Definition and Role:
Evangelists are individuals called by God to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, often characterized by their itinerant ministry and focus on spreading the message of salvation. The term "evangelist" is derived from the Greek word "euangelistes," meaning "bringer of good news." Evangelists play a crucial role in the growth and expansion of the early church and continue to be vital in the Christian mission today.

Biblical References:
The role of the evangelist is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament. In Ephesians 4:11, the Apostle Paul writes, "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers," highlighting the distinct and divinely appointed role of evangelists within the church. This passage underscores the importance of evangelists in equipping the saints for the work of ministry and building up the body of Christ.

Philip is one of the most notable evangelists in the New Testament. Acts 21:8 refers to him as "Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven." His ministry is vividly described in Acts 8, where he preaches the Gospel in Samaria with great success, leading to many conversions and the baptism of new believers. Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40) further exemplifies the evangelist's role in guiding individuals to faith in Christ.

Characteristics and Functions:
Evangelists are often marked by a deep passion for sharing the Gospel and a compelling ability to communicate the message of Christ effectively. They are typically gifted in reaching out to non-believers and are instrumental in planting new churches and strengthening existing ones. Evangelists may work alongside apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers, each contributing uniquely to the mission of the church.

The work of an evangelist is not limited to public preaching; it also involves personal evangelism, discipleship, and training others to share their faith. In 2 Timothy 4:5, Paul exhorts Timothy, "But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." This charge emphasizes the perseverance and dedication required in the evangelistic calling.

Historical and Contemporary Context:
Throughout church history, evangelists have been pivotal in revivals and missionary movements. Figures such as George Whitefield, John Wesley, and Billy Graham are renowned for their evangelistic zeal and impact. In contemporary settings, evangelists continue to adapt to cultural changes, utilizing media, technology, and various platforms to reach diverse audiences with the Gospel.

Theological Significance:
Theologically, evangelists are seen as instruments of God's grace, tasked with the proclamation of the Gospel to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Their ministry is rooted in the belief that faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17). Evangelists are called to be faithful stewards of the Gospel, relying on the Holy Spirit to convict and convert hearts.

In summary, evangelists are essential to the mission of the church, dedicated to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and making disciples of all nations. Their work is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the ongoing call to evangelize the world.Ephesians 4:11
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Nave's Topical Index

2 Timothy 4:5
But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.
Nave's Topical Index

Disciples of Christ; Sometimes Called Campbellites, or Reformers.
... DISCIPLES OF CHRIST; SOMETIMES CALLED CAMPBELLITES, OR REFORMERS ... with Mr. M'Calla,
a Presbyterian minister of Kentucky ... a complete standard of Christian faith and ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/disciples of christ sometimes called.htm

The Catholic Apostolic Church (Called Irvingites. )
... modern Montanism, and its most learned minister in Germany ... Irving: 'He was appointed
a Christian priest, and ... All officers are called by the Holy Ghost through ...
/.../ 113 the catholic apostolic.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... by what means every manmay be a Christian indeed, and ... and outward society, which
society is called the church ... What makes or constitutes any a minister of the ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

Definiteness of Purpose in Christian Work
... to see the doctor, and they all called upon him ... them of Christ, something is wrong
with our Christian experience ... A father and his boy heard a minister preach a ...
/.../chapman/and judas iscariot/definiteness of purpose in christian.htm

The First Evangelists
... The DESIRE of AGES Chapter 37 The First Evangelists. ... We are to minister to the
despairing, and inspire hope ... The Prince of heaven was called Beelzebub, and His ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 37 the first evangelists.htm

The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
... for their iniquities, that what he called the lower ... and fervor of a succession of
Evangelists who, like ... he was buried as I think a Christian minister should be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the wicked mans life funeral.htm

The Ministerial Office
... Aaron was called to minister in holy things; " to offer ... But he was never called to
be a Preacher ... himself, and all his Apostles, built the Christian Church as ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 115 the ministerial office.htm

The Ministry and Prayer
... He who learns well the trade of praying masters the secret of the Christian art,
and becomes a skilled ... God's ideal minister is a God-called, divinely anointed ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/vii the ministry and prayer.htm

In the Work of Ministering
... apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some ... in the service to which
every believer is called. ... ministered to the saints and do minister' (Luke 4 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xv in the work of.htm

The First Disciples: ii. Simon Peter
... his brethren's keeper, and is as plainly called to tell ... after, the man came and declared
himself a Christian. The minister said to him, 'Which of my discourses ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the first disciples ii simon.htm

What is the Universal Life Church? | GotQuestions.org

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Minister: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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