But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5, NKJV)
What is the work of an evangelist? Many, including some evangelists, either do not know or fail to appreciate what is his work. As a result, unscriptural, unrealistic expectations and demands are put upon him. This ought not be so. There is a work he must do, and for which he is accountable. An evangelist is a herald, a “bringer of good tidings” (Thayer, 257). He is a gospel preacher. Paul explained this in 2 Timothy 4:1-2: “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word!” The evangelist’s work is not to entertain an audience with comedy and storytelling. His work is not measured by his eloquence (1 Cor. 1:17; 2:1, 4, 13). The work of the evangelist is not to be the church’s social coordinator. Preaching the gospel is about feeding souls, not feeding stomachs (Jno. 6:26-27). To do his work he must devote himself to “reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:13). He cannot preach what he does not know. Do not expect that of him. The evangelist must go into the pulpit and Bible studies prepared to proclaim the word of God. The work of preaching the gospel is not about filling time, it is about filling the time you have with the word of God. That is how the seed, God’s word, is planted into hearts (Lk. 8:11-15). That is your work, evangelist. Be sure you do that work. Do not be deterred and distracted by false definitions and expectations of your work.
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