Work of an Evangelist
By Ellis Crum
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Preachers at the outset of their labors must make a choice of field. This was an easy task for the apostles and their fellow-laborers, as the Holy Spirit supervised where they should go. In Acts 16:6-8 we read: "Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, after they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas." The next verse tells us how they were directed in a vision to "Come over into Macedonia." The angel of the Lord mapped out the route of Philip the evangelist, saying, "Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert" (Acts 8:26). An angelic messenger also arranged the meeting between Peter and Cornelius' relatives as outlined in Acts chapter ten.
Evangelists today do not have it so easy; they must choose their own field of endeavor. Their overseers should counsel and assist them in this important choice. The dominating factor in determining the selection of the field with some evangelists is pay. Often included in the "pay" is a house, paid utilities, and an expense account (including telephone, automobile, etc.). The true evangelist will not let such things influence his selection. He will go where he is most needed, or where he can do the most good, trusting God and the brethren for his daily necessities. While some may not be influenced by monetary matters, others are affected by personal preferences. An evangelist might say, "I would rather labor in my home community." However, in most instances, he could probably do more good and have more influence elsewhere. Jesus declared: "No prophet is accepted in his own country" (Lk. 4:24). In spite of this fact many, because of love of family, friends, or community, or because of real estate, sentiments, or climate, stubbornly work against the great truth uttered by Jesus, and then wonder why they are not able to accomplish more! Jesus also said, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me" (Matt. 10:37).
An evangelist might "choose" to work in the city; however, he might be better qualified to labor in rural areas. Consideration should be given to his education, background, and personality. It may be necessary to find out through trial and error where he is best fitted to evangelize. The eldership as well as other brethren might well offer suggestions along this line. If a brother has a physical infirmity, an accent, or a style of speaking which would cause him to be better adapted to one phase of the Lord's work than another, he should accept his lot and seek to excel in this one particular area. All evangelists should welcome suggestions which might enable them to develop themselves into more useful servants. Those who make such suggestions should not be treated as enemies, and the sug-
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A true evangelist will realize that the field is not the pulpit, but the whole community and the world to the extent he is able to reach it. He must not confuse sermonizing with evangelizing. He should be concerned with all races and classes of peoples. Jesus said: "he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor" (Lk. 4:18). Some are unconcerned about this group for which Christ died. They claim they are not adapted for working among the unfortunate. Oftentimes the hindering factor is a "holier-than-thou" attitude, a thing which can and must be overcome by the true Christian.
One of the hardest tasks for evangelists today is choosing a proper topic or subject. Like the choice of field, this was no problem for the apostles and some of the early Christians who possessed spiritual gifts. Jesus gave these instructions to the twelve: "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak; but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you."
All preachers need to carefully consider the subject they are going to present. Is it appropriate? Is it instructive? Does it meet a definite need? Too many lessons designed for sinners are presented to sleeping saints! Young preachers find it difficult to resist the urge to preach on some difficult or controversial subject. Byron said: "Suit your topics to your strength, And ponder well your subject and its length; Nor lift your head, before you're quite aware, What weight your shoulders will, or will not bear." Speakers should have two lessons in mind, or else a message that can be adapted to the needs of the audience. While a few notes at times may be good, it is best to develop the habit of speaking without notes as early as possible. This will practically eliminate the "canned sermon."
If a preacher is going to use notes, he should revise them from time to time and perhaps discard some completely. The Christian evangelist will never fear to read his New Testament because he is afraid he will find something that will destroy one of his "sermons" or outlines. The scripture must be the standard, not our outlines, whether our own or some passed on down to us. Timothy was commanded to give attendance to reading. Preachers of today will profit if they will do the same. We must read with our eyes "open," and not just study to confirm our preconceived ideas. An evangelist should study daily and not rely on the "inspiration" the audience gives him at the time he mounts the platform.
Just as we have learned through scientific farming that certain crops grow better in certain types of soil, let us learn to use men where they are best adapted in an endeavor to accomplish the most good. Those of us in the field, let us seek to be used in that way ourselves. May we never feel sorry for ourselves because we do not have as great a talent as others, but let us resolve to develop that which God has entrusted us with that we may hear the Lord's 'well done" upon His return. Let us resolve to precede every lesson with prayer and preparation that we may know how to answer every man and how to address every audience.