Leadership in the Church of Christ:
THE EVANGELISTS OF THE CHURCH
I can honestly say that this is a challenging task. I am writing this article from my hotel room in Springfield, MO. After T.I.T.U.S. Camp we had to make an emergency detour to visit our family. Sarah’s grandfather passed away and I have been called in to conduct the funeral services. Papa George was a good man that challenged be to be a better evangelist. I am indebted to his mentoring and encouragement. Thank you for your prayers and support directed toward us during this difficult time.
Some people use "evangelist" as an administrative rank and others as a supportive role to the work of the eldership (Ephesians 4:11). We have already noted the authority of the apostles, which was greater than the prophets. However, just because evangelists appear before pastors and teachers does not mean that he is prescribing a hierarchy of leadership. Next week we will see how the elder’s role is superior in many ways to the minister/evangelist.
The only time we see Paul concerned with order is in I Corinthians 12:28, where he numbers the first three gifts: "first apostles, second prophets, third teachers." In most of Paul's lists of spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6-8, I Corinthians 12:8-10), he does not seem to be concerned about which gift is most important. Every gift is given for the common good and every person should use his/her gift to serve others. In Ephesians 4:11, for instance, Paul is simply saying that Christ puts all these types of leaders in his church for collectively equip the saints for the work of ministry.
What is the role an evangelist? The New Testament uses the word only three times: 1) Philip was called an evangelist (Acts 21:8). That means he did evangelism, preaching the gospel (Acts 8:5-40). 2) Paul exhorted Timothy by saying "keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry" (II Timothy 4:5). Paul simply lists things for him to do. 3) The third example already mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, shows that anyone could be an evangelist (preach the gospel). A deacon such as Philip could do the work of an evangelist, an apostle like Paul, or a minister like Timothy, and even an elder/pastor.
In Ephesians 4:11, Paul says that God gives evangelists to the church. God gives us people who can preach the gospel with zeal and effectiveness. People gifted at evangelism do not have to be ordained or given any administrative authority. In fact, if administrative duties are assigned to people who do not have a gift for handling them, then those duties would decrease their ability to use their true gifts.
I love the work of an evangelist. I look at Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus as directed towards me. I can honestly say I am longing to fulfill my duties as an evangelist upon my return to Gulf Shores as we deal with sickness, oil, VBS, and failed efforts to acquire a new building. I know God will help us through it all.