What Does it Mean to be an Evangelist? A Definition

How do we define ‘evangelist?’ Direct from the Greek, the word means ‘one who brings good news‘. An evangelist is an individual who actively promotes and spreads a particular set of ideas or beliefs, typically related to religion or a specific cause. They are passionate advocates who aim to convert others to their beliefs and inspire them to take action. Evangelists often possess strong communication skills and are skilled at persuading and engaging with others. Their purpose is to share their message and bring about change or transformation in the lives of those they interact with.

Characteristics of an evangelist

There are several key characteristics that define an evangelist. Firstly, they possess a deep passion and conviction for the ideas or beliefs they are promoting. This passion fuels their drive to spread their message and inspire others to join their cause. Secondly, evangelists are excellent communicators. They have the ability to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively, captivating their audience and gaining their trust. Additionally, evangelists are highly charismatic individuals who possess the ability to connect with others on a personal level. They are able to build relationships and inspire others to take action. Finally, evangelists are relentless in their pursuit of spreading their message. They are persistent and determined, never giving up on their mission to bring about change. Overall, the characteristics of an evangelist make them powerful agents of influence and catalysts for transformation.

Purpose of evangelists

The purpose of evangelists is to spread ideas and beliefs, to inspire others to join their cause, and to bring about change. They serve as powerful agents of influence, using their deep passion and conviction to ignite a spark in others. By effectively communicating their message and building relationships, evangelists are able to gain the trust and support of their audience. They are relentless in their pursuit, never giving up on their mission to create a positive impact. Whether it is promoting a religious faith, a social cause, or a product or service, evangelists play a crucial role in shaping opinions and driving action.

Role of evangelists in spreading ideas and beliefs

Evangelists play a vital role in spreading ideas and beliefs by serving as influential agents of change. Their purpose is to inspire others to join their cause and bring about positive transformations. With their deep passion and conviction, evangelists effectively communicate their message and build strong relationships with their audience. They are relentless in their pursuit, never giving up on their mission to create a significant impact. Whether they are promoting a religious faith, a social cause, or a product or service, evangelists have the power to shape opinions and drive action.

Insights into the essence of being an evangelist.

Being an evangelist goes beyond simply spreading ideas and beliefs. It is about embodying certain characteristics and fulfilling a specific purpose. An evangelist is someone who is deeply passionate and convicted about their cause. They have a strong belief in what they are promoting and are relentless in their pursuit of creating change. They are able to effectively communicate their message and build strong relationships with their audience. Whether they are promoting a religious faith, a social cause, or a product or service, evangelists have the power to shape opinions and drive action. They are influential agents of change, inspiring others to join their cause and bring about positive transformations.

Six facts that define a biblical evangelist

1. The call on the life of those with evangelistic ministry is to reveal the authentic Christ to those who don’t know Him to see the community of faith grow. They’re called to encourage the church outwards.

2.  We see two models of evangelistic ministry – those who bring revelation by embodying and demonstrating what God is like, and those who bring revelation by proclaiming and inviting. Oftentimes, evangelists function in both of these models.

3. The church as salt and light is an example of an embodying evangelist, and Phillip is an example of a proclaiming evangelist. The church is at its best when it demonstrates the heart of God to the world, showing it what He is truly like and modelling and sharing both God’s love and power with the world. Phillip shared the gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch he met on his travels, leading the man to a place where he decided to follow Christ. Phillip then baptised the Ethiopian. 

4. Evangelists have eight distinct strategies they follow. For example, one of their strategies is to invite radical reorientation. This is aimed at believers who perhaps have become lukewarm in their faith. The evangelist challenges and provokes them, calling them to recommit and ‘re-orient’ their life so it is one that follows Christ.  I look at this, and the other seven strategies in my workshop series.

5. Evangelists have a unique dynamic with the four other fivefold ministries. For example, their relationship with an apostle involves them ensuring that an apostle’s passion for movement and mission doesn’t overlook the importance of reaching out to the unbelievers and leading them to follow Christ. I cover the other four dynamics in my workshop series.

6. They are fundamental in helping us in the essential work of creating evangelistic culture in our church.

Each of these facts gives us a flavour of the role of the evangelist and evangelistic and help us define it clearly. 

I go into a lot more detail about this subject, and other Fivefold-related topics, in my book called Quintessentials, which you can find out about HERE.

This post is part of a series looking at the fivefold expressions. You can see the other posts in the series by clicking the following links:

1. 1. The Role of An Apostle in Christianity: Understanding the Meaning
   2. Exploring the Role of Prophets in the New Testament and Modern Day
   3. What Does it Mean to be an Evangelist? A Definition
   4. The Role of Pastors in the Bible: Lessons from Scripture
   5. The Role of a Bible Teacher in the Church
   6. Unleashing Your Fivefold Flow