The third use of the word is found in Ephesians 4:11-12. Along with apostles, prophets, and pastor-teachers, the evangelist is responsible for “equipping the saints for the work of the ministry.” This is interesting. We are often quick to attach this responsibility to pastor-teachers. Yet, Paul notes a portion of the evangelist’s ministerial jurisdiction involves those already in the Kingdom.
I believe it was D. James Kennedy (of the Evangelism Explosion model) who said, “I would rather train a soul-winner than win a soul.” He understood the value of equipping the saints and the multiplicative result if more sowers and harvesters were in the fields. The evangelist was to spend time with believers developing and releasing them for ministry.
But what about you? What do you think was part of the ministry of the evangelist beyond sharing the gospel with unbelievers? If God has called you to be an evangelist, how do you view your actions in light of Ephesians 4:11-12?
This article about time with unbelievers originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
