Movement of Evangelism: Three Roles of Evangelism in the Church

Evangelism plays an important role in our churches. How exactly does it impact the church? Rev Paul Ng brings understanding to us through his study.

In the words of David Wright (Scottish evangelical theologian and historian), ‘A local congregation renewed for mission is God’s primary evangelistic agency.’ Similar sentiments are echoed in the writings of Bill Hybels and Rick Warren who seem to be saying, ‘I believe in the church.’

Whenever we hear of church successes in their evangelism, we want to know their secret. People’s attitudes range from an insistence on being faithful to the gospel and a willingness to use whatever contemporary gimmick that seems to work. Nevertheless, those who want to remain faithful have forgotten much of Jesus’ teaching and method of reaching people; and those who are attracted by the latest technique produce decisions without discipleship, and become discouraged.

So exactly, what is evangelism and its roles in the church? The roles of evangelism can be broadly categorized into three primary functions:

There is no direct-equivalent word for our English word evangelism in the New Testament. Its origin is rooted in three Greek words:

Euangelion: “gospel” – (Mark 1:14–15)

Euangelistes: “evangelist” – (Acts 21:8; Eph. 4:11)

Euangelizo: “to proclaim the gospel” – (Rom. 10:15).

Evangelism, then, is the English term for the act of communicating the gospel, conveyed in the New Testament by the verb euangelizo.

1. Proclaiming the Gospel

The essence of evangelism is the message that Jesus is Savior and Lord. This involves sharing the message of His life, death, resurrection and the salvation available through Him.

The Great Commission (Mt. 28:19-20) isn’t just a suggestion or request but a command to us. Go and tell (Mark 16:15) … Go and make disciples (Mt. 28:18-20). The gospel is for us to go and tell. Interestingly, you can’t spell the word Gospel without Go! Let’s not turn the Great Commission into the great omission.

“We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:20. So what is stopping you from speaking to others about Jesus? ‘Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word’. – Acts 8:4. Un-named ordinary people preached the word…where God placed them…in good or bad times. Isn’t the Baptism of the Holy Spirit meant to give us dynamic power to be His witness? Are you an available vessel for Him today?

Who are your target audience and where to find them? Non-believers among our contacts and back-slidden Christians you encounter where God has placed you.

Evangelism should be a lifestyle and not an event or church program.

Use whatever methods you are comfortable with or available to you. From public preaching, personal testimonies, distributing literature, using media and digital platforms, and engaging in conversations about faith. Evangelism should be a lifestyle and not an event or church program.

Effective witnessing is taking the initiative to share Christ under the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the result to God.  Remember: We bring Christ to the lost.  God brings the lost to Christ. – John 6:44

2.  Discipleship

A mandate for us to go and make disciples…- Mt. 28:1820. You can’t be a disciple-maker if you aren’t one. To be a disciple is to put on the new life and a new lifestyle. – 2 Cor. 5:17. Discipleship is a lifestyle, not just a biblical truth nor a Christian ideal. It’s a life for others. Not ego-centric but Christo-centric lifestyle.

A disciple doesn’t compete with others but rather co-operates and complements. He works for the common good. His question isn’t what will I get from others but what can I give to others. He models after the pattern of the Lord Jesus Christ. – Mark 10:45.

Distinctive marks of a true disciple:

• Holding on to His teaching – John 8:31-32
• Loving one another – John 13:34-35
• Bearing fruits – John 15:5-8
• Self-denial… Self-sacrifice… Self-surrender – Luke 9:23

Hence, beyond initial conversion, evangelism includes nurturing new believers in their faith, helping them grow spiritually, and integrating them into the church community. Are you just a believer in Christ or disciple of Christ?

I grew up spiritually this way and whenever I led someone to Christ, I would always ensure they attend a cell-group and serve in whatever capacity where God gifted them.

The rationale behind discipleship is to ensure that new Christians are grounded in their faith and equipped to live out their beliefs in their daily lives.

Means and Methods: Bible studies, mentoring relationships, small group meetings, and teaching foundational Christian doctrines and practices. I grew up spiritually this way and whenever I led someone to Christ, I would always ensure they attend a cell-group and serve in whatever capacity where God gifted them.

3. Social Transformation

Evangelism also encompasses demonstrating Christ’s love through acts of service and addressing social, economic, and justice issues. But why? Simple: the world doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

A ‘social gospel’ reflects the wholesome and holistic nature and approach, showing that it is not only about personal salvation but also about bringing God’s kingdom values to all areas of life. Faith without action is dead (James 2:17-23). We recite the Lord’s Prayer… ‘Thy kingdom comes thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!’

Well, never under-estimate what God can do through your one life. 

A renewed mind (Romans 12:1-2) enables us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Mt. 5:13-14). We are all God’s workmanship…created for good works…- Ephesians 2:10. We can influence and impact the world through community service, advocacy for justice, humanitarian aid, and programs that meet physical, emotional, and social needs of people.

Sounds great but you might be thinking I am too insignificant to contribute to the above. Well, never under-estimate what God can do through your one life. Do you know when God wants to do something great, He starts with one man:

• One Moses to deliver a nation.
• One David to conquer kingdoms.
• One Elijah to defeat hundreds of false prophets.
• One Jonah to bring a mighty nation to repentance.
• One Paul to shake the Roman Empire with the Gospel.
• One man. One life.  It might be you!

Yes, I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. – Edward Everett Hale.

Each of these roles is essential to the church’s mission, ensuring that evangelism is comprehensive, impacting individuals and society at multiple levels.