Advice to Evangelists

By Ellis Crum

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     Few people appreciate advice, especially when it is unsolicited. However, in the interest of the cause of Christ the following suggestions are offered. First of all, never enter evangelistic work if you can keep from it. Only those with an impelling desire to save souls and strengthen saints should consider this type of work. Having entered evangelistic work, expect great things of God, but not of your brethren. Do not be disappointed if congregations or fellow Christians do not share your enthusiasm. Remember, you were not always so enthusiastic. "Cold water" can have a good effect, even when administered in this fashion. If your plans or ideas are not good, it is well that you be discouraged. If you are sure the plan is scriptural and will further the cause, then the words of those who keep saying "it can't be done" will prod you on to your goal. While expecting great things from God, do not grow weary in well doing (Gal. 6:9). Keep your enthusiasm, for this word literally means "God within," and "if God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31).

     The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up! Too many in the kingdom are daydreaming. Some are reminiscing about bygone days, while others are thinking primarily in terms of the future. Preachers and all Christians need to live in the NOW if they expect to enter into the heavenly Utopia.

     Do not place great faith in men, even those who have taught you much from the Word of God. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man" (Psa. 118:8). Do not be greatly distressed when "good" men fail you, turn against you, or cause you disappointment. Keep your eyes open to the faults, shortcomings, and errors of our modern day spiritual giants. Give thanks to God for such men, and follow them as Paul recommended the brethren to follow him. "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." Remember: "Prejudice limits the boundaries of clear thinking." Learn to study and think for yourself, for a shallow thinker seldom makes a deep impression. Do not attempt to think for God, but never be afraid to express your thoughts regarding the teaching of God's word, for fear of what men might say or do. Fearlessly proclaim the truth without fear or favor. Never be afraid to stand up for your convictions. Do not act hypocritically as did Peter at Antioch (Gal. 2:11-14), but always teach the same thing "every where in every church" (1 Cor. 4:17). While the lessons may vary according to different congregations, never fail to proclaim what is needed regardless of who the lesson hits (1 Tim. 5:20). Do not take the time of a congregation or class to administer in public a rebuke that should first be administered in private. Avoid partiality.

     Be charitable toward the views of others and beware of double standards. Someone has said: "Caution is when you are afraid: cowardice is when the other fellow is afraid." Do not be soon angry; learn to discuss differences without raising your voice or a display of temper. Jesus said: "Treat other people exactly as you would like to be treated by them--this is the essence of all true religion" (Matt. 7:12, Phillips translation). We should be careful about criticising the conscientious scruples of the saints. No doubt the vegetarian brethren thought they were just as right as the carnivorous brethren. The Holy Spirit said that they should not despise or condemn each other--"they should reflect that God has accepted them both. After all, who are you to criticise the servants of somebody else, especially when that somebody else is God?" (Rom. 14:3,4, Phillips translation). We must be careful lest we find ourselves criticizing God. Some evangelists are better at criticizing than Christianizing!

     Guard against thinking too highly of yourself. You may have sat under the soundest scholars, preached for years, and

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may have written books, but Jesus still says: "everyone who sets himself up as a somebody will become a nobody" (Luke 18:14, Phillips translation). Do not brag about your own accomplishments, articles, or ability. "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth" (Prov. 27:2) Some preachers are prone to think and talk about seniority. Our Lord declared: "Your greatest man must become like a junior and your leader must be a servant" (Lk. 22:26, Phillips translation). As a preacher of the gospel your task is to talk about Christ, not your fellow preacher.

     As a good salesman for Jesus Christ you will be constantly looking for new recruits. You should "prospect" in your mind regarding souls that might be won for Christ. As you read the newspaper, magazines, and various hooks, be constantly on the alert for ideas, illustrations, and statistics which will be useful in preaching Christ. Be willing to talk to any lost soul at any time. Don't give up while there is life, and don't discourage someone else from talking to someone out of Christ. They may be able to influence some that you have been unable to reach. Above all, never be jealous of any preacher or other member who can accomplish things you are unable to do. Furthermore, never do anything for spite, but have a pure motive for every action. Think before speaking, but do not be so slow that you never answer. This appears rude, to say the least.

     Young men, if you enter evangelistic work, bear in mind that your life must be as an open book. Your business and personal affairs will be more carefully scrutinized by both the world and the church since you are an evangelist. Mistakes that you make will do the church untold harm; therefore, seek to set a good example. Watch your manner of dress and speech. Be careful to treat the younger women "as sisters" (1 Tim. 5:2). If looking for a wife, conduct yourself so that the girls in the church will not report that boys in the world treat them better than Christian boys. Do not try to impress the church by speaking on extremely difficult topics.

     To older evangelists, may I humbly suggest that you guard against resentment and envy of younger preachers. Remember you were once young, immature, and inexperienced. Do not be afraid to share your knowledge and materials with young men for fear of being put "on the shelf." If churches of Christ are true to the Bible, such will not happen. Above all, please do not discourage young men from entering evangelistic work by one long, continuous tale of woe! Do not feel sorry for yourself; look at others, with greater handicaps than you, still forging ahead. Bear your thorn in the flesh patiently, and continue to be an influence for good as long as God lends you life.

     Do not claim to have a photographic memory in either youth or old age. Remember that evangelists can be mistaken. The leaders of God's people are the ones who have led the church into apostasy. Be on guard at all times; however, do not consider yourself infallible or indispensable. You are entitled to your convictions, but strive to speak the truth in love. Do not sow discord, but keep sowing the seed of the kingdom. Work for the unity of all believers. Preach Christ and follow after peace. To make your work more effective, endeavor to practice what you preach. We are engaged in a great work--let's not spend our time in senseless quarrels and bickering! May God help us to accomplish the divinely outlined task.