Do the Work of an Evangelist
Paul Instructs Timothy
I grew up in a Christian environment that emphasized telling others about Jesus. "Witnessing" was not an activity reserved for a few.
When I became a church pastor, that mentality changed. Instead of seeing themselves as members of the same team, many church people believed it was the primary responsibility of the pastor to "win souls".
At least it felt that way.
To be fair, those in church leadership should model evangelism. Paul exhorts his young pastor Timothy to "do the work of an evangelist." (II Tim.4:5) Timothy wasn't the strong personality Paul was. He probably didn't possess the evangelism and church planting gifts of his apostle-mentor. He was a pastor.
Yet he was told to do what an evangelist does: tell others about Jesus. Timothy may not have seen the number of converts Paul did but he nevertheless was responsible for proclaiming the good news about Jesus.
Frankly all of us have the obligation to tell others about Jesus, whether or not we're in church leadership. Paul in I Corinthians 9:15-18 talks about both his responsibility and obligation to preach the gospel.
Here's some questions to ask ourselves so we may do the work of an evangelist:
Are we growing in our relationship with God through times spent in the Bible and prayer?
Abiding in Christ in his Word and prayer (John 15) produces spiritual fruit. Maybe no one has shown you how to grow your relationship with God. It takes humility and desire to ask for help in this area.
Do you have significant non-believing friends?
This has been a struggle for me. But with thought, prayer, and creativity, we can cultivate friendships that lead to spiritual conversations.
Do you know what to say when a spiritual conversation comes up?
Again, there are multiple resources to equip us evangelistically. Best of all is to find someone you respect and ask for help. Or gather together a group of like-minded individuals to encourage each other in this area.
Doing the work of an evangelist is not reserved for a gifted few. It's the responsibility and privilege of every member of Christ's Body.