I could not agree more. I have long thought it was every Christian's responsibility to share the Gospel with whomever the Lord leads them. The unfortunate thing is I have not always availed myself of His leading.
I wonder what would happen if each professing Christian would endeavor to share with one person per week.

Ed,

I think you are exactly right. I'll go even further and say that no one has "spiritual gifts" other than the gift of the Holy Spirit.

"Spiritual gifts" are given by the Spirit for the tasks assigned by God.

Can you think of one example in Scripture where God called someone to do something because he or she had a specific "spiritual gift"? I can't.

That's probably more than you wanted but I do agree with you.

Les

I agree with you Ed, especially for the danger in believing evangelism is for those "gifted" to do so. Ultimately, salvation is a work of God anyway and He gives us words to say when necessary. I do believe, however, that I have seen those more "gifted", or at least inclined towards, evangelism. I have been on numerous mission trips where one or two just seemed to evangelize so easily, even though they weren't necessarily trained to do so. Everyone on the trip had the heart for evangelism, but these people just saw response in incredible ways. They could turn any conversation into an opportunity to share Christ. It just came so natural to them. I never thought it was a spiritual gift necessarily, but certainly came easier for them than others.

Thanks for another thought-provoking post.

I think there is a gift of evangelism, not just b/c of the biblical office of "evangelist" but because some are clearly more gifted at it than others, but I don't believe this exempts the rest of the body from the work of evangelism any more than someone with the gift of mercy means the rest of us can be merciless.

I tend to read the different lists of Spiritual gifts as things some are gifted in and others not but nevertheless things all believers are called to do. All of us are called to "teach" others in some way, shape, or fashion, not just those who are gifted at teaching. All of us are called to show mercy. All of us are called to be hospitable people, to encourage each other, etc. And there are of course people who do not have the so-called "charismatic gifts" per se, but have experienced them a few times in their lives.

I think if we could impress the need for whole-biblical counsel on evangelism we could demonstrate that evangelism is a gift of some but a mandate for all.

Right on Ed. I also agree with Les that the gifts in general are probably more task-oriented than codified prerequisites for service.

Sharing the gospel may come more naturally for some perhaps due to their personalities but that does not let the others off the hook. I think the reluctance for many is they just don't know what the gospel is and therefore feel inadequate. Plus the fear of someone asking a question they have no answer for, can cause some to be quiet.
Speaking as a reformed minded believer trusting in God to save , my confidence is not in this weak flesh to get it right every time perfectly. Presenting the gospel as clearly as I can and letting the Holy Spirit take the word to that persons heart and mind ,takes so much performance stress off of me.Excellent post.

It would be helpful for the Church to have a deeper conversation about your third point. Ephesians 4:11-13 is clear that the evangelist, among others, are given for the the purpose of equipping God's people (per your point). The purpose of this equipping is unity and maturity. Are congregational unity and maturity possible within the work of the evangelist?

I agree with 1-3 but not 4. It is only unhelpful to refer to the gift of evangelism within a theological context that ignores 1-3. Isn't it better (even if harder) to teach the church to think rightly about gifts than to advocate simply booting the concept? It strikes me that Eph 4.11-12 is the pivotal point, and while you are right to suggest that there is not such thing as the "gift of evangelism" in a biblicist sense, those gifted *to* the church in Eph 4 clearly fulfill roles named as or paralleled with gifts mentioned in other places. Eph 4 becomes a lens on other gifts passages, in fact, teaching us that those gifted are actually given in order to equip *the church* to carry out those ministries rather than merely to be the sole doers of those ministries. It would be better, in my opinion at least, to reshape the complaint among so many to be not "I don't have the gift of evangelism" but rather "I haven't been equipped by those that do." That is not a copout; it's a reflection of the endemic misunderstanding of our "minsters'" or "pastors'" roles as the "gifted" and the subsequent failure to equip the saints for ministry.

This point has apparently been intuitive for the church in regard to, say, giving or mercy (Rom 12.8). Obviously, not to be gifted with mercifulness or generosity doesn't preclude me from the need to minister to others in those ways. So with proclamation of Jesus' kingdom.

Right on!!! I've been hitt'n that line hard. I wish I knew you were in Decatur I paster an SBC Church in Decatur and would have loved to pick your brain. Thanks for all the input you throw out there

Good feedback.

I do think that some people are more "natural" at sharing the gospel because they are (among other things) extroverts. But, I am concerned about the "gift-ization" of evangelism as a whole.

Jeff, we have an upcoming blog post on that very subject by a friend who completed his Ph.D. dissertation on the role of the evangelist in the church.

Les, I am sympathetic to that idea. Not convinced, but I find it appealing. I think that in trying to help people discover their gifts for service, we have made it more about them fitting into a box rather than fulfilling a call.

Ed

You are absolutely right! I think where some go wrong is that many confuse evangelism (a requirement of every Believer) with the calling of the 3rd member of the 5-fold ministry - that of being an evangelist, with apostle, prophet, pastor and teacher being the other four. The call to evangelism (witnessing to others) was taught by Jesus and the apostles to be a call to every person who has come to Christ. We are to be so thankful for Him bringing us out of the pit of sin, that we cannot keep it to ourselves. We are called to be sermons on two feet - Jesus with skin on! As His representatives, with all authority by Him, we should be like Him: "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9c).

The triune missionary God always calls his missionary people by initiating (Father God), providing (Son), and implimenting (Spirit) the missionary impulse inside the obedient Christ-follower. It is something that comes out, you can't hold it in. Was it Roy Fish who originally said, "if you aren't fishing you aren't following?"

This is a peculiar topic of discussion in that it has brought on ideas that, in my reading of Scripture, are anti-biblical. No such things as spiritual gifts, when clearly the Bible speaks of such gifts in multiple passages? No gift of evangelism, when clearly this gift is spoken of spoken of in the New Testament?

I both understand and appreciate the sentiment that many erroneously say, "I don't have the gift; therefore, I don't have the responsibility." But at the risk of soundling like I'm betraying my deep respect for Ed, I find the language used here and in the comments dangerously close to throwing out Scripture altogether.

This may be the case if you want to distinguish the "gift" of Ephesians 4 V8 and the gifts of 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12. I am uncertain the text will permit this.

Yet the concept of gift implies a special giftedness as it relates to degree. Only a simpleton would argue that the gift of giving in Romans 12 is a prerequisite to giving at all. (considering how little evangelicals give we might though be on to something)

The gift of mercy doesn't have to reside to show some mercy.

All may prophesy (1 Cor 14) yet not all are prophets.

I will then propose: all should, can and must evangelize yet not all are evangelists.

Interesting.But I don't think I agree entirely with you.

Everyone is a WITNESS and therefore, everyone should witness of what God has done in their lives. In this respect everyone (should) "evangelize".

However, it is quite clear that some are called as EVANGELISTS.

I am with Jeff's post above.

1) If the spiritual gift is given for building up the body of Christ ( other believers)...then what exactly is the role of the evangelist!?

is it with the believer or the unbeliever?

If it is with the believer, what exactly does the evangelist do?!

I'm with Jared.

Every believer has the responsibility to evangelize. Some are more passionate about it, "wired" for it, and therefore "gifted".

Gifted is not a word we need fear or avoid. But we should likely narrow the definition.

I think we need much more understanding of the office of an evangelist. The 5-fold gifts were given to equip the body. In other words a Biblical evangelist would have a strong ability to evangelize, but would also equip, train, and lead the body to evangelize as well. Sadly, we've created so much confusion by causing itinerate preachers, who mostly preach to church members, "evangelists" in so many denominations that we've obscured the Biblical office of an evangelist.

I don't believe it is necessary to do away with the concept of "gift" in order to involve all people in evangelism. In fact, I think it is poor stewardship in three levels.

Reasoning from current reality, let's assume that evangelism is like singing in church.

Some are so good they can be professionals on staff, like a choir director. Who is the choir director for evangelism in your church?

Others are gifted singers, and they meet EVERY WEEK for practice and training to develop their gifts and PERFORM every week as a team in worship. Who is in the "evangelism choir" in your church?

And when Christians meet for worship, EVERYBODY SINGS. Everyone is called to fulfill the Great Commission as a faithful disciple, whether or not they are gifted.

To not develop and use your gift is burying it under a tree - with devastating results for which we will be accountable - Matthew 25. Those who "shirk the work" of using their gifts will have many regrets.

Those who demonstrate their gifts while making room for all to be involved to the best of their ability will inspire others to also participate by their example.

All sorts of athletic teams meet each week for practice and games under the direction of a coach. If you don't have an evangelism choir (eChoir) practicing and performing each week in your church, why not?

I agree!

From my reading of scripture, spiritual gifts are ways the Spirit manifests Himself through a believer "for the equipping of the saints". "Doing evangelsmm" does not fit that purpose at all. All of us have that responsibility (and surely some are better at it than others, but that doesn't make it a spiritual gift). To the extent there is a spiritual gift of evangelism, it would be the Spirit working through a leader for the purpose of equipping other believers for doing evangelism. At least that's how I see it.

Thanks, Ed, for this insight!

I agree with Jared. The problem is not the idea of the "gift of evangelism" but rather the implicit idea of, "not my gift, not my problem." Which applies to more than just evangelism. People can use that thinking to shirk hospitality, leadership, teaching, mercy, and on. It's that latter idea that needs to be tackled, and not by dumping out all discussion of spiritual gifts. We have to encourage people to excel in their areas of gifting, but also encourage them to reach out from their areas of weakness when they have the opportunity to love someone.

Outstanding. Far too many Christians see evangelism as something for the professionals to do, i.e. pastors, evangelists, missionaries. Because the church has by and large failed to carry out the whole purpose of Ephesians 4: 11-16, namely equipping all believers for the work of minsitry, and instead focused on verse 11, many (most?) Christians are completely unequiipped for the work of minsitry which includes evangelism and frankly are unaware that they are not being Biblically equipped by their leaders.

Being a disciple is not a spectator sport!

It's compelling point. But What do you do exegetically with the famous Eph.4:11? What are these "evangelists," and does their role have a corresponding gifting, as do, apparently, apostles, prophets, and teachers (cf. 1Cor.12:28-29)?

It's a compelling point. But What do you do exegetically with the famous Eph.4:11? What are these "evangelists," and does their role have a corresponding gifting, as do, apparently, apostles, prophets, and teachers (cf. 1Cor.12:28-29)?

Gregory,

I am very open to being shown where the Bible refers to a "gift of evangelism" like it does some other gifts.

However, your comments are a bit over the top for this kind of discussion since no one is being "anti-biblical" or "throwing out scripture." We are having a discussion about what is actaully in the text verses what is assumed to be in the text.

James,

Great question. I think the reason the "evangelist" in Ephesians 4, but the "gift of evangelism" is not mentioned anywhere, is because there is no gift of evangelism. ;-)

God gives evangelists to the church to equip all God's people to do evangelism.

David,

I am with you-- but I think that is the "evangelist" and we all do evangelism.

All,

Let me put it this way:

The "evangelist" is a biblical role and a gift to the church.

Evangelism is a biblical mandate for all believers and a responsibility of the church.

We should not search for the gift of evangelism, but should be about the task of evangelism.

Now, I think my idea has one hole in it. I could say that the "evangelist" is gifted for that role... but I think that the "gift of evangelism" language has caused enough confusion and misdirection that it is worth being dropped.

Thanks,

Ed

Ed,

I apologize for seeming to be over-the-top. That certainly was not my intention. The biblical evidence seems pretty clear to me, and as such, to say there's no such gift as evangelism and for others to say "that no one has 'spiritual gifts'" (Les, second comment) contradicts pretty specific biblical teaching.

Ephesians 4:11 states that some are called to be apostles, others prophets, others evangelists, and others pastors and teachers. Further, Romans 12, a passage most often used in discussing spiritual gifts, distinguishes several gifts given "according to the grace given to us" (same phrase that used Eph. 4:7). Using the same phrase ties these two passages together in a way that requires us to understand the Ephesians passage as a discussion of certain gifts, of which evangelism is one.

I'm not arguing that some have the responsibility to evangelize and others don't. I'm saying that to discount evangelism as a specific gift to some is an unbiblical view of gifting.

The Great Commission says that as we go (through life), we are to MAKE DISCIPLES - Baptizing and Teaching! I don't see where it says that it is only the professional teachers are to teach. (Nor only adult male teachers, for that matter.)

I don't see where any are left out, even if they don't claim the "gift of teaching". In a way, I suppose this text by itself, would suggest we are all primarily teachers. But the idea is that we are to share what we know about Christ.

If all have a responsibility toward evangelism, then it seems to me that we are more wholistic in approach, more humble, and willing then to be more loving from the depth of our being.

We understand and remember a small percentage of what we hear. If we also speak what we hear, then our understanding and memory are increased.

Very thoughtful and helpful post. We have so many laying upon their backside when they could be serving Christ by sharing their faith. Some exercise what they believe. Some consider sharing with others, but they lie down until the desire passes.

Greg,

I think Les' point is that God calls and He gifts.

His exact words are:"'Spiritual gifts' are given by the Spirit for the tasks assigned by God."

In other words, gifts are not static and once-bestowed as in, "Joe has the gift of serving." Instead, he would argue, "God has called Joe to this ministry of service and will gift him to do so."

But, your point here is fine and well stated. My issue is the difference between the "role" of evangelist and the "gift" of evangelism." And, the bigger issue is how people use their lack of the "gift" to not do the work of evangelism.

Ed

I think people don't evangelize because no one has ever discipled them on how to do it. Or if you're like me, the only way you were taught was cold-turkey evangelism and thus, that's the only way you thought it worked. So you thought God made you wrong and felt a crushing burden of guilt since you weren't doing what God wanted you to do. So you just avoided the whole thing because it just became too overwhelming to deal with. By the grace of God, I've had some help dealing with those issues. However, I still think evangelism is a topic that needs to be dealt with carefully and sensitively in order to help people...

Ed,

The title of your post caught my eye on twitter. Interestingly, my D.Min. project (SBTS May 2010) was on the subject of improving evangelism through the discovery and use of spiritual gifts. I stated there that I believe it is erroneous to say that a person can have a special ability to share the gospel in the same way that a person might have a special ability to show mercy. You've got it right there.

I also agree with Les (since we live less than 30 miles apart and he was a sounding board for my project) . I highly recommend two books on spiritual gifts: Kenneth Berding's "What Are Spiritual Gifts? Re-Thinking the Conventional View" and Henry & Mel Blackaby's "What's So Spiritual About Your Gifts?" Both these works assert that the Holy Spirit is himself the gift and he supernaturally equips believers to fulfill their assignments.

I wish that my own Greek skills were a little sharper, since one of the linguistic concerns in Paul's writings is the interpretation of pneumatika "spirituals" and charismata "graces". Are the unspoken, assumed derivatives attached to these words "gifts" or "people"? I think that, at times, Paul was talking about spiritual PEOPLE more than spiritual GIFTS.

The conclusion of my project was that the lists of spiritual gifts we have in Scripture are more DE-scriptive than PRE-scriptive. The lists are not exhaustive or exclusive; they are examples.

I've said all that to say this: evangelism is NOT a gift, it's an assignment. All believers have to do it, and it's best done in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thanks for reading! And thanks for a great post.

This is one of the topics I've struggled with, for much the same reason. After much reading, thought and consideration, it's clear to me the 10% are gifted for evangelism, even if most of those are unaware of their "special ability to make the Gospel plain."

I wouldn't want to ignore the calling or honoring of those gifted for evangelism just because we don't see it active. We are not relieved from the obligation to give testimony to the hope that is within us.

For me, it is a skill I've learned, and have to work at to keep it fresh. We need the gifted ones to teach the rest of us how to be ready whenever a word of witness is needed.

Though I would be hard-pressed to come up with exegetical evidence to back this up, I think, from a "rings true" perspective, the model presented in "Becoming a Contagious Christian" has a lot of merit: It is the responsibility of everyone to share their faith, but we all have different evangelistic styles with which come more naturally to us, and with which we are more effective.

Ed, I also agree with your suggestion that the reason less people are claiming to possess the gift of evangelism is because the evangelistic milieu in which we live has become more difficult. I think the expectations that went along with the typical profile of evangelist in past years are becoming less viable in the present context.

While I agree that all Christians have the responsibility to go into all the world and make disciples, I still believe there is a "gift" of evangelism.

I was raised in a Lutheran church, but my mom's family are Baptists. I credit them with my eventually finding salvation at age 19. But after having been a member of a Baptist church for several years and feeling something wasn't right, I believe that Baptist churches are typically run by pastors who have the gift of evangelism and preach an evangelistic message most every service. And they expect every member of the congregation to do the same in their personal lives. What happens to a lot of us is that we try and are humiliated by the results. Our problem was not having the gift.

I don't want this to sound tacky, but some people are gifted salesmen, and I think those same people are gifted in evangelism. After all, in a sense you are "selling" them on the idea of salvation in Christ.

I've failed miserably whenever I have had to do sales as part of a job, and I've also failed miserably in trying to evangelize as prompted by preachers and the D. James Kennedy door-to-door method. I have no problem with people using this method if they are gifted in it, but I ended up feeling as the body part being told by another part that I was not needed.

After finding a church that didn't urge me to "share the gospel" with my co-workers and strangers multiple times per day I quickly found that I just naturally did so in the course of conversations. It was refreshing.

Hey all,

According to Eph 4, the only gift related to evangelism is actually the gift of the evangelist to the church, one of the 5 gifts to equip God's people for the work of the ministry. Romans 12 and 1 Cor 12 do not list "evangelism" as a gift. I would challenge anyone to give book chapter and verse to demonstrate that "evangelism" is a spiritual gift.

Ed, Nice nuance in separating out the "we don't all have the gift" from the "the gift doesn't even exist." This is not a casual discussion to be had while sipping tea. How we turn on this can be the thing that tips the revolution. It is a master stroke of the Destroyer to silence Christians by convincing them they lack the talent or the requirement to deliver the message of Christ. We have the message. We all can share it. We don't have the spiritual gift of evangelism. We do all have the spiritual privilege of evangelism.

I've been teaching this exact truth for over a decade. There are evangelists. These are people/leaders given as gifts to the church to fulfill a function, but there is no gift of evangelism. That's true theologically and biblically, and your practical conclusions have been proven time and again. Evangelism is a way of life for every believer, not a gift for some.

Agreed!

I agree. My DMin study was on coaching pastors in doing personal evangelism. The study was done for a mainline denomination. What enabled them to continue was a combination of two things. First was a greater understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in evangelism and dependence upon Him. Second, personality played a role in how a pastor did evangelism and led their church. None of the pastors who participated identified themselves as having the gift of evangelism, nor did they identify themselves as evangelists. But they each did significant personal outreach. They identified coaching as a help.

Ed,

Fascinating discussion. I feel like I have been writing on this issue all year.

Completely agree with you, but here's the deal: Even if you and I are wrong, that there is no "gift" of evangelism, the fact that all of us are called to proclaim the name means that there is no escaping our responsibility.

Further, if all are called, then the leaders of all are called to equip. Equipping is more than teaching others what evangelism is, or exhorting others to do what they are called to do. Equipping for the work of the ministry, means going with them in some way and showing them how to do it.

Most pastors won't do this becasue they don't want to be in a position where those they lead see them in a vulnerable position with a non-believer.

Curtis,

I unfortunately tend to agree with you that many people do not discover for themselves their giftedness, as it were, because they are never truly discipled. Left to fend for themselves, it seems the vast majority of believers fall victim to fear or frustration -- which points to a failure of the Christian community at large. Just my two cents' worth.

Ed,

I appreciate your willingness to throw this out as food for thought. You've certain found some folks willing to chew on it! Keep up the good work for the Kingdom.

"Each one should use whatever GIFT he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone SPEAKS, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone SERVES, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To HIM be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11

True, scripture does not specifically identify "evangelism" as a gift, "speaking" is. Some have the gift of speaking and some have the gift of "serving." Those with the speaking gift will certainly be better at evangelizing.

I have seen gifts lists that held up the seven gifts of Romans 12. I have seen others that hold up the list of 1 Cor. 12 that amounted to over 30. One thing I know, Jesus was a perfect 10 however many gifts there are.

Scripture does say of us that we each have "a" gift, either speaking or serving. How we can summarily dismiss that and say we only have the gift of the Holy Spirit stretches me further than I can go. I take this for what it says. As I seek to be more like Christ I will develop in all areas of my life, gifted or not.

You have provoked thought and discussion and that is good. Thank you!

My Pastor likes to say (for the sake of easy argument) that even if we are not all gifted as evangelists, we are all called to be witnesses to what Christ has done in our lives and communities. It's common knowledge that some people are better at explaining the gospel than others. Some are better at appealing to our emotions regarding the gospel. But all of us, no matter what our gifting, can share our experience of Christ with the people we know. And in my experience, there is no more effective evangelism than that.

You are definitely right in that we should not leave evangelism to the leaders of the church. I am not sure that I agree with you that it is not a spiritual gift. I'll have to think more about that, but either way all of us are called to evangelize. It is not something we are to do out of duty or obligation, but out of gratitude for what the Lord has done in our lives. The people I know who are the best at evangelism have a deep appreciation for God's grace in their own lives and count it as a privilege to bring other people to Christ. I don't think it is necessarily about who is the most extroverted, or the best salesperson. I have known many introverts who would make terrible sales people, but are amazing at evangelism and even better than many extroverted people. After all, a person's salvation does not depend upon how charismatic and enticing we are in the presentation of the gospel, but on God who draws them (John 6:44, 1 Cor. 2).