Galatians 1:6-9).

So I would think it would be important to have a handle on what that gospel is before one goes evangelizing for a different gospel because they were unaware of the literal concepts of the true gospel.

 

[Randy Kluth]

I agree, Paul would have been a teacher, evangelist, apostle, he was a definite evangelist, Peter, James, etc. They were all called by God.

Thanks - your post is informative.

I personally view Paul as more of a teacher than an evangelist, but surely he must've been both! Even more important than teacher, he was an apostle. But that's why I see him as a teacher, because as an apostle he had to lay down important doctrine for the Church to last throughout the present age. It is his teaching that has founded the Church firmly upon Christ, the source and life of our Salvation.

 

[Helen]

Agree...Not all are evangelists, and some who “think” that they are , do more harm than good by browbeating...

But It does say -

1 Peter 3

15 “ 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”

 

[Agios]

Of course, if someone preaches a different gospel than what Paul preached, they will be forever accursed (Galatians 1:6-9).

So I would think it would be important to have a handle on what that gospel is before one goes evangelizing for a different gospel because they were unaware of the literal concepts of the true gospel.

Excellent verse for this thread! Thanks.

How many times has the gospel been preached differently by "well intended evangelists" who feel everyone is called? When we are speaking of the gospel, it's pretty hefty stuff, we better get it right, if we're feeling it's our responsibility to "save them all".

 

[Agios]

It does say -

1 Peter

15 “ 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”

That is a great verse! We are to be ready to answer for the hope in us, yet that is not evangelism.

 

[Randy Kluth]

That is a great verse! We are to be ready to answer for the hope in us, yet that is not evangelism.

That's true, but a great and respected elder in the Church used to use this as his mantra. Walter Martin, famed "Bible Answer Man" and specialist in the American cults, reached out, evangelically, with a special focus on these cults.

As such, he did the work of an evangelist, but at the same time served the role of an apologist. Due to his influence, I began to study just what the "Gospel" is, and came to view it more properly.

I had a lot of problems to resolve, which had become plain, since for a short time I even ended up in a Christian cult. God used that to get me studying "to show myself approved."

 

[Brakelite]

In Scandinavia the state church forbade street preaching. When a revival took place in the 1800s adult preachers were jailed, so God used children, some as young as 6 years old to preach the gospel. Because of their age they couldn't be arrested and were left alone. Ordinarily these children spoke and behaved as children. But when preaching, their whole manner changed and they gave the gospel with great power and with conviction.
It isn't education, experience, or personal skills that are criteria for any of the ministerial gifts... Be it evangelism, prophecy, or teaching. The only criteria required is the Spirit of God. And the Spirit of God will use anyone... Even rocks... If none else are available or willing.

 

[farouk]

1 Peter 3

15 “ 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”

Excellent verse to remember...

 

[farouk]

I am probably too introverted to be an evangelist, so I would think it's not my calling, but God did use Moses in a pretty big way.

Moses was meek, wasn't he? but God still used him mightily...

I love Psalm 90, by Moses.

 

[Sabertooth]

Are all believers called to evangelize?

In one fashion or another. (I am an introverted autistic, so I wear it differently than a more extroverted believer might. I can still pass out tracts, etc.)

If all believers are to evangelize, why is there an office for it?

The office of Evangelist does so on a larger scale, but even they have co-workers who are doing so at the one-on-one level.

Wouldn't an evangelist need to be more mature in their faith, have a strong foundation of knowledge about the faith. I have seen many believers play evangelists and they error in their doctrine when speaking and are not able to defend their faith in a way that is convincing.

No.
"God has chosen

• the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen
• the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and
• the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and
• the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,

that no flesh should glory in His presence." 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NKJV

(The Baptism of the Holy Spirit really helps in this regard, though.)

Where did this idea originate that we are all evangelists? There are a few "evangelical churches" who should probably revisit foundational doctrine. It seems damage has been caused by these and people who go out and evangelize when God has clearly not called them to do so.

Agree? Disagree?

Disagree.

Jesus said,
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?
It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." Matthew 5:13 NKJV

and

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32-33 NIV