Reconnect: The Foundations of the Church: Evangelists

Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV) “11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,”

2 Timothy 4:5  (ESV) “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Definition of an Evangelist

Euaggelistés Original Word: εὐαγγελιστής, οῦ, ὁ Definition: an evangelist, a missionary, bearer of good tidings -Strong’s Concordance 2 Timothy 4:5 Acts 8:35 Ephesians 4:11 Acts 8:40 Acts 21:8 Acts 8:4-5,12 1 Timothy 1:3

Kérux Original Word: κῆρυξ, υκος, ὁ Definition: a herald, preacher, proclaimer -Strong’s Concordance Romans 10:14-15 Acts 8:5 Matthew 3:1 Acts 28:31 Matthew 4:17,23 2 Timothy 1:11 Matthew 10:7 2 Peter 2:5

Diakonos Original Word: διάκονος, οῦ, ὁ, ἡ Definition: a servant, minister a waiter, servant; then of any one who performs any service, an administrator. -Strong’s Concordance 1 Thessalonians 3:2 Colossians 1:7 1 Timothy 2:8,12 Acts 26:16 1 Timothy 4:6 Romans 15:16 Colossians 1:23

Three Terms Not Used Pastor – Ephesians 4:11, 1 Peter 5:2, Acts 20:28 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, Acts 20:17

Three Terms Not Used Rabbi and Father (Reverend) “But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.” Matthew 23:8-10 (ESV)

The Work of an Evangelist

1. To preach the word of God. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:1-2

1. To preach the word of God. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?[a] And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15

2. To instruct the brethren of their responsibilities. “If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.” 2 Timothy 4:6 1 Timothy 2:1-12 1 Timothy 5:19-21 Titus 2:1-10

Encouraging the appointment of Elders Titus 1:5 To set things in order. Encouraging the appointment of Elders Titus 1:5 Training teachers and equipping the saints of ministry 2 Timothy 2:2; Ephesians 4:11-12 Teaching against false doctrine 1 Timothy 1:3-4; Titus 1:10-11,13

4. To set an example for the brethren. In word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity 1 Timothy 4:12 A pattern of good works, in doctrine showing integrity and reverence Titus 2:7

5. To be devoted to the word of God Giving attention to the reading, exhortation, and teaching 1 Timothy 4:13 Being careful to handle the word of God properly 2 Timothy 2:15

What the Work of an Evangelist is NOT

To the do the work of Elders, Deacons, or other members To be the “official” To be expected to take care of: All the benevolence, All of the personal evangelism, All the problems that arise in the church, All the physical chores 4. To “run the church”

Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV) “11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,”