Evangelism, is it a Spiritual Gift or calling?

[mikhen7]

I am posing this because some believe it is only listed as a calling and many say it is a Spiritual gift, some a Ministry gift see Col. 4:17. Didn't God call all of His church to evangelize? Mt. 28:18-20 It could be a leadership gift as well.

¹¹ And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV)

Ask the same question of the above? Is being an Apostle a Spiritual gift? Prophet (! Cor. 12:10 lists prophecy)? Pastor? Teacher? Rom. 12:6-8 lists them as gifts in the sense of building up the body of Christ. Paul tells Timothy to do the work of an evangelist. 2 Tim. 4:5 and Philip was and Evangelist Acts 21:8

Maybe this is not worth discussing, but I am bringing it up as a response to those who always say "It is not my calling."

εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion originally denoted a reward for good tidings; later, the idea of reward dropped, and the word stood for "the good news" itself. The Eng. word "gospel," i.e. "good message," is the equivalent of euangelion (Eng., "evangel"). Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words. We could take it a lot further, because it is also translated preach, teach speak, proclaim etc...

God Bless!

[mattfivefour]

Bro, here is my understanding of this issue. I think the problem arises because we use the same word in English to describe two different concepts—or, if not concepts, spheres—of service. In Matthew 28:19, we are told to make all the nations disciples (learners, followers) of Jesus Christ. This is a general statement of purpose. There are two expansions, two specific statements in scripture, of this commission. One is in Mark 16:15, where we are told to proclaim the good news to all creation. And then in Acts 1:8, we are told we will be witnesses (those who testify to something) of Jesus Christ. We call this evangelism. And, in a sense, it is. We are spreading the good news. But we do it specifically by giving testimony of the truth of Jesus Christ, by our words and, as importantly (if not more so), by our very lives. And this is a commission for everybody who names the name of Christ—that and the building up of one another through selfless service to each other.

But there is another thing that we call evangelism and it operates not in all of the multitude but in some certain individuals whom God has called just for this purpose. Just as in the general matter of all Christians being responsible for building one another up, there is also a specific calling, a specific gifting, of some individuals to build up the flock—people whom we call pastors and teachers. Equally so, just as all Christians are called on to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, there is a specific calling, a specific gifting, of some individuals to preach the gospel to the unsaved.

Evangelism is not a gift, it is a commission for all and a calling for some. All who are Christ's have gifts, but some among those in His Church are separated by God for His purposes, as outlined in Ephesians 4:11. Still, we all function as one whole. God uses the specific callings of some individuals, supported by the service and the testimony of the many, to accomplish His purpose.

It's getting on for four in the morning and I don't know if I am making much sense here; but that is how I understand it.

[Kris762]

So the multitude (Christians) could be surmised as being the body, the body requires food to grow, the hands (Evangelists) reach out grab the food and feed or put it in the body?

I've never been a good teacher or instructor, it's something that doesn't come naturally to me. I sit down and talk my children through the Scriptures along with my wife, but to go out and confront total strangers and preach just isn't me, I dont have that gift to be able to quote Scripture verbatim just yet, I can in my own words explain things but when preaching to the sceptical I think you really need to be very well studied and be capable of answering the multitude of questions the critics will fire at you, if you cant then I believe you could end up doing more damage than good. If you go out half cocked and make a fool of yourself by not having studied the Scriptures and fall apart after the first few questions who are you helping? I think Evangelism is a serious business, you are going out to battle for God, you need to have spent time training.

As an Evangelist you are representing our Lord, so it's essential you can hold your own when the unbeliever inevitably attempts to contradict and disect your belief as a Christian. Unfortunately I dont have the right temperament either, just to hear my Lords name used in vain, which happens numerous times a day where I work stirs up an inner anger in me. At times I feel I have to walk away before I do something stupid...I'm very defensive when it comes to my Lord and Savior, afterall I owe Him my life as we all do. If this is wrong of me I dont know what to do about it, it comes from within.

[Ducati]

I say its a gift to be called.


Were all called.

[mikhen7]

So the multitude (Christians) could be surmised as being the body, the body requires food to grow, the hands (Evangelists) reach out grab the food and feed or put it in the body?

I've never been a good teacher or instructor, it's something that doesn't come naturally to me. I sit down and talk my children through the Scriptures along with my wife, but to go out and confront total strangers and preach just isn't me, I dont have that gift to be able to quote Scripture verbatim just yet, I can in my own words explain things but when preaching to the sceptical I think you really need to be very well studied and be capable of answering the multitude of questions the critics will fire at you, if you cant then I believe you could end up doing more damage than good. If you go out half cocked and make a fool of yourself by not having studied the Scriptures and fall apart after the first few questions who are you helping? I think Evangelism is a serious business, you are going out to battle for God, you need to have spent time training.

As an Evangelist you are representing our Lord, so it's essential you can hold your own when the unbeliever inevitably attempts to contradict and disect your belief as a Christian. Unfortunately I dont have the right temperament either, just to hear my Lords name used in vain, which happens numerous times a day where I work stirs up an inner anger in me. At times I feel I have to walk away before I do something stupid...I'm very defensive when it comes to my Lord and Savior, afterall I owe Him my life as we all do. If this is wrong of me I dont know what to do about it, it comes from within.

I like your honesty and I can certainly see your point when it comes to doing more damage then good. I agree with what MattFiveFour has written above and see evangelism as a responsibility of all of God's people. Sometimes evangelism is simply taking a written message out into the neighborhoods, something we all can do. Sometimes it is getting into the real nitty-gritty of the gospel with some, which the more trained can do. Sometimes it is helping a neighbor with a cup of cold water in the name of the Lord which all of us can do. The point is there are many ways to evangelize and all of us are to be His witnesses. I find that sharing a testimony of faith makes more sense than trying to convert a cantankerous unbeliever. Personally, I try to do all of the above. Not good at any of them!!

On Palm Sunday our church marched around several blocks of the city waving Palms and singing choruses. We did not have to go to each home, although many did split off and speak to some in the yards and porches, the greatest result was our joy in Christ was witnessed by all who saw. Some may have sneered but from that simple event several came to church that morning who had not been in years.

I am strongly of the opinion that the congregations need to get out of their pews and church yards and into the yards of the neighborhood. Someone needs to take the helm. How hard is it to host a community dinner and just invite all the neighbors in for a free feast out of love. That is one of the greatest points the church is missing. Jesus travelled all over teaching and preaching--providing for needs. His message would have never gone out unless He modeled it. He sent out many disciples because of it.

On June 20th 200 young people are going to meet at our church for a mission activity. After we feed them they are going into the neighborhoods to share the simple message of salvation in written form. It will simply be a happy note to just say Hello and Jesus knows and loves you with a reason why. Pray for us!

God bless!
PS it irks me too to hear God's name profaned. If it is of any comfort He is irked as well!!

[Larbear]

I believe it's a gift based on Ephesians 4:11 & 12 (NKJV)

"11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ",

[Evangelist]

I believe it's a gift based on Ephesians 4:11 & 12 (NKJV)
"11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ",

Sorry, I vote for calling, and anyone who is called to one of the above 5-fold ministries could also consider it a gift.
Because these people are the spiritual leaders of the church (and an apostle is the leader over several churches, like Paul was).

Evangelists need some of the 9 spiritual gifts in 1 Cor 12.
For evangelism in foreign countries:
definitely ... faith (super faith, not salvation faith)
necessary (at least one) ... healing, miracles
next best ... discerning of spirits
valuable ... wisdom, knowledge, prophecy
That's 7 out of the 9.