Church Leadership--Evangelists
The Evangelist
Prepared by Robert J. Young
Page may be copied and used for teaching purposes with appropriate credit noted
The word, evangelist, is found only three times in the NT. Eph. 4:11 is a general reference, Acts 21:8 refers to Philip, 2 Tim. 4:5 refers to Timothy. Literally, the word means a bearer or messenger of good news.
I. Qualities of the Evangelist
A. The desire to serve and use God's gifts
B. Purity of life, 1 Tim. 5:22; 1 Cor. 9:27
C. Gentleness, apt to teach, forbearing, 2 Tim. 2:22ff
D. Diligent, 2 Tim. 2:15
E. Steadfast and loyal, 1 Tim. 4:1ff; 6:3-11; 2 Tim. 3:14=-17; 4:1-5
F. Example to other Christians, 1 Tim. 4:12
G. Willingness to suffer hardship, 2 tim. 2:3; 4:5
H. A Summary: 1 Tim. 4:16
II. The Work of the Evangelist
A. Preaching is the principal work, as the word "evangelist" bears out. The preacher who is not evangelistic, not involved in sharing the good news, fails in a major task reflected in the NT designation.
1. What Preach? Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:5 (Christ), Acts 8:35 (Jesus), Acts 8:4,14 (the word of God); Acts 8:12 (kingdom things); 2 Cor. 4:5 (Christ, not ourselves); Tit 2:1 (things which become sound doctrine); 2 Tim. 6:3 (wholesome words).
2. When Preach? Constantly, 2 Tim. 4:2
3. Where Preach? Matt. 13:38; Acts 8:4; Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15
4. Why Preach? Rom. 1:16 (to save the lost); Rom. 10:13
5. How Preach? In a way the people can understand
a. In love and sincerity, Tit. 2:7-8; 2 Tim. 2:25 (gently)
b. Firmly and positively, 2 Tim. 4:2; Tit. 2:15
B. Assist those who are taught in carrying out what they were taught.
1. Baptizing, Acts. 8:12, 38
2. Help in organizing the church (Titus and Timothy, Tit. 1:5)
3. Help others become capable teachers (2 Tim. 2:2).
C. Warn against apostasy, 1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 4:1-5.
D. To protect the church from false teachers, 1 Tim. 1:3.
E. Study, 2 Tim. 2:15 (be diligent); 2 Tim. 3:14-17 (know scriptures); 2 Tim. 4:13; 1 Tim. 4:13.
III. The Relationship of Other Christians To the Evangelist
A. To encourage and appreciate
B. To follow his teaching as long as it is in harmony with God's Word, 1 Cor. 11:1; Acts 17:11
C. To pray for him, Rom. 15:30
D. To support him, 1 Cor. 9:14; 1 Tim. 4:13-16; Acts 18:3
http://www.bobyoungresources.com/bible/prchr.htm