What is the gift of an evangelist?

An evangelist, as the very name suggests, is a messenger of good news. This good news is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ, God's Son, and includes the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Evangelists are used by God to: awaken careless and indifferent people to their need of a Saviour (Acts 17:30), proclaim how God has met that need through His Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 13:38,39), and warn people of the coming judgment for those who neglect or reject God's offer of salvation (Acts 13:40,41; 17:31).

Although all Christians should be able and eager to tell others what Christ has done for them (Mark 5:19), not all are called to be evangelists. It is a distinct gift given by the ascended Christ to some of His servants.

The Scriptures have more to say about evangelists:

• Their calling. They are sent by a risen, ascended Lord, "He gave some…evangelists" (Ephesians 4:11).
• Their training. "I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). Though the Lord may be pleased to use others to impart knowledge, it is from time spent alone with the Lord that the evangelist is equipped to do the work of the Lord. "They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).
• Their field of work. The evangelist (along with pastors and teachers) receives directions for his work from the Lord alone. It is through the Holy Spirit that the Lord guides His servants where to go, when to go and what to preach. This is seen very clearly in Acts 8:26-40; 13:4; and 16:6-10. There was no central place of authority from which the evangelists received their instructions. Even when the apostle Paul desired Apollos to come to Corinth we find that Apollos did not feel led to go at that time (1 Corinthians 16:12).
• Their message. "Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake" (2 Corinthians 4:5). The evangelist, as led of the Lord, may emphasize different parts of that message depending upon the condition of the hearers, but Jesus Christ and His work will always be referred to. This can be seen in the difference in Paul's preaching to those at Athens and those at Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:16-41 and Acts 17:22-31).
• Their support. The Bible clearly shows that evangelists, pastors and teachers were supported by the prayers and freewill offerings of the Lord's people in the various assemblies. The apostle Paul often worked at night to provide his own support, although he maintained the right of the laborer to be supported by those to whom he preached (Philippians 4:15-19; 3 John 7; 1 Corinthians 9:1-18; 16:1,2; 2 Corinthians 12:14-17).
• Their accountability. Evangelists (as well as pastors and teachers) have to answer to their local assembly for their actions and their teaching. They will ultimately have to give account to the One who called them and gave them their gift (Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Corinthians 4:5).
• The results. When a true evangelist preaches, unsaved listeners will be convicted of sin, the way of salvation will be made plain, and unsaved ones will be compelled to come to the Lord. How encouraging it is when results are immediately present! Yet, often the results may not be seen until much later. Knowing that God will always bless His Word, the final results must be left with God until that day when everything will be revealed (Isaiah 55:8-11).