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Vision & Commitment

Evangelists & Evangelism (Part 1)

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip

the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,”

Ephesians 4:11-13

Because prophets are the most prominent ministry in the Old Testament and apostles are the most prominent in the New, we have a wealth of scriptural insight into their gifting and calling.

However, this is not the case with the evangelist. We must, therefore, be diligent to glean what we can from Scripture about this essential ministry. At the same time, the relatively limited amount of biblical definition and instruction allows us a degree of liberty in exploring how this ministry might function to its fullest in the Church.

WHAT ARE EVANGELISTS?

The English word evangelist comes from the Greek euangelistes, which appears only three times in Scripture:

– in Acts 21:8, where Philip is specifically named an evangelist;

– in Ephesians 4:11, where it is listed among the gifts of the risen Christ; and

– in 2 Timothy 4:5, where Timothy is instructed by Paul to “do the work of an evangelist.”

However, there are two other closely associated and more frequently appearing Greek words that share the same root meaning, and which will help us to gain an understanding of the role of the evangelist.

1. EUANGELION — This Greek word appears 77 timesin the New Testament. It literally means “a message of good,” and is most often translated “gospel” or “good news.” It is from euangelion that we draw the term evangelism to refer to the mission of proclaiming the gospel, though it should be pointed out that the word evangelism is not found in most English Bibles.

When euangelion is used in Scripture, the content of the “message of good” is quite varied and includes the Kingdom of God, the life and ministry of Jesus, the grace of God, truth and salvation, life and immortality, resurrection from the dead, and the future judgment of the wicked and rest for the righteous

2. EUANGELIZO — This Greek word appears 55 times in the New Testament, and from it we get our English verb evangelize. It literally means “a proclaiming of that which is good” and in most translations it is rendered “to preach the gospel.” There are multiple individuals and groups in the New Testament who are specifically named as “proclaiming that which is good,” including angels, John the Baptist, many of the apostles, Philip, and of course Jesushimself.

Again, the “good” proclaimed in the New Testament varies and includes hope for the poor and sick, the coming birth of Jesus, the Kingdom of God, future judgment of the wicked and rest for the righteous, Jesus and His resurrection to life, peace with God through Christ Jesus, the word of the Lord, the faith and love of the saints, the mystery of God’s eternal will, justification through faith, and the nations blessed in Abraham. So, from the above we can conclude that an evangelist is “a messenger of good.”

As with the word apostle, evangelist is introduced to us in the New Testament but was already a familiar word at that time, albeit not as a religious term.

In the first century Greek world, it was used quite generally for messengers bearing any good news. However, it is interesting to note that in a military context (from which Paul often drew analogies), the term had a very specific application. When a military campaign had been won, a particularly swift soldier would be sent out to herald the message of the good news of victory to all he encountered. This soldier would be known as an evangelist.

AN EPHESIANS 4 EVANGELIST

With the great emphasis in Scripture on the mission of preaching the gospel, it is surprising to many that there is only one individual who is specifically called an evangelist in Scripture, namely Philip. However, as we look closely at his example, we find that there is a lot we can learn from him.

PHILIP: SPIRIT-FILLED SERVANT

We first encounter Philip in Acts 6:5, where he is selected as one of the seven men (commonly thought of as deacons) to serve in practical ways to allow the apostles to concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the Word. This tells us two very important things that were evident in Philip prior to the emerging of his evangelistic ministry. He was servant-hearted, and he was full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit, as this was the requirement for those to be chosen (Acts 6:3).

PHILIP: PIONEERING WITH POWER

Before His ascension, Jesus said to his disciples in Acts 1:8, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” It was only following the terrible but wonderful martyrdom of Stephen, and because of the subsequent persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, that believers did start to fulfill the wider aspect of this commission. Philip is recorded as among the first to break out of Jerusalem, pioneering new territory and functioning with great power:

“Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.”

Acts 8:5-7

This wasn’t just a case of advancing the gospel geographically but also ethnically, taking it beyond the Jews to the Samaritans, who were of mixed Israelite and Gentile blood. Directly following this, we find Philip used by God in the first recorded Gentile conversion, that of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-38).

PHILIP: PARTNERED WITH APOSTLES

It is fascinating to note that despite the extraordinary power in which Philip moved, it required the apostolic ministry of Peter and John to bring the newly-converted Samaritans into the foundationally vital experience of the infilling of the Holy Spirit:

“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 8:14-17

It is also interesting to see that this was followed by the exposing and confronting of Simon the Sorcerer, whose wrong motives had gone unchallenged prior to apostolic involvement.

All of this demonstrates a remarkable openness and understanding on Philip’s part as he willingly partners with the apostles. As we saw with prophets, evangelists will only build effectively when working in this context.

PHILIP: HOME AND FAMILY

Philip makes one last appearance in Scripture some twenty years on from the events in Acts 8. In Acts 21:8-9, we find him (by this time referred to as “Philip the evangelist”) hosting Paul and his team at his house in Caesarea, and we learn that he has four prophetic daughters.

It is greatly encouraging to see that Philip had clearly remained true to and been recognized in his calling, and had become established in a local community where he had raised a family noteworthy in their passion and gifting in God. There is much modern evangelists might learn by following Philip’s example in this regard.

EVANGELISTS TODAY

When you think evangelist, what impressions come to mind? There are many differing thoughts on this ministry today, sadly not all positive. For many, a shining example of evangelistic ministry is Billy Graham, who for decades was anointed by God with an extraordinary reaping ministry.

However, others may find showier but less appealing images coming to mind: white suits, tanned faces, strange hairstyles, etc. Whether positive or negative, the stereotype of the evangelist preaching to the masses has caused many to miss a more biblical understanding of this ministry. Even on a more local level, there are often characteristics that seem to be associated with evangelists that can be unhelpful. For example, it is often assumed that all evangelists need to be raving extroverts or natural sales people. In fact, it is the naturally timid Timothy who is exhorted by Paul to “do the work of an evangelist” in 2 Timothy 4:5.

However, evangelists are typically gripped with a passion for the lost that in most cases exceeds that of the average church leader, thus causing them to feel restricted and stifled in regular church life. This has led to many breaking out of the perceived inflexibility of the Church and into independent ministry or “para-church” organizations. The focused zeal of such organizations can result in them being very fruitful, particularly over the short term, but their tendency to be one-dimensional and the absence of other Ephesians 4 gifts renders them tremendously prone to imbalance and ultimate collapse.

Our passion is to see the evangelist restored to effective functioning in the local church. For this to happen, we need to be missionary-minded enough that someone with an overriding concern to see people born again feels most at home in the Church. So, let us consider further what exactly the role of the evangelist is in the local church.

WHAT DO EVANGELISTS DO?

1. PREACH THE GOSPEL

— For evangelists, the task is clear and simple: to proclaim the gospel of God’s grace. This is, of course, something that all believers are called to do, but evangelists are especially gifted in proclaiming the gospel (whether on a personal or public level) in such a way that people are brought to faith in Christ as a result.

If apostles and prophets are primarily given to outworking the visionary foundation for the spiritual building, it is evangelists that work at the quarry-face, blasting stones from the rock with which to build. Their lives reflect their passion—they will rarely miss, and usually create, opportunities to proclaim the gospel, typically bearing much fruit. Simply stated, people get born again when evangelists speak!

2. EQUIP THE CHURCH

— We must not, however, make the mistake of concluding that the evangelist’s role is to do our evangelism for us! According to Ephesians 4, evangelists were not given primarily to the world of lost humanity but to the Church, to help it be conformed to the likeness of Christ. He is the ultimate Evangelist (Luke 4:18), and evangelists are specifically given to see the missional aspect of Jesus evident and functioning in the Church. In their calling “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12), their ministry will be one of stirring everyone to reach out with the gospel, and stimulating all of us into action by their own example and enthusiasm.

Genuine evangelistic gifting is wonderfully contagious, and many reaping skills can be taught (or perhaps we could more accurately say, “caught”) in time spent with evangelists. Evangelists also tend to be both pragmatic and strategic, and God will often give them insight regarding how the entire Church can become more effective in its interaction with the world.

BEING AN EVANGELISTIC PEOPLE

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

The Church’s mandate to impact the world with the gospel of God’s grace is yet another aspect of His unchanging but unfolding purpose for His people. Throughout the Old Testament, we see His desire to have a people who were distinct and set apart, but who because of this were able to manifest His nature and represent Him in the earth.

God’s word speaks repeatedly of the light of His salvation shining on and through His people, and the prophet Isaiah in particular declares God’s intention for His people to be this light to the Gentiles:

“…‘It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Isaiah 49:6 (NIV 1984)

Of course, Jesus came as the ultimate embodiment of God’s light in the world (see John 1:4 & 9). However, it is interesting that He said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5) and, as we see from Matthew 5:14-16, His followers inherit this nature and role from Him.

Evangelism is as much about who God has made us to be as what He has called us to do. Nevertheless, as Jesus also makes clear, that light is seen as we step out in obedience to God’s word.

The Church (Ekklesia) & Leadership

Prophets & Prophecy (Part 4)

BECOMING PROPHETIC

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy… everyone who prophesies speaks to men for theirstrengthening, encouragement and comfort… he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaksin tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.”

1 Corinthians 14:1, 3, 4b-5 (NIV 1984)

Having briefly considered prophets themselves, and understanding that part of their ministry is to equip the entire Church to develop as prophetic people, we will now take a closer look at the gift of prophecy itself and how we can all grow in it.

1. EAGERLY DESIRE

— First, we must recognize that, although not all of us are called to be prophets, we are all instructed to “eagerly desire spiritual gifts…especially prophecy.” For the church-wide instruction in 1 Corinthians 14 (NIV 1984) to make any sense, we must all be capable of prophesying. And when we truly understand that prophecy is one of the major means God has provided for us to be strengthened, encouraged, and comforted, why would we not want this?

2. HUMBLY ASK

— We should simply begin to ask God to open our eyes and ears prophetically, and to speak to us.

The profound comment in James 4:2, “you do not have, because you do not ask,” could pertain to many things, but would certainly apply here.

3. EXPECTANTLY WAIT

— After having asked God, believing that He hears us, we must take time to listen and watch for what He will reveal to us. This is faith!

4. SOBERLY DISCERN

— Prophetic sensitivity can develop gradually, and the voice of God can come in quite non￾dynamic ways—we don’t need to have an “out of body” experience! In fact, it is not always immediately

distinguishable from natural senses. This was the case for the boy Samuel (1 Samuel 3), later to become a great prophet.

However, we should bear in mind that not everything that God enables us to see is to be shared. We should ask Him to confirm whether we are to share it, and if so, when and how. At times, we may receive things purely so we can pray with insight for people or situations. At other times, our responsibility may end by sharing what we have with leaders, or others who can help weigh and judge the rightness of a word.

5. FAITHFULLY GIVE

— If we know we are to prophesy, we should “bring the word, the whole word, and nothing but the

word.” Some are inclined to be brief if they are uncomfortable with public speaking. Others may be tempted to embellish or extend what they have in order to make it “clearer” or more impressive.

Realistically, we are unlikely to be mistaken for Isaiah when we first start prophesying! God might give a single word or simple impression, but we must determine to share what we have. We must not despise “the day of small beginnings” (Zechariah 4:10 – CEV).

As when God spoke to Jonah about Nineveh, we may not even like what we are told to bring. Whatever the case, we must remember that we are acting as God’s “spokesperson” and must let the fear of God determine what we do, no matter what the result!

As we grow in this area, we must avoid becoming discouraged along the way.

People beginning to develop in prophetic sensitivity can sometimes despair when, having sensed something that they felt was from God but having hesitated through uncertainty, someone else goes ahead and brings the same thing!

In situations like this, rather than feeling frustrated or condemned, we should be encouraged that we are indeed hearing from God, and that He had the situation covered. Next time though, rather than assuming that what we have is just our own thought, let’s accept that it may well be His thought, and at least share it with a leader who can help us to discern it.

PRACTICALITIES INPROPHECY

Some view prophecy in an overly-mystical way, and might be surprised at the very practical approach taken so far in this session. They might view “the spirit of prophecy” as just something that comes upon us unpredictably, and over which we have no personal responsibility or even control. However, Scripture gives us many practical guidelines and helpful instructions regarding prophecy, for example the following:

“Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said… For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

1 Corinthians 14:29, 31-33a (NIV 1984)

God intends that both His order and His care be expressed in how prophetic ministry operates. As God has given us this measure of control in how we are to function prophetically, we need not fear asking God not just what to say but how we should say it so as to properly communicate His heart.

We do not need to start every prophecy with “the Lord says,” nor always prophesy in the first person. This is not to say these practices are wrong, but “styles” of prophecy (even prophesying in “King James English”) do not make the word any more or less authentic.

The prophets we find in the Bible are an extraordinary array of demonstrative personalities, and should leave us in little doubt that God intends that prophecy should communicate His heart with conviction and passion.

Therefore, we should faithfully give ourselves to expressing His word in whatever way He leads us.

With this in mind, we should be open regarding whether the word we have might be better brought in a form other than regular speech, for example, with some type of visual presentation (see Agabus in Acts 21:11), or perhaps as a song.

In weighing this, however, it is helpful to remember that God did choose you to bring this word, and without being closed to an exception, if, for example, you happen to have an awful singing voice, this could potentially detract from rather than add to the impact of the word. Obviously, the same could be said of dance, mime, or any other artistic expression.

PERSONAL PROPHECY

As we draw to the conclusion of this session, we would encourage particular caution regarding directional words for individuals and recommend the following guidelines:

BRINGING PERSONAL WORDS

1. Bear in mind the purpose of prophecy:

“…everyone who prophesies speaksto men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.”

1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV 1984)

Although words God gives us for others may not always sound positive, we should at least be sure that, if received properly, the word will ultimately result in strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.

2. Remember that when you prophesy, you are being God’s spokesman, conveying what God thinks and feels. Be careful that you are not being unduly influenced by natural factors, for example the things that you think about the person or would really want for them, or even your frustrations with them!

3. Consider carefully what we said earlier regarding whether the word you have received should be shared or is simply for you to pray with insight.

4. Do not be quick to act the first time you receive a word, vision, or dream that may have a great impact on someone’s life. Scripture shows us time and time again God’s willingness to repeat and confirm words of great significance to us, often multiple times (for example, with Samuel’s call, Joseph’s dreams, Gideon’s confirmation, and Peter’s rooftop vision).

5. In most cases, we would recommend submitting directional personal prophecies to the leaders of the church prior to bringing them directly to people. Quite apart from their ability to help you weigh the word, leaders have care and responsibility for the person and will no doubt be involved with them as they seek to respond rightly to the word. Leaders are often able to guide us with the right timing, which can be critical in bringing words.

Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

6. Seek God for a word of wisdom regarding how it might be delivered (see Nathan with David, 2 Samuel 12). Prophecy can function in conjunction with other gifts, such as words of knowledge and words of wisdom, which can help in the delivery and receiving of the words.

RECEIVING PERSONAL WORDS

“Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

Many believers have been inspired, guided and enriched by prophetic words spoken over them. However, this has not always been the case. Some have received erroneous words, sometimes from false prophets, but often just from well-meaning but mistaken brothers and sisters.

No matter who brings a prophecy to us, we should neither dismiss it nor fully accept it as the word of the Lord until it has been properly weighed. Here are a few general principles for testing a word before accepting it:

1. Does it line up with biblical truth? No prophetic word from God will contradict or cast doubt on the written Word of God. In assessing this, you might want to seek the counsel of those with strong scriptural knowledge:

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,”

2 Timothy 3:16

2. If you are unsure regarding the meaning of a prophetic word, ask whoever brought it to clarify exactly what they heard or saw. They may also tell you what they think the word means, though caution should be exercised here. Those bringing words can easily put their own interpretations on words they bring.

3. Ask God for independent confirmation from other sources, including others who are prophetically sensitive and, of course, those who carry governmental leadership in your life.

Interestingly, those who have received multiple prophecies from various people often notice significant similarities and repeated themes. This is because people with prophetic vision who pray over us will often see the same key words and callings that God has placed over our lives.

4. Do not worry about words that you can do little about. Trust God and see if they come to pass. If they do not produce faith and peace in you, be free to reject them.

Sometimes words declare that something will happen in a certain timeframe. If this does not happen, you can probably throw them out completely as false! It will do you no good to hang on to them after their “sell by date.”

If opportunity allows, give honest feedback to those who prophesy over you. This can be very helpful in encouraging and correcting those learning to grow prophetically.

GROWING AS A PROPHETIC PEOPLE

The prophetic word is incredibly powerful, both in the lives of individuals and the Church corporately. We are grateful to God that He has given us much instruction in Scripture regarding how we are to function with this gift.

As leaders of this family of churches, we are committed to creating an environment where every member of the body grows in prophetic gifting.

Consider the following remarkable statement:

“For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.”

Amos 3:7

This being the case, rather than dismissing or minimizing the role of the prophet, we should be praying, “Lord, raise up a host of prophets to help us become an increasingly prophetic people.”

Arthur Wallis, a recognized prophetic teacher and author, is quoted as saying, “It is my conviction that recognizing apostles and prophets, and letting them function, will yet prove the most important restoration breakthrough of our time.”

(Matthew 9:37-38)

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