Work of Evangelists

By Ellis Crum

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     In the early days of the restoration movement there were those who denied the existence of evangelists. On February 14, 1835, a scribe designated "M. T." of Pittsburgh, wrote in the Millennial Harbinger "that that class of laborers ceased long ago -- and, consequently, any person that takes that name upon him at the present time, 'assumes an undeserved dignity."' There are also those of our own generation who affirm that the office of an evangelist has passed away.

     I am forced to admit that a true New Testament evangelist is a rarity, and in some localities has become extinct. Such need not be the case. A careful examination of the holy canon will explode the theory that the era of evangelists has ended. Such an investigation will also serve to expose the erroneous practices of some.

     Those who contend that there are no evangelists today frequently refer to Ephesians 4: 11, where evangelists are listed with apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers. The claim is made that since the apostles and prophets have passed away, as far as men holding these offices today, that likewise none can be evangelists What proves too much, proves nothing. Such a conclusion would also eliminate the pastors and teachers, and leave the church in a state of anarchy. While there would be law, there would be no one to enforce the law. There was a need of leadership and law enforcement in the first century; the need still exists today. The God of Heaven who knows the "end from the beginning" foresaw the need of "governments" in His church. While it is true the apostles have passed away, the office remains; however, no one can meet the qualifications specified in Acts 1: 21, 22. It is likewise true that there are no prophets in the church today, for the simple reason that none possess the gift of prophecy which enabled the prophets of the New Testament to foretell future events and also to tell forth the words of life, without study or forethought.

     When the apostles and prophets made their exit, there is no indication that the evangelists and elders walked out with them. The latter remain until this day because there is nothing in the Holy Writ that demands of evangelists (or elders) things that they could not do today, if properly trained and willing.

     It is sometimes argued that there is no longer a need for evangelists. When we consider the implications of the command "do the work of an evangelist" we at once see the absurdity of such a position. There are still souls to be saved, erring disciples who need to be led back to the narrow way, weak brethren who need strengthening, congregations which need development and setting in order, qualified officers who need to be appointed, and assemblies which need encouragement and admonition. Truly an evangelist's work is never done!

     There is nothing in the work of an evangelist that necessitates a miraculous gift to accomplish his purpose. It is true that some of the early evangelists possessed spiritual gifts; the same can also

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be said of elders, and many Christians in general. While these gifts would definitely aid the possessor, they were not indispensable to the office. Timothy possessed such a gift which he received from the hands of an apostle (2 Tim. 1: 6). It would seem that Philip, a former deacon, was also the possessor of spiritual gift(s). In the case of Titus, there is no indication that he ever received a miraculous gift. Some might argue that because Titus was not called an evangelist he therefore did not hold this office; however, things that are equal to each other are equal to the whole. Though Titus is not specifically called an evangelist, he is given the same work to do, the same catalogue of qualifications for presbyters, and the specific charge to ordain elders.

     While there are those who deny that we can have evangelists today, there are others that assert that everyone is an evangelist! It is quite true that the early church was an evangelical body; "they went every where preaching the word" (Acts 8: 4). Yet in this very period when all Christians were evangelizing, we have Philip spoken of as "the evangelist" (Acts 21: 8). This certainly does not imply that he was the only evangelist, but that he was doing an official work of proclamation. From Ephesians 4: 11 it is quite clear that there was a special group of laborers who were labeled evangelists. If such a group of workers was needed when everyone was evangelizing, it can be seen that evangelists are needed today.

     Miraculous gifts in the form of tongues and supernatural knowledge aided the apostles and early evangelists in the proclamation of the Word to foreigners, and also eliminated the need to study. No one knows which one of the nine spiritual gifts Timothy possessed; however, we can be certain that it was not that of knowledge or wisdom, as he was commanded to study or give diligence in 2 Timothy 2:15. Today, with our modern inventions and the benefit of centuries of learning, we, too, are in an excellent position to spread the gospel, but what are we doing about it? As with spiritual gifts, so with natural gifts -- they can be lost or atrophied. Timothy was charged to "stir up the gift of God" which was in him. We likewise need to stir ourselves and develop and use our talents. If one hundred consecrated Christians would each win just one soul to Christ each year, and their converts would do the same, instilling within those that they bring to Christ the same goal, the world could be brought to the Messiah in about twenty-five years! Paul told Timothy: "and transmit the instructions I gave you in presence of many witnesses to trustworthy men, that they may be competent to teach others" --Moffatt Translation. Somewhere along the line the chain has been broken, or the world would be in a better state today. Let's resolve to do all we can to mend the broken links and put this chain reaction once more into effect!