Should All Christians Evangelize?

Church members sometimes think of evangelism as, "Pastor, I'll catch 'em (i.e. bring them to church); you fry them (you get them saved)!"

You probably know this mindset... When I was a kid, I would go fishing, catch a mess of catfish, and bring them home for my grandmother or mother to cook and fry them up for me. That may sound good to some, but the trouble is that this is not how the Bible says evangelism and discipleship should work in the local church.  Evangelism and Discipleship are two sides of the same coin, and all Christians are commanded to make disciples! And, to be clear, people don't save people, God does through His Holy Spirit.

A few years ago, I heard a preacher in New Mexico (not at our church) make a troubling statement: "Not everyone is called to evangelize. That's why we have the office of the evangelist given to us in the Bible. If speaking to people makes you uncomfortable, that's okay. Evangelism is not your gift." Again, that may sound good to some, but the trouble is that it is not what the Bible actually teaches.

Below, we will examine a few differences between the office of an evangelist and the universal call for all believers to evangelize, supported by New Testament Scripture. Many believers assume that evangelism is only for those gifted or called to be "evangelists," but Scripture makes it clear that all Christians are commanded to share the gospel, even though some are called to a specific office of evangelist.

A. The Great Commission Applies to All Believers
Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.”

⭐ Key Takeaways:

• Jesus commands all His followers to make disciples, not just those with a special office as evangelists.  To make disciples of Jesus, we must first tell someone about Jesus. 
• Evangelism is not optional—it is part of being a disciple of Christ.
• This command applies to all generations of believers (Matthew 28:20 – “I am with you always, to the end of the age”).  Note: the command in the original language is not "Go!" The command is to make disciples. 

B. The Early Church Practiced Evangelism as a Community
Acts 8:4 – “So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the word.”

⭐ Key Takeaways:

• After persecution broke out, ordinary Christians—not just apostles or evangelists—spread the gospel wherever they went.
• The early church did not leave evangelism to a select few; every believer was engaged in spreading the Word.
• Paul commended the Thessalonians for spreading the Gospel, saying, "As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out [...]"  - 1 Thess. 1:7-8 (CSB)

C. Every Believer is a Witness for Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ...God has given us the ministry of reconciliation... Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ since God is making His appeal through us... Be reconciled to God...”

⭐ Key Takeaways:

• Do not divorce 2 Corinthians verse 17 from verses 18-20. Paul says all believers are "ambassadors for Christ." The message of reconciliation is known to others only when ambassadors for Christ spread it. Obedience to the Great Commission's command to make disciples is the responsibility of reconciled human beings, not angels.
• Every Christian has the ministry of reconciling people to God by sharing the gospel.
• Evangelism is not limited to full-time ministers—all believers are called to represent Christ to the world.

D. Yes, the Office of an Evangelist is a Specific Calling
While all Christians should evangelize, God does indeed call certain individuals into a specific office or role as an "evangelist."  Ephesians 4:11-12 – “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, equipping the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.”

⭐ Key Takeaways:

• An 'evangelist,' in the formal sense, is a distinct calling, just as pastors and teachers have specific roles in the church.
• Evangelists are uniquely gifted to preach the gospel and train others to share their faith.
• They function beyond the local church, often traveling or focusing on outreach to the lost.
• Examples:
  • Philip is called an evangelist in Acts 21:8.
  • He traveled to preach the gospel (Acts 8:5-12, Acts 8:26-40).
• Contrast with All Christians:
  • All believers share their faith as part of daily life (work, school, family, friendships).
  • Evangelists are specifically called, gifted, and sent out for larger outreach.
  • However, every Christian can do the work of an 'evangelist.'

E. Key Differences Between an Evangelist and Everyday Christian Evangelism

        Characteristic                        All Christians                                                                   Evangelists

Commanded to share the gospel?	Yes (Matthew 28:19-20)	Yes, but in a specialized role (Ephesians 4:11)
Part of everyday life?	Yes—sharing in personal relationships; seeking opportunities	Yes, but often in a full-time outreach capacity
Focus?	Conversations, workplace, family, friends, neighbors, strangers	Large-scale evangelism, preaching, equipping others
Biblical Example?	All scattered believers in Acts 8:4	Philip the Evangelist (Acts 21:8, Acts 8:5-40)

F. Why Some Christians Confuse These Two Roles
Some people hesitate to evangelize because they believe evangelism is only for those gifted as evangelists. However, Scripture shows that:

• Evangelists train and equip others as well as evangelize (Ephesians 4:11-12).
• All believers are to be Christ’s witnesses (Acts 1:8).
• Some have greater effectiveness, but all must be faithful (2 Timothy 4:5).  

      2 Timothy 4:5 – “But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure
                                  hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

At first glance, it seems Paul is giving Timothy a personal charge in 2 Timothy 4:5, which he is indeed. However, a careful examination of biblical context and principles shows that this verse extends beyond Timothy and applies to all believers.  Example One: 2 Timothy 2:2 – “What you have heard from me... commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”  Note that Timothy says, "to faithful men." Some are called to the office of evangelist, yes, but Paul does not say "be an evangelist" in 2 Timothy 4:5—he says "do the work of an evangelist." Timothy was leading, discipling, and preaching—but the same principles apply to all Christians.Example Two: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  Paul instructs Timothy here that Scripture (the teachings given to Timothy and what he has heard from Paul) equips all believers for every good work—including evangelism. The instruction to "do the work of an evangelist" applies to Timothy, but it also serves as a model for all who follow Christ.

⭐ Key Takeaway: Even if we don’t have the "title" of an evangelist, we should still do the work of an evangelist by sharing the gospel whenever God provides the opportunity.

G. Practical Application: How Can Every Christian Evangelize?

Any place. Anytime.  Anywhere.  Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to build a relationship, have 10 BBQ dinners, or seek permission to tell someone about Jesus. Relationships and BBQ are great, but they're not necessary. Since all believers are called to evangelize, here are practical ways to fulfill this call:

1. Be Ready to Share the Gospel

• 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
• Memorize a simple gospel presentation (John 3:16, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9).

2. Live Out Your Faith Boldly

• Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
• People are drawn to Christ by the way we live and love.

3. Pray for Opportunities

• Colossians 4:3 – “At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ.”
• Ask God to give you divine appointments to share the gospel.

4. Support and Learn from Evangelists

• Ephesians 4:11-12 – “He gave... some evangelists, to equip the saints for the work of ministry.”
• Attend training, learn from evangelists, and support outreach efforts in your local church.

5. Keep the Spiritual Conversations Going;  Talk to them about Spiritual Things

• Romans 10:17 (CSB) – "So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ."
• This verse emphasizes that faith is produced by hearing the gospel—not just through emotions, experiences, or BBQ dinners.  Remember, you cannot serve someone into heaven, they must hear the Gospel and believe!

⭐ Conclusion: Every Christian Must Evangelize—Even Though Some Are Called as Evangelists

• All Christians are called to share the gospel.
• The office of an evangelist is a specific, full-time calling for some.
• Every believer must be ready, willing, and bold in sharing their faith.

•  Final Challenge:
  • Have you avoided evangelism because you think it's only for "gifted" people?
  • Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus?
  • Will you take a step this week to share the gospel?

⭐ A prayer for faithfulness: "Lord, give us boldness to share the gospel, whether in daily life or through a special calling. Help me to recognize divine opportunities that may come my way to tell someone about Jesus and what He has done in my life.  Lord, help me to be faithful to Your Great Commission. In Jesus' name, Amen."