Does The Bible Teach That All Christians Must Evangelize?

Hi all

A friend recently urged me to adopt the basic position summarized below:
1. Evangelism is a universal command stated in Scripture.
2. Therefore, all Christians should evangelize.

I'm aware that a good number of eminent evangelical leaders hold the position that evangelism is a duty for all Christians.

I'm wondering if anyone can post what the exact verses are in Scripture that clearly teach this?

Many thanks
ThinkingChristian
 
Hi all

A friend recently urged me to adopt the basic position summarized below:
1. Evangelism is a universal command stated in Scripture.
2. Therefore, all Christians should evangelize.

I'm aware that a good number of eminent evangelical leaders hold the position that evangelism is a duty for all Christians.

I'm wondering if anyone can post what the exact verses are in Scripture that clearly teach this?

Many thanks
ThinkingChristian

What?

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
(Eph 4:11)

Some............. some...............some......... Are all prophets? Are all Apostles? Are all pastors? who sets the ministry office?

There is a specific anointing to be in one of those 5 offices. It is a calling, and empowerment.

An eye can't be a ear, no matter how hard the eye studies to be a ear. An ear will always do a better Job at being a ear no matter how hard the eye works to be an ear.

we are called to be light of this World, and Preach the Gospel to every Creature, seeking the Kingdom of God first. God's Kingdom first, the things of God first.

Now, we are to bare fruit, and be light and get the gospel out. If we are not called to a speaking position, then we support the gospel getting out just like they did in acts and those that gave to Paul so He could go and get the gospel out.

Trying to just go out to be an evangelist without the call will not produce much. We all have a part to do, and we all need to get where God said for us to be.

Stephan for example did not preach, did not evangelize but He did wait tables and the people he ran unto got blessed and healed for he was full of faith/

Callings are not by scriptures, they come directly from God, even Peter being upset that his call was not as Good as Johns so he thought.

There is no scripture that teaches we should be Evangelist. There is scripture that we are all part of the body of Christ and have different functions and callings. We need to stay where we are called to be.
 
I think my friend's definition would be sharing the gospel message to the unsaved. It would not include the concept of friendship evangelism.

One attempt at a Scriptural definition is found http://carm.org/what-is-evangelism

As to my own personal definition, I have not studied it and would have to defer to what Scripture teaches.
 
What?

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
(Eph 4:11)
MichaelH, what you wrote resonates with my current understanding. Unfortunately the response I received when I stated it was that it was a copout. My friend states that while some have a specific calling to evangelize as a dominant part of their ministry, all are required to evangelize as part of general obedience to the Great Commission. I'm just trying to understand if there is a Scriptural basis for this universal position, and if so, what it is.
 
I can't really find a verse that hits home the way that I want.

That being said, we are supposed to love others.

Mat 5:44 EMTV But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,

Mat 19:19 EMTV ' Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "

Mat 19:19 EMTV ' Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "

Mar 12:31 EMTV And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

Joh 13:34 EMTV A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.


There are many more verses that I can quote where Jesus said we are to love others. I don't think that means standing up on a stage and preaching to the masses but I do believe that if the call comes you need to teach those that don't believe with all the strength your heart can muster to help them turn to Jesus. Sure, no man can save another but God can save others using us. What is more loving trying to show someone the true love that Jesus offers?

Do I think all people should be preachers? No. I know that I'm not cut out for it. I do think though that in order to follow Jesus' command of loving others requires sharing the gospel.
 
I can't really find a verse that hits home the way that I want.

That being said, we are supposed to love others.

Joh 13:34 EMTV A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

There are many more verses that I can quote where Jesus said we are to love others. I don't think that means standing up on a stage and preaching to the masses but I do believe that if the call comes you need to teach those that don't believe with all the strength your heart can muster to help them turn to Jesus. Sure, no man can save another but God can save others using us. What is more loving trying to show someone the true love that Jesus offers?

Do I think all people should be preachers? No. I know that I'm not cut out for it. I do think though that in order to follow Jesus' command of loving others requires sharing the gospel.

Hi Huntingteckel

Thank you for the clear verses on the obligation to demonstrate love. To love others as oneself clearly appears to be a universal requirement and it has multiple Scriptures repeating this.

You wrote "in order to follow Jesus' command of loving others requires sharing the gospel". Are there verses that specifically teach this or is this more of a personal opinion?

Thanks
 
MichaelH, what you wrote resonates with my current understanding.

Yes, same here, that is my understanding, I posted a similar OP in the past…
I have much respect to those who was called on to preach, teachers, pastors, evangelist, etc…

But some was appointed to clean the dishes : )

Having said that, I haven’t post this observation yet:

Stephen.

He was assigned to “serve tables”…..and yet seems he went out preaching, to dispute….

As a student of history: It resulted to his death, but as an observation, it signals involvement of Paul….a instrument of spreading Christianity?

Now, does Stephen goes out of his way, instead of “serving table” he went and he goes out to preach? I don’t think so…..

Stephen was full of faith, full of the Holy Spirit, he was assigned him to the tables, but as I see it, he was called to preach…..
 
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Hi all

A friend recently urged me to adopt the basic position summarized below:
1. Evangelism is a universal command stated in Scripture.
2. Therefore, all Christians should evangelize.

I'm aware that a good number of eminent evangelical leaders hold the position that evangelism is a duty for all Christians.

I'm wondering if anyone can post what the exact verses are in Scripture that clearly teach this?

Many thanks
ThinkingChristian

Our mission is:

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (KJV)
And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
 
Thank you Abdicate. I really appreciate you sharing these verses. I hadn't considered these verses before in relation to this question.

In the initial reading, I thought this might be a verse that strongly implies evangelism as a universal Christian requirement. On reading it more closely, I'm not sure. In the 2 Cor 5:18-20 verses, it appears the 'us' is referring to Paul and Timothy, and the 'you' refers to the Corinthian church. The appeal appears to be highlighting Paul and Timothy claiming to have a ministry of reconciliation, are ambassadors for Christ, and in this role are urging the Corinthians church to be reconciled to God. I cannot see an explicit universal evangelism requirement in these verses.

In Acts 13:38-39, I can see the importance of such a message. I cannot see that it explicitly suggests or even implies it is every Christian's responsibility to preach. Yes the Gospel will be preached and all who believe are justified. The verse doesn't specify exactly who is responsible to do the preaching, just that it will be preached, and what impact it will have.

These are my thoughts. Is there anything you think I might be missing in how I am reading these?

Are there other verses you can think of that might be more specific re an evangelism requirement for all believers?

Thanks again for posting.
 
MichaelH, what you wrote resonates with my current understanding. Unfortunately the response I received when I stated it was that it was a copout. My friend states that while some have a specific calling to evangelize as a dominant part of their ministry, all are required to evangelize as part of general obedience to the Great Commission. I'm just trying to understand if there is a Scriptural basis for this universal position, and if so, what it is.

Well, OK........... I mean it's a Calling and a specific direction from God. If I say your not a good christian because you don't "GO OUT" and evangelize then I have no scripture to back that statement against you.

Now if your telling someone about Jesus aT a Ball game, or car wash, then that is what we do. It's doing the plan of God, and being a witness while doing that plan.

Peter instructed us to do this by the Holy Spirit.

1Pe 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Being ready always takes time with God everyday, time in the word and preparing our heart (With a cup of coffee) to leave the house and be a light. We are told by scripture to have a answer to everyone that Ask us about our hope, our joy, our blessing the see God give us, ECT......

It's not like we set out to pound on doors and take up street corners proclaiming the Word or spending a bunch of money to get involved with some mission trip. (Not that the Lord may not ask us to go, be led)

here is another one.............Instruction to Timothy personally, but I believe we can use them.


2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

The key here again is that we just stay ready, stay a light, stay a witness, stay full of fruit others see. A Pastor does not preach out of season words, but we might have to when dealing with people we run into.

What is "IN" season and "OUT" season. Paul quoted OT again so we need to take a look at it.


Isa 50:4
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

Pro 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

A Word in Season is something from God for a person that is their exact answer to their issue. It means their heart is ready to hear and do whatever it takes to fix something in their life. It's a "IN" Season Word for them, the answer.

A Word out of Season is someone that needs help, but would not be able to bare yet the thing that fixes the root of the problem, so we encourage with the Word instead and comfort. Like telling a person they have to move out their live in Boy friend. They might be able to hear that yet, or tell them to stop wearing t-shirts with skulls. Even if that is their root issue, it does not good telling them something they can't receive yet until God gets their heart ready to be in season to hear. It's best to let them know you care, and wait, else we just offend them and loose our witness.

We are to be ready to give a "IN" season Word and "Out" of season Word. Someone beat down a weary often will take the "IN" season. Someone that is not struggling so much may not receive the "IN" season word yet, but we can encourage.

If a Persons heart can't receive yet, then giving them the "IN" Word just offends them.

Here is another.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(2Ti 2:15)

The only scripture where we do something to get God's approval to be used. We all need to study and be ready no matter what God has for us to do.


 
Hi Huntingteckel

Thank you for the clear verses on the obligation to demonstrate love. To love others as oneself clearly appears to be a universal requirement and it has multiple Scriptures repeating this.

You wrote "in order to follow Jesus' command of loving others requires sharing the gospel". Are there verses that specifically teach this or is this more of a personal opinion?

Thanks
It's more of a personal opinion. There are plenty of verses that say to preach but they are almost always directed to someone specific.

I'm sure there's a verse out there but I can't find them. I hate not being able to find verses.
 
Ya rite here bro look, Matthew 28:19-20
It says " Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
20. teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and Lo, i am with you always , even to the end of the age"

With this we r to tell all your friends, relatives, peeps u bump into ect. the good news ( Gospel) What Jesus has done for you personally and what HE can do for any of us :)
 
It's still a contribution to evangelizing.
Yes, but shouldn't just think because one tithes don't need to evangelise face to face with others. I'm not picking though and you're right it is a way and is important to the work if God. Mind, on the matter of evangelising , i find difficulty with it if i'm on my own approaching people. I'm ok if with a group from church. It's amazing though while i'm typing that i can find it difficult, i have scenario in my head where i could actually do that. It's not easy though especially if your on your own and they might think your wierd. I really should make more of an effort though. There's plenty if materials to use, such as leaflets, magazines , newspapers. The most i seem to do on my own is leave reading material on a seat on the train.
 
A person can evangelize through tithes.

Most callings do not include speaking positions. Few are called to this, and we all should have an answer, be a light and stay in the Word to show ourselves approved.

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
(1Co 7:7)

All callings are to support those who are sent out, so giving (Tithe-Putting the Kingdom first) to empower others to go out gives the same reward as if we did the speaking.

Some are called to pray...........(And give, All should be tithing and giving)


Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
(2Co 1:11)

Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
(2Co 9:13-15)

Some are called to serve the people, minister healing, comfort, visit, serve the church, open doors, ushers, so on to free up those who have to minister the Word.


Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
(Act 6:2-4)

If we all go out to "Evangelize" then those God has actually called and anointed to do it are not supported like they should since we are not doing what we should.
 
Most callings do not include speaking positions. Few are called to this, and we all should have an answer, be a light and stay in the Word to show ourselves approved.

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
(1Co 7:7)

All callings are to support those who are sent out, so giving (Tithe-Putting the Kingdom first) to empower others to go out gives the same reward as if we did the speaking.

Some are called to pray...........(And give, All should be tithing and giving)


Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
(2Co 1:11)

Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
(2Co 9:13-15)

Some are called to serve the people, minister healing, comfort, visit, serve the church, open doors, ushers, so on to free up those who have to minister the Word.


Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
(Act 6:2-4)

If we all go out to "Evangelize" then those God has actually called and anointed to do it are not supported like they should since we are not doing what we should.
I thought everybody could be used to evangelise. On a Saturday even my pastor and his wife go out to evangelise with members of the church. And while they're at church inbetween preaching he will be at the door evangelising if he has a bit of time away from other duties.
 
I thought everybody could be used to evangelise. On a Saturday even my pastor and his wife go out to evangelise with members of the church. And while they're at church inbetween preaching he will be at the door evangelising if he has a bit of time away from other duties.

Everyone is suppose to be a light, produce fruit in front of others and be ready to give an answer to every persons that asked. As for just going out.................................. That is a calling and scripture I gave showed positions that support that type of calling. We are to support those who are to be sent out.

Now if Kids want to go on a mission trip I believe that would be an awesome experience for them or if you go with a group for a week Whatever.

But getting caught up into doing something your not called to do, leaves a empty spot that you were suppose to be filling.

Eyes can't be ears, no matter how hard they try.

I have tons of stories on how God used me to help total strangers, but I was not "Evangelizing" I was just doing my normal stuff.

Don't fret though, if you just do what is on your heart to do, and stay ready, you will be very busy anyway.

Look at Stephan..... healing, Miracles, full of power and he waited tables.................... The list of folks he helped doing what He was called to do must have been a book thick. He did not go out to Evangelize or anything. He waited tables.

Blessings.
 
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