What does an evangelist do?

Definition and Overview

An evangelist proclaims the good news (or “gospel”) of salvation. This activity centers on sharing the message of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—as the remedy for humanity’s separation from God and the way to eternal life. Evangelists emphasize the call to repent and believe in this good news, imploring others to embrace God’s grace.

This task has been recognized throughout Christian history. Early manuscripts and archaeological discoveries show that first-century believers fully committed themselves to spreading the gospel as the Roman Empire expanded (cf. Acts 8:4). Evidence such as inscriptions related to early Christian worship sites in regions like Asia Minor points to the rapid growth and influence of traveling gospel messengers.

Biblical Foundations

One key verse is Ephesians 4:11: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers”. Here, the role of evangelist is distinguished from other ministries to highlight the unique focus on spreading the gospel.

The New Testament provides a specific example in Philip the Evangelist. Acts 8:26–40 recounts how he was led by the Holy Spirit to an Ethiopian official, explained the Scriptures to him, and baptized him. This narrative showcases the evangelist’s readiness to share God’s word with a prepared heart and willingness to act swiftly.

Paul’s counsel to Timothy includes a similar emphasis: “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). These instructions portray evangelism as essential, involving diligence, perseverance, and faithfulness in proclaiming the message.

Core Responsibilities

1. Proclamation of the Gospel

Evangelists present the historical reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. Manuscript evidence—like the early papyrus fragments (e.g., P52) and the near-unanimous agreement among textual scholars on the authenticity of key resurrection passages—supports the Christian claim that Jesus died under Pontius Pilate and rose again. Evangelists call attention to these events and invite people to believe.

2. Call to Repentance and Faith

Evangelists urge individuals to acknowledge personal sin (Romans 3:23) and turn to God for forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The “Romans Road” model (cf. Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9–10) is often used to guide listeners through humanity’s need for salvation and Christ’s provision.

3. Teaching and Discipling

Evangelists help answer questions, clarify doctrine, and disciple new believers. Even though the primary task is proclamation, effective evangelists also provide biblical teaching to establish believers in their faith.

4. Equipping Others

Scripture indicates the need to equip all believers to share the gospel. While some are specifically called as evangelists, every believer has a part in bearing witness (Matthew 28:19–20). Evangelists often train others through workshops, seminars, or personal mentoring, using Scripture as the ultimate authority.

5. Church Building and Support

Evangelists serve alongside pastors and teachers, encouraging congregational growth. The pattern found in Acts shows that evangelists would start a gospel work, and local believers and leaders would continue to nurture the faith within the community.

Qualities and Preparation

1. Spiritual Readiness

Evangelists seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance (Acts 13:2). Personal prayer and study of Scripture equip them to respond effectively to questions or objections encountered along the way.

2. Biblical Knowledge

Studying Scripture in-depth is vital. The widespread availability of ancient manuscripts (including the Dead Sea Scrolls for the Old Testament and numerous New Testament manuscripts) demonstrates a remarkable consistency in biblical transmission. This reliability undergirds evangelists’ confidence in Scripture as the inspired word of God.

3. Practical Compassion

An evangelist’s message is accompanied by love and empathy. Compassionate listening and genuine friendships can open the door for meaningful gospel conversations (cf. Acts 16:13–15).

4. Personal Integrity

Evangelists strive to live in line with the message they preach (2 Corinthians 5:20). Testimony is more compelling when it is modeled in daily actions and choices.

Methods and Approaches

1. Public Preaching and Teaching

Historical figures and biblical accounts (e.g., Peter in Acts 2) illustrate bold public proclamation. Archaeological evidence from ancient amphitheaters, such as those found in Corinth or Ephesus, points to public gatherings where speakers shared important messages. Similarly, modern evangelists may speak in churches, conventions, or public venues.

2. One-on-One Witnessing

As with Philip and the Ethiopian official (Acts 8:26–40), personal conversation remains a powerful context for evangelism. This approach allows for direct engagement and immediate, thoughtful responses to individual questions.

3. Written Communication

The spread of the gospel in the first centuries was amplified by written letters (e.g., the epistles of Paul). Today, books, articles, tracts, and digital forms—such as emails and social media—extend the evangelist’s reach. Emphasizing reliable sources, including historical writings that corroborate biblical events, fortifies the message’s credibility.

4. Apologetic Engagement

In settings where skepticism is prevalent, evangelists may use arguments from archaeology, history, philosophy, and science. Discoveries that confirm biblical sites—such as the Pool of Siloam (John 9:7)—provide tangible support for the historicity of Scripture. Scientific insights into the complexity of cells, the fine-tuning of the universe, and geological observations of a young earth are often presented to show that design is purposeful, strengthening the case for an eternal Creator.

5. Lifestyle Evangelism

Consistent Christian conduct can spark questions, leading to deeper conversations about faith. Examples of modern miracles and healings, documented in reputable medical journals and personal testimonies, often point to divine intervention, leading to further dialogue about the mercy and power of God.

Evidence and Apologetic Perspective

1. Manuscript and Historical Reliability

The vast number of New Testament manuscripts—more than any other ancient text—attests to the Bible’s preservation. Textual critics affirm the high degree of accuracy, making the scriptural foundation of the evangelist trustworthy and historically dependable.

2. Archaeological Corroborations

Finds such as the Tel Dan Stele (referencing the “House of David”) and the Dead Sea Scrolls bolster the Old Testament timeline and accuracy of prophecy. These support the continuity and consistent message of Scripture that evangelists present.

3. Resurrection Accounts

Historical documents outside the Bible—from early church fathers like Ignatius and Polycarp—affirm core aspects of the resurrection message. Multiple lines of evidence, including eyewitness testimony and the empty tomb, are central to an evangelist’s proclamation (1 Corinthians 15:3–8).

4. Intelligent Design and Creation

Evangelists may discuss scientific findings—such as the irreducible complexity of biological systems—to argue that life displays unmistakable features of design. Geological formations, carbon dating interpretations, and ancestral records can be used to support a young earth viewpoint, demonstrating that creation aligns with God’s sovereign plan.

Practical Impact

Evangelists oversee community outreach, encouraging believers to serve those in need. Compassionate service—meeting physical, educational, or emotional needs—often provides tangible evidence of Christ’s love and grace in action. This practical engagement aids the primary task of spiritual invitation, helping people see the gospel’s transformative power in real-life contexts.

Through these varied methods, evangelists maintain focus on the central message of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). Being an effective evangelist involves evangelizing both inside and outside church walls, reaching people of every background and culture.

Conclusion

The work of an evangelist is multifaceted. It includes dedicated proclamation of the gospel; guidance toward repentance and faith; equipping others; building the church; and addressing genuine questions using scriptural, historical, scientific, and archaeological evidences.

From the earliest examples in Acts to modern day ministries across the globe, evangelists continue to shine light on the invitation to know God personally, pointing to the truth of Jesus Christ’s death, resurrection, and promise of eternal life. Their mission is to faithfully share God’s redemptive plan so that “whether they hear or refuse to hear” (Ezekiel 2:5), all might witness the good news offered to humanity.