Volunteers Evangelist
We are in search of volunteers who want to help in fulfilling the “evangelization” here at EMM.
We are seeking to recruit people with a heart to reach the lost, a commitment to work hard and a willingness to learn how to witness more effectively.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
There are many Scriptures which show that an evangelist has specific qualifications, and has a specific function in the local church.
Not all member in the ministry are qualified to be evangelist. Notice how Paul was "appointed" as a preacher. "Where unto I am
ordained an evangelist, and an apostle, I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not; a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity."
~ 1 Timothy 2:7.
THE WORK OF THE EVANGELIST
Paul clearly outlined Timothy's work "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge
the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts
shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables."~ 2 Timothy 4:1-4. We can see that the evangelists work is to preach the word of God. It does not say that he is to
preach philosophy or politics. Neither does it say to preach part of the word. If the preacher is to preach all the word of God, then
he needs to be one who knows the word. However, an evangelist needs to have more than a knowledge of God's word and the
ability to preach. He could possess both these qualities and still be unqualified. The evangelist, all needs courage, and a thick hide.
He must be able to "endure sound doctrine". Preaching the whole counsel of God is not an easy task.
ERRORS CONCERNING THE ROLE OF THE PREACHER.
Many feel that work of the evangelist is to go out into the world and preach to unbelievers. It is a great error to believe this.
Certainly the preacher must do so, but the great commission applies to all Christians, not just the preacher ~ Acts 8:4 Likewise
many feel that the preacher's role is simply that of servant in the church. Local churches should seek to appoint an evangelist
who is courageous in preaching the truth. They should give him time to study ~2 Tim 2:15, and freedom to preach the whole
counsel of God ~ Acts 20:26 Only those appointed to the position and who have the qualifications should serve as pulpit
evangelists. The pulpit is not something that men should be just encouraged to "have a go at". The destiny of souls, and the
motivation of the church is far too vital for this.
The preacher has the responsibility of both his soul and the soul of the hearers. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine;
continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." ~ 1 Timothy 4:16. In order to carry out
this command the preacher must not only be sound in doctrine and courageous in standing for truth, but he is also to "take heed
to himself." Not all should be preachers and teachers. "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall
receive a stricter judgement." James 3:1 (NKJV). The "judgement" here is probably two fold. The preacher or teacher is more
strictly judged by God, because of the grave responsibility he assumes by the position. There is also a stricter judgement by the
congregation. His life is closely examined and critically analysed because of the position of influence he exerts The preacher or
teacher must also be an example in life. "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in
conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." ~ 1 Timothy 4:12 These were sobering words to young Timothy.
(re:http://www.churchofchrist.com.au)
An evangelist is dedicated to the ministry of teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Unlike a pastor, an evangelist
does not have a flock to lead, although he may work closely with a local church. Preaching the word of God is the central work of
evangelists. They do not oversee the church, which the Bible says is the work of the church elders. The word "evangelist" comes
from the Greek word, "evangelises," which means a messenger of good news. In 2 Timothy 4:5, the apostle Paul urged Timothy
to "do the work of an evangelist." In 1 Timothy 4:6, Paul also instructs Timothy, the evangelist to teach the doctrines of the Christian
faith.
Evangelists devote their time in the study of the Bible. In 2 Timothy 2:15, the apostle Paul also instructed the evangelist Timothy
to study the doctrines of the faith. And in 2 Timothy 4: 2, Paul also asked Timothy to correct false beliefs. Armed with the knowledge
of the Bible, evangelists will be able to do their duty of correcting those who hold beliefs contrary to the word of God.
Evangelists work closely with a local church, updating the members and leadership about their ministry. They maintain close a
relationship with their church and maintain their accountability to church leaders and members. They get direction and guidance
from the leaders of the organization.
(re:http://www.ehow.com/list_6601737_duties-evangelist.html)
Evangelism involves
the active sharing of the activity of God in your life
listening to the spiritual needs of the friend you are talking with
regularly praying for your friends, and
sharing the gospel content with them, in such a way
that God brings conviction of sin and a desire to surrender one’s life to Him.
For an Evangelist to be successful, he must have more than vision. He must clearly understand his responsibilities in performing
this type of work. "The church is essentially a ministering body of believers. As such, it reaches out evangelically, benevolently,
instructionally, liturgically, etc., but its character and work is always driven by ministry, cf. Matt 20:25-28; John 12:26."
The Evangelist's vision is of an established congregation, fully developed having Elders and Deacons. When this is realized,
his vision becomes reality. He, then, has virtually completed his scriptural responsibility.
REGARDING ESTABLISHED CONGREGATIONS
As established congregation the Evangelist have different responsibilities, the Evangelist perform as his being hired to do
their work of teaching. The leadership that called him to work with them needs correcting in order for the church to grow.
The Evangelist perceived his work as being divinely mandated. An Evangelist must make it absolutely clear, before he
accepts a work with a congregation that calls him, the scriptural guidelines which will regulate his work. And, in turn, he
should establish the relationship they will have to him in this process. Every new convert and any new person becoming
a member of that group, should also be clearly instructed as to the Evangelist's responsibilities that he has towards them
and they toward him. In other words, he needs to be sure to have a clear understanding up front.
SUPPORT AND DISCIPLINE
Since the work of an Evangelist is an official position in the church, the disciplinary guidelines for him are the same as for an
Elder or a Deacon (1 Tim 5:19-20). The Christian system is perfect. Once implemented properly, it will produce the peaceful
fruits of righteousness.
The organization of the church is found in the New Testament.
The desire to restore New Testament Christianity is a most wholesome thought, a work which began in this country and
has proved a blessing to men who are want to serve God.The universal church is organized under the Head Jesus Christ. His will is law, and every member of the church must seek
to please or praise Him (Acts 2:47). The church is ruled in an autonomous fashion with elders and deacons being appointed
upon their qualifications. Each local church is made of those people who have been saved by the grace of God applying
the blood of Christ to their souls, who meet regularly for worship God (Acts 20:7) in a "local" place. They're the church in
that area. A church, as per organization can exist in this way: Scripturally organized. Such a church will have qualified men
watch over and caring for the flock under Jesus Christ (I Pet 5:1-4).
THE CHURCH ORGANIZATION
Church government, church polity Question: "What does the Bible say about the form of church government (polity)?"
The Lord was very clear in His Word about how He wishes His church on earth to be organized and managed. First, Christ is the
head of the church and its supreme authority (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 1:18). Second, the church is to be autonomous,
free from any external authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of
individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5). Third, the church is to be governed by spiritual leadership consisting of two main offices:
elders and deacons.
The New Testament refers a number of times to elders who served in the role of church leadership (Acts 14:23, 15:2, 20:17;
Titus 1:5; James 5:14) and apparently each church had more than one, as the word is usually found in the plural. It seems that
the position of elder was equal to the position of episkopos, translated “overseer” or “bishop” (Acts 11:30; 1 Timothy 5:17).
The term “elder” may refer to the dignity of the office, while the term “bishop/overseer” describes its authority and duties
(1 Peter 2:25, 5:1-4). In Philippians 1:1, Paul greets the bishops and deacons but does not mention the elders, presumably
because the elders are the same as the bishops. Likewise, 1 Timothy 3:2, 8 gives the qualifications of bishops and deacons but
not of elders. Titus 1:5-7 seems also to tie these two terms together.
The position of “deacon,” from diakonos, meaning “through the dirt,” was one of servant leadership to the church.
Deacons are separate from elders, while having qualifications that are in many ways similar to those of elders (1 Timothy 3:8-13).
Deacons assist the church in whatever is needed, as recorded in Acts chapter 6.
Concerning the word poimen, translated “pastor” in reference to a human leader of a church, it is found only once in the
New Testament, in Ephesians 4:11: “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists,
and some to be pastors and teachers.” Most associate the two terms “pastors” and “teachers” as referring to a single position,
a pastor-teacher. It is likely that a pastor-teacher was the spiritual shepherd of a particular local church.
It would seem from the above passages that there was always a plurality of elders, but this does not negate God’s gifting particular
elders with the teaching gifts while gifting others with the gift of administration, prayer, etc. (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11).
Nor does it negate God’s calling them into a ministry in which they will use those gifts (Acts 13:1). Thus, one elder may emerge as
the “pastor,” another may do the majority of visiting members because he has the gift of compassion, while another may “rule” in
the sense of handling the organizational details. Many churches that are organized with a pastor and deacon board perform the
functions of a plurality of elders in that they share the ministry load and work together in some decision making. In Scripture there
was also much congregational input into decisions.
In summary, the Bible teaches a leadership consisting of a plurality of elders (bishops/overseers) along with a group of deacons
who serve the church. But it is not contrary to this plurality of elders to have one of the elders serving in the major “pastoral” role.
God calls some as “pastor/teachers” (even as He called some to be missionaries in Acts 13) and gives them as gifts to the church
(Ephesians 4:11). Thus, a church may have many elders, but not all elders are called to serve in the pastoral role. But, as one of
the elders, the pastor or “teaching elder” has no more authority in decision making than does any other elder
Leadership in the Church - An Eight Words
Apostles: The word “apostle” is often used for the highest rank of church leadership. However, the word had a different meaning
before the church existed. It originally meant “one who has been sent” an ambassador or representative.
Prophets: A prophet it is not somebody who predicts the future. That may be one meaning of the word, but that’s not the only way
the word is used. When the Samaritan woman perceived that Jesus was a prophet (John 4:19), it was not because of a prediction
about the future, but because of a revelation about the past and present. When the guards told Jesus to prophesy (Matthew 26:68),
they were asking for a revelation about the present, not the future.
Evangelists: Some people use “evangelist” as an administrative rank, but Paul was probably not describing a church-government
hierarchy in Ephesians 4:11. Although the apostles had more authority than prophets did, Paul does not use this verse to say that.
He does not say that prophets had authority over evangelists, or that evangelists had authority over pastors and teachers. He is not
prescribing a hierarchy.
Pastors: The word pastor appears only once in the NIV (Ephesians 4:11). The Greek word is usually translated “shepherd.” Luke 2:8
uses the word in its literal meaning: “There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”
Shepherds take care of sheep. “Shepherd” is often used metaphorically for spiritual leadership. Jesus considered himself a good
shepherd (John 10:11-14). The people were “like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). His own disciples were “sheep of
the flock” (Matthew 26:31; Luke 12:32), but Jesus had other sheep, too (John 10:16). He is the great shepherd, and we are
the sheep of his pasture (Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25).
Teachers: Jesus is the perfect example of every category of church leader. He is an apostle, a prophet, an evangelist, a shepherd,
an overseer, a servant and a teacher. He called himself a teacher, his disciples called him teacher, the crowds called him teacher,
even his enemies called him teacher. “Teacher” is the Greek equivalent of “Rabbi” (John 1:38; 20:16). One of Jesus’ chief
activities was teaching. He taught not only his disciples, but also the crowds, in the temple, in synagogues, in towns and villages,
on mountains and at the lakeside. “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus said. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple”
(John 18:20).
Bishops: In many denominations, a bishop is a person who supervises all the churches in a region. The bishop often leads the
largest congregation in the largest city in the region assign a bishop to each region to have authority over the pastors and churches
in that region. Each city or region has only one bishop. However, the New Testament does not reveal this particular structure.
There was more than one bishop (NIV: overseer) in Ephesus, and more than one in Philippians (Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1).
Near Ephesus, Paul sent for the elders, called them all bishops, and told them to be pastors of the church (Acts 20:28). In
Philippians, Paul greeted the bishops and deacons without mentioning pastors or elders (Philippians 1:1). This
suggests that bishop, pastor and elder are overlapping terms.
Elders: the elder is the most common translation of presbyteros, which means “older one.” The prodigal son’s older brother was
a presbyteros, “the older one” (Luke 15:25). Patriarchs and prophets were presbyteroi, which the NIV translates as “ancients”
(Hebrews 11:2). The 24 elders in heaven are also presbyteroi (Revelation 4:4, etc.). Jewish religious leaders were often called
elders. The word was used within the Christian community, too (Acts 11:30; 15:2, etc.). Peter and John called themselves elders
(1 Peter 5:1; 2 John 1; 3 John 1). Since presbyteros can refer to an older man or to a church leader, we have to look at the
context to see which is meant. Since 1 Timothy 5:1-2 deals with younger men, older women and younger women, it appears that
presbyteroi in verse 1 refers to older men, not to church leaders. Titus 2:2-3 also seems to be about older men and older women.
They need to be taught basic things that church leaders should already know. Verses 4-6 then address younger women and
younger men, so the context shows that Paul is dealing with older men as an age group, not church leaders. Paul and Barnabas
appointed elders in each of the churches they founded (Acts 14:23). Paul told Titus to appoint elders in every town in Crete
(Titus 1:5). In both cases, the churches were young and probably small. Nevertheless, more than one elder was appointed in
each church.
In Jerusalem, the elders seem to have had a ruling function in conjunction with the apostles (Acts 15:6, 22-23; 16:4; 21:18) just as
the Jewish elders had a ruling function when they met as the Sanhedrin. Paul referred to “the elders who direct the affairs of the
church” (1 Timothy 5:17). What does it mean to “direct” the church? The Greek word is proistemi, which comes from root words
meaning “to stand before.” This word is used to say that elders and deacons should “manage” their own households
(1 Timothy 3:4-5, 12), which should be done with self-sacrificial love. The NIV translates this word “leadership” in Romans 12:8. 1
Timothy 5:17 tells us that elders helped direct the church, but only some of the elders were preachers and teachers. All preachers
were elders, but not all elders were preachers.
The extent and limits of elders’ authority is not spelled out in the New Testament, but they do have authority. Members are told,
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an
account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden” (Hebrews 13:17). “Respect those who are over you in the Lord
and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12). “The elders who
direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor” (1 Timothy 5:17). Because elders have a leadership position,
they sometimes become the object of a disgruntled person’s anger. For that reason, Paul told Timothy, “Do not entertain an
accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19). But if the accusation is true, it
must be dealt with publicly: “Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning” (verse 20). Although
elders have authority that should be obeyed, they should not use their authority for self-service. Peter told them to serve “as
overseers, not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be not greedy for money, but eager to serve;
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3). Like overseers and pastors, they
are to take care of the flock (1 Timothy 3:5). They anoint the sick and pray for healing (James 5:14).
They “watch out for your souls, as those who must give account” (Hebrews 13:17, NKJV). However, many of the functions of elders
are not restricted to elders. The New Testament tells members to serve one another, teach other another, instruct one another,
edify one another, admonish one another and submit to one another. The elders serve in all these areas to build others up, teach
right doctrines, promote spiritual maturity and equip the saints for works of ministry. Elders preach and direct the church with
concern for the spiritual well-being of the members; they work to bring out the most in the other members.
Deacons: The word diakonos means “assistant”, someone who works to help others. The word is used in a general sense to
describe apostles, preachers, servants and other workers. It is apparently used in a more specialized meaning in Philippians 1:1
and 1 Timothy 3:8-13 to denote an office in the church. The word diakonos and the verb diakoneo often mean manual labor.
1 Peter 4:11-12 makes a contrast between those who serve by speaking and those who serve (diakoneo). Those who have
been given a gift of (manual) ministry (diakonia) should use that gift (Romans 12:7). The seven men of Acts 6:3 have often been
understood as deacons, because they served by diakoneo — waiting on tables (verse 2). Physical service has traditionally
formed the core of the duties of a deacon. We are given a list of qualifications for deacons, but not a list of their duties.
The qualifications suggest that deacons may have had some teaching and ruling functions. “They must keep hold of the deep
truths of the faith” (1 Timothy 3:9). This concern for doctrinal accuracy may have simply been part of the concern for a good
example (verse 8), but it may also suggest that deacons helped teach. Deacons must manage their children and households
well (verse 12). The same qualification was given for bishops in verse 4, with the explanation given that bishops must manage
the church (verse 5). If the same rationale applies to deacons, it implies that deacons helped direct the church. However,
the New Testament does not mandate the specific duties of deacons. The church today is free to assign duties based on
current needs.
Lifetime or temporary?
Christians sometimes view the pastoral ministry as a lifetime calling. This is not necessarily true; there is no verse that requires it.
God calls every member to serve, but the way in which he wants us to serve may change through the years. God may call a
person to serve as a pastor for several years, to serve as a professor for a few more years and then to serve as a business
manager for a while. The person might serve as a pastoral supervisor, and then as an assistant pastor a few years later,
depending on the needs of the church and changes in the person’s family, health or other personal circumstances. The
person might serve as a full-time employee or as a self-employed or retired elder.
Due to changing circumstances in their lives, pastors may sometimes need to resign from the pastoral role entirely, depending
on what they understand God to be calling them to do. They may need to minister (serve) as lay persons rather than as elders.
People who see leadership solely in terms of authority might view this as a demotion, but when ministry is seen in terms of service,
a resignation might be seen as a spiritually mature response to God’s call to serve in a new way. On the other hand, a resignation
could also be a refusal to serve in the way that God wants. Ministers must make their own decisions, without peer pressure or
fear of criticism.
What does a Christian do when their leader sins?
God holds the leaders of the church to a higher standard (James 3:1 is an example). He has given us high standards to use in
determining who is qualified to be a leader (1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9). These two passages refer to the qualifications of
church leaders. When a leader violates these standards, they are no longer qualified to continue in their role. These qualifications
include his gender, his high moral character, his relationship to his family, his ability to be a good manager, his knowledge of
God's Word, and he must be gifted or skilled in teaching. If he fails here he is to be removed from being the leader.
Here is a check list for you.
Step One: Are They Disqualified? Christians usually highly regard their leaders as spiritual leaders. So it is hard, when a
church leader commits a grievous sin or is discovered to be involved in a pattern of sin, to accept that fact and realize that he
might be disqualified (according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9). We want to be loving, but if and when they disqualify
themselves, action must be taken. If after reviewing 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 you come to the conclusion he is disqualified.
A common accusation that some hurl at those who believe that action must be taken is that Jesus taught us to not judge others.
But such comments miss the point of Jesus' teaching. If their comments are true, no one could ever evaluate the teaching of a
false teacher or evaluate someone for the position of the leader. Scripture clearly teaches that we have the responsibility to
evaluate the character and conduct of others but only with objectivity, righteousness and fairness. Seek Their Repentance.
If you conclude that your leader is disqualified, you must take action. 1 Timothy 5:19-20 tells us the leader does not have special
privileges when it comes to sin and error. Do not entertain an accusation against an leader unless it is brought by two or three
witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. I charge you, in the sight of God and
Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
(NIV) 1 Tim. 5:19-21
Biblical Confrontation. When we discover that another Christian has an ongoing pattern of sin, we have an obligation and a
responsibility before the Lord to encourage the person to stop. This is not something people like to do. Some people believe that
this is not biblical. But there are several examples throughout the Bible where godly men have approached others who were guilty
of sinning because they had not repented and were continuing in their sin. The first example is King David who was rebuked by
the prophet Nathan because David had committed adultery with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 12:1-7). Another example is the Apostle
Paul who rebuked the apostle Peter because he would not eat with Gentiles (Gal. 2:11-14). The third example occurred in the
Corinthian church. Here the apostle Paul rebuked those in the Corinthian church because they did not care enough for a sinning
mother and son to go to them and lovingly encourage them to stop sinning (1 Cor. 2:1-13). The last example is from 1
Timothy 1:19-20 where we discover that Paul had disciplined two men who were guilty of blaspheming God. Proverbs 27:6 provides
a basic principle. The verse tells us that the wounds of a friend are faithful. That is, faithful friends will rebuke one another when
one of them is in sin. God even provides guidelines for approaching a sinning Christian. Ephesians 4:15 tells us that when we
rebuke another we need to speak the truth in love, and Galatians 6:1 tells us that we need to go to him or her in a spirit of humility,
gentleness, and grace - not anger and hurt and encourage him/her to stop committing the sin. Here is the passage in Galatians.
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each
one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of
Christ. (NASB) Gal. 6:1-2 The English phrase "caught in any trespass" has the idea of someone who is trapped in sin."
This is the meaning in the Greek. The person can be trapped by a single sin or by a pattern of sin. Single sins can include divorce,
murder, sexual sin, or theft, for example. Patterns of sin can include: anger, drunkenness, abusive speech, or immorality.
There are other sins that we need to be concerned about as well. We must never assume that we understand everything we
see or hear (John 7:51). Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?
(NASB) John 7:51 Jesus said that all judgment must be done righteously. Here is Jesus' statement. Do not judge according to
appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. (NASB) John 7:24
(re: http://www.neverthirsty.org/)
Terms used by our Ministry
Bishop = overseer in the Bible
Minister = Pastor or Priest in the Bible, Applying "pastor" as a synonym for the pulpit preacher. All pastors are pulpit
preachers, but not all preachers are pastors.Deacon, Diaconate in the Bible
Seminarian
Evangelist Applying "evangelist" exclusively to pulpit preachers who preach in the same church.
Elder in the Bible
Lay Minister
Lay Member in the Bible
Evaluation:
The Evangelist will file monthly reports to the Bishop and Elders on ministry accomplishments and activities.
The Personnel Team will conduct annually a performance evaluation.
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