BIBLICAL STANDARD OF AN EVANGELIST

Table of content
1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………..2
2. Biblical
Foundations……………………………………………………………………………..3
3. Characteristics of an
Evangelist………………………………………………………………….4
4. The Role of the Holy
Spirit……………………………………………………………………….5
5. Methods of
Evangelism…………………………………………………………………………..6
6. Challenges and Responsibilities
…………………………………………………………………..7
7.
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………
8.
References………………………………………………………………………………………….

1.1 Introduction
Evangelism is active, intentional preaching through words combined with loving actions,
portraying God’s good news to those who need Christ. Jesus came to earth to find us and to
provide the good news of salvation through faith in Him to every creature. The word Euangelizo
means ‘’ to preach the gospel. so Evangelist is defined as a person who proclaims the good news
of Jesus Christ, essentially acting as a missionary preacher of the gospel. The term is derivered
from greek word’’ euaggelistes,’ which means ‘’ bringer of good tidings. According Kings
James Dictionary. Philip is notably identified as an Evangelist. The Great Commission (Matthew
28:18-20) serves as a reminder of the church's call to evangelism. Understanding this mandate is
vital for mobilizing believers for mission work globally.

Understanding the Biblical standard helps Christians grasp the core mission of the church: to
spread the Gospel. It reinforces the importance of evangelism as a fundamental aspect of
Christian faith. Not only that but also it fosters unity among believers. It encourages
collaboration across different denominations and movements, focusing on the common goal of
spreading the Gospel. Furthermore, It encourages collaboration across different denominations
and movements, focusing on the common goal of spreading the Gospel. And lastly By adhering
to biblical qualifications for evangelists, church leaders can cultivate integrity and accountability
within their ministries. This ensures that those in positions of influence model Christ-like
behavior.

Purpose of the study

The purpose of my study is to explore the scriptural basis for evangelism and how it shapes the
role of an evangelist within the church and also to examine various evangelistic methods used in
the Bible and assess their relevance and effectiveness in contemporary contexts.

Scope of the Study

The study will investigate the cultural challenges faced by evangelists today, including societal
scepticism and ethical considerations in evangelistic practices.

2.1 Biblical Foundations

The reason we should do evangelism is God’s means of saving lost people , that’s why He
commmanded us to do it . The Great Commission .Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been
given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am
with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The church has essential vaccine that when shared will bring life to those who accept it in a
World doomed to death. Through preaching of the gospel , God is trying to give people thirt best
chance that they may have to accept salvation. The call to do evangelism is for all believers to
actively engage in spreading the Gospel and making disciples, marking evangelism as a central
mission of the church.
 Mark 16:15 ‘’ He said to them, ‘ Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all
creation.’’ - this verse reinforces the universal scope of evangelism, indicating that
Gospel should be shared with everyone, regardless of background or location.
 Acts 1: 8’’ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will
be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
-The promise of receiving power through the Holy Spirit emphasizes that evangelism and
witness are not done in human strength but through divine empowerment. And The term
"witness" indicates a call to testify about Jesus and His works, highlighting the
importance of sharing personal experiences of faith. Jesus continues on the Geographical
scope , the progression from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth illustrates a strategy for
evangelism that starts locally and expands globally, underscoring the mission's breadth.
And The mention of Judea and Samaria reflects the call to reach out to diverse
communities, including those that may have been considered outsiders.
 Romans 10:14-15’’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And
how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear
without someone preaching to them?
15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are
the feet of those who bring good news!” . this verse serves as a compelling reminder of
the church's responsibility to share the Gospel. It encourages believers to actively
participate in evangelism, recognizing the critical role of preachers and the importance of
outreach. This passage inspires Christians to be proactive in spreading the message of
hope and salvation, ensuring that others have the opportunity to hear and believe in Jesus.
 1 Peter 3:15 ‘’But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an
answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do
this with gentleness and respect. This verse helps Evangelist to place Christ-Centered
 Attitude in their missionary work and also encourages believers to be ready to share their
faith by sharing personal testimony preparedness in evangelism.
 Luke 10:2 ‘’He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the
Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” this verse
serves as a reminder for the church today to recognize the urgency of evangelism and the
need for more laborers in the field. It encourages believers to pray for and actively seek
opportunities to share the Gospel, while also motivating them to consider their own roles
in fulfilling the Great Commission. This passage calls for a collective response to the
abundant opportunities for ministry and outreach in contemporary society.
NB: Evangelism is not just an event or even a process . It is actually a cycle, so a cycle never
ends and that’s what God wants us to do in Evangelism. John 15:16’’ You did not choose me,
but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and
so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. - Jesus does not want anyone who
accepts salvation in a meeting to drift away and be lost but He wants us to bear fruits . So if we
must to folllow Christ ‘s method to have success with evangelism, The Savior mingled with men
as one who desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and
won their confidence. Then He bad with them, Follow Me.
So I understand that Evangelistic cycle has five basic elements: 1. Make Freinds. 2. Meet their
holistic felt needs. 3. win confidence 4. share the Word and 5. preserve the haverst.
3.1 Characteristics of an Evangelist
1. They are Spirit filled.
Paul said, “My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words, as with man’s wisdom,
but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power”( I Corinthians 2:4, KJV). “There is no limit
to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy
Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God.” If the Holy Spirit does not
have full control of your life, you cannot expect His power when you are preaching a sermon.
God can use the human agent just to the extent that he will be worked by the Holy Spirit.”You
need to surrender all to be used by the Holy Spirit, claim His infilling, His wisdom, and power,
and live in a state of constant submission to Him.
2. Their sermons are interesting.
Make them interesting by having the audience read the text with you. Ask questions and get
them to respond. Read the text wrong and let them correct you. Ask them to respond by raising
their hands.
Use good illustrations. “As the crowds that followed Him [Jesus] increased, when He came to a
favorable place, He would speak to them, simplifying His discourses by the use of parables and
symbols.” In this way He awakened their imagination and got them to thinking. Christ’s parables
were related to things his hearers saw in their daily living. They were so powerful that people
remembered His message whenever they came in contact with those things. “By the use of
charts, symbols, and representations of various kinds, the minister can make the truth stand out
clearly and distinctly.”Use body language and voice variation. “The tones of the voice have
much to do in affecting the hearts of those that hear.”Use your voice to express pathos and
feeling. Use appropriate facial expressions and hand gestures that correspond with the emotion
and feeling of the message. Move away from the pulpit at times and walk back and forth as you
relate a story. Maintain a good eye contact and watch their body language and gage your
emphasis and speed of speech to their receptivity.
3. They speak on the people’s level.
Take your deep theological thoughts and put them in the language of the people. Make your
presentations simple.“Make your explanations clear; for I know that there are many who do not
understand many of the things said to them. Let the Holy Spirit mold and fashion your speech, . .
.Speak as to little children, remembering that there are many well advanced in years who are but
little children in understanding.’’
4. They are enthusiastic.
“These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also” (Acts 17:6, KJV). This
could not have happened without enthusiasm. “In proportion to the enthusiasm and perseverance
with which the work is carried forward, will be the success given.”The truth you speak is a
reality. We will walk on streets of gold! Does that thrill you? Then express your excitement by
speaking about it with great enthusiasm.
5. They speak with authority.
Preach with the conviction that what you have to say is the absolute truth. Be positive. Your
whole message should solidly declare that strong conviction. If you are not sure or certain about
what you believe, you’ll never be able to convince someone else. It is said of Jesus, “And they
were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the
scribes” (Mark 1:22, KJV). Be crystal clear in your preaching. A mist in the pulpit is a fog in the
pew. “In Christ’s teaching there is no long, far-fetched, complicated reasoning. He comes right to
the point.”We need to be truthful, but also tactful. We need to declare the whole counsel of God
(Acts 20:27), but we should not hammer the people in a harsh unchristlike manner. Jesus spoke
with authority but the people loved him, because they knew He loved them.
6. They call for decisions.
Make every sermon an appeal. When you preach, the intellect is enlightened. The mind responds,
and that creates a need to make a decision. If the person is not invited to decide, the mind
relaxes, the willpower in numbed, the heart is hardened, and soon the person is unreachable. At
the close of every meeting decisions should be called for. If you don’t, the devil can steal the
seed the Holy Spirit has planted.
7. They spend time with God.
“By earnest prayer and diligent effort we are to obtain a fitness for speaking.” “He [God] will
give us apt words to speak, communicating to us through the angel standing by our side.”What a
privilege it is to spend time with Him, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and be blessed
to share words He gives us!
4.1 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism
1. Empowerment for Witnessing:
 The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be effective witnesses. In Acts 1:8, Jesus
promises that the Holy Spirit will come upon His followers, giving them the
power to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the
ends of the earth."
2. Guidance and Direction:
 The Holy Spirit provides guidance to evangelists in their ministry. In John 16:13,
Jesus states that the Spirit will guide believers into all truth, helping them discern
how to share the Gospel effectively and appropriately.
3. Conviction of Sin:
 One of the primary roles of the Holy Spirit is to convict individuals of their sin,
righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). This conviction is crucial for leading
people to repentance and faith in Christ.
4. Equipping with Spiritual Gifts:
  The Holy Spirit bestows various spiritual gifts upon believers (1 Corinthians 12).
Evangelists may receive gifts such as teaching, prophecy, or encouragement,
which enable them to communicate the Gospel effectively.
5. Comfort and Assurance:
 The Holy Spirit serves as a Comforter and Helper (John 14:16-17). This presence
gives evangelists confidence and peace in their mission, reassuring them of God’s
support as they share the Gospel.
6. Unity Among Believers:
 The Holy Spirit fosters unity within the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:3). This unity
is essential for effective evangelism, as it demonstrates the love of Christ to the
world and strengthens the witness of the church.
7. Transformational Power:
 The Holy Spirit is instrumental in transforming lives. Through the Spirit,
individuals experience regeneration (Titus 3:5), which is essential for genuine
conversion and a transformed life that reflects Christ.
8. Prayer and Intercession:
 The Holy Spirit assists believers in prayer, interceding for them according to
God’s will (Romans 8:26-27). This prayerful dependence enhances the
evangelistic effort, aligning it with God’s purposes.
5.1 Methods of Evangelism
The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church employs a diverse array of evangelistic methods, each
tailored to effectively communicate the Gospel and fulfill its mission. This section I explored key
methods of evangelism practiced within SDA contexts.
1. Public Evangelistic Campaigns
Public evangelistic campaigns are large-scale meetings typically led by trained evangelists.
These events focus on core SDA beliefs, health principles, and biblical teachings, aiming to
reach a wide audience. A prominent example is the "Revelation Seminar" series, which delves
into prophetic themes found in the Bible. Such campaigns not only disseminate information but
also encourage community engagement and spiritual awakening among participants.
2. Personal Evangelism
Personal evangelism emphasizes one-on-one interactions, where church members share their
faith through relationships, lifestyle choices, and personal testimonies. This method is grounded
in the importance of building trust and understanding the unique needs of individuals. By
fostering meaningful connections, personal evangelism creates opportunities for deeper
discussions about faith and encourages individuals to explore their spiritual journeys.
3 Community Service and Health Ministries
Engaging in community service projects is another vital method of evangelism within the SDA
Church. These initiatives demonstrate Christ’s love through acts of kindness and often
incorporate health education. For instance, health expos and cooking classes are organized to
promote the SDA emphasis on healthful living, blending practical assistance with spiritual
outreach. Such programs not only meet immediate community needs but also provide a platform
for sharing the Gospel message.
4. Literature Evangelism
Literature evangelism involves the distribution of religious literature, including pamphlets,
books, and magazines that articulate SDA beliefs. This method serves as a means of outreach
and education, providing resources that individuals can explore at their own pace. Notable
publications from organizations like the Pacific Press Publishing Association and the Review and
Herald are frequently utilized to spread the Gospel and deepen understanding of SDA doctrine.
5. Digital Evangelism
With the advent of technology, digital evangelism has become increasingly important. This
method utilizes social media, websites, and online streaming platforms to reach a broader
audience. An example of this approach is the Hope Channel, which broadcasts sermons and
teachings, making the SDA message accessible to those who may not attend traditional church
services. Digital evangelism not only expands the reach of the Gospel but also engages a tech-
savvy generation.
6. Bible Study Groups
Small group Bible study sessions are integral to the SDA approach to evangelism. These groups
encourage deeper engagement with Scriptures and foster a sense of community among
participants. The supportive environment allows individuals to explore biblical teachings
collaboratively, often leading to spiritual growth and a strengthened faith. Invitations to these
groups provide entry points for newcomers to learn more about the Gospel.
7. Family and Youth Ministries
Recognizing the significance of families and youth, the SDA Church has developed programs
specifically designed for these groups. Initiatives such as Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs focus
on engaging families and young individuals in evangelistic outreach. These programs not only
teach values and principles aligned with the SDA faith but also empower participants to take an
active role in sharing the Gospel within their communities.
6.1 Challenges and Responsibilities
There is no more important part of the church’s work than evangelism, the proclamation of the
good news of Jesus Christ. But there are difficulties as well. Lets look at some of the most
typical obstacles to evangelism and how to get beyond them.
Apathy or hostility from the intended listeners is one of the biggest obstacles in evangelism. It’s
possible that some listeners are either prejudiced against Christians or just uninterested in the
gospel. Having the patience, empathy, and relationship-building skills to overcome this obstacle
is essential. Those who proclaim the gospel have a responsibility to hear people out, respond to
their questions, and show them how what they preach applies to their life.
The wide variety of peoples and their faiths is another obstacle to evangelization. People in
today’s globalised society have distinct religious upbringings and perspectives on the world.
Because of this, the message may not go over as clearly as intended. To overcome this obstacle,
evangelists must be attentive to cultural norms and tailor their message accordingly. To make
genuine relationships, they should make an effort to learn about the local culture and identify
areas of overlap.
Another big obstacle to evangelism is the fear of being rejected. It takes bravery and openness to
reach out to people and share one’s religion. Fear of rejection or scorn might prevent people
from sharing their faith. Evangelists must strengthen their character and rely on God’s guidance
in order to triumph over this obstacle. They must keep in mind that God alone determines the
outcome of the message they give.
Another difficulty may arise from people’s general lack of evangelistic expertise or training.
Effective evangelism demands not just a profound grasp of the gospel but also the capacity to
explain it effectively and convincingly. The key to overcoming this obstacle is providing people
with the training and tools they need to succeed. Churches may equip their people for
evangelistic work by providing materials, training, and guidance.
Finally, evangelistic attempts might be hindered by a lack of time and money. Because of
financial and human constraints, many churches struggle to devote enough resources to
evangelism. To overcome this obstacle, churches might make evangelism a central part of their
purpose and invest in it heavily. They may also rally the entire congregation behind evangelistic
activities and make the most of everyone’s time, energy, and skills.
Despite the challenges faced by evangelism today, there are numerous opportunities for growth
and engagement such as :
Prayer and Spiritual Guidance: Engaging in prayer is foundational for evangelism. It helps
individuals and church leaders seek God's direction and opens doors for effective outreach in
their communities

1. Community Assessment: Understanding the demographics and cultural dynamics of a

community can reveal specific needs and opportunities for outreach. Conducting a
thorough assessment allows churches to tailor their evangelistic efforts to address local
concerns
2. Relational Engagement: Building personal relationships is one of the most effective ways
to share the Gospel. Encouraging church members to connect with their neighbors and
coworkers through acts of kindness and hospitality can create meaningful opportunities
for spiritual conversations
3. Relevant Outreach Programs: Developing outreach initiatives that meet the specific needs
of the community—such as food drives, tutoring programs, or job skills training—can
demonstrate God's love in practical ways and open doors for deeper discussions about
faith
4. Collaborative Partnerships: Partnering with local organizations and other churches can
enhance the impact of evangelistic efforts. By working together, churches can pool
resources and reach a broader audience
5. Bridge Events: Hosting events that connect the church with the community in a non-
threatening environment can facilitate relationship-building and provide opportunities for
individuals to explore faith. Examples include community festivals, sports events, or
seminars addressing spiritual questions
6. Discipleship and Follow-up: Establishing a system for nurturing new believers and
visitors is crucial. Providing mentorship and small group opportunities helps individuals
grow in their faith and become active members of the church community
7. Creative Evangelism Ideas: Engaging in creative outreach, such as prayer ministries,
community service projects, and social events, can effectively reach the unchurched.
Simple acts of kindness, like delivering baked goods to local businesses or organizing
neighborhood block parties, can create openings for Gospel conversations
Conclusion
This research has provided a comprehensive exploration of the Biblical Standard of an
Evangelist, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of evangelism as both a calling and a
responsibility. Through the examination of Biblical Foundations, we have established that
evangelism is deeply rooted in Scripture, underscoring the Great Commission as a pivotal
mandate for all believers.

The Characteristics of an Evangelist section highlighted essential traits such as compassion,

courage, and integrity, which empower evangelists to connect authentically with diverse
audiences. These characteristics are not merely personal attributes but are reflective of a life
transformed by the Gospel, enabling evangelists to effectively communicate their message.
In discussing the Role of the Holy Spirit, we recognized the divine partnership that equips
evangelists with the wisdom and discernment necessary for effective outreach. The Holy Spirit’s
guidance is vital in navigating the complexities of contemporary society, ensuring that
evangelists remain grounded in their mission while being responsive to the needs of their
communities.
The Methods of Evangelism explored the various strategies that can be employed to reach
individuals effectively. From personal testimonies to community service initiatives, these
methods demonstrate that evangelism must be adaptable and contextually relevant, addressing
the unique challenges and opportunities presented by different environments.
Finally, the section on Challenges and Responsibilities elucidated the inherent difficulties faced
by evangelists, including societal skepticism and personal accountability. It is essential for
evangelists to approach these challenges with resilience and a commitment to personal and
spiritual growth.

References
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