What if sharing the gospel isn’t just a calling for some, but a spiritual gift given to specific individuals for the building up of the Church? The gift of evangelism is more than enthusiasm—it is a God-given capacity to proclaim the good news with clarity, power, and fruitfulness. While every believer is called to share their faith, Scripture shows that some are uniquely empowered to do so. This article explores what the Bible says about the gift of evangelism, highlighting key verses, biblical examples, and practical ways to stir up and use this gift for God’s glory.
What Is the Gift of Evangelism?
The gift of evangelism is a special spiritual ability given by the Holy Spirit to certain believers to clearly and effectively communicate the gospel. These individuals are not just passionate; they are spiritually empowered to lead others to Christ with a unique clarity and urgency. They are often bold, persuasive, and unafraid to engage in spiritual conversations with strangers or large crowds.
The gift of evangelism is a Spirit-empowered ability to proclaim the gospel and bring people into saving faith in Jesus Christ. This gift is not limited to pastors or missionaries; it appears in various roles within the body of Christ. Evangelists help equip the church by encouraging and training others to share their faith, multiplying gospel witness in the world.
Key Scriptures on the Gift of Evangelism
#1. Ephesians 4:11
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,”
This verse identifies evangelists as one of the distinct offices or roles that Christ gave to the Church. Evangelists are not merely people who share the gospel occasionally. They are part of God’s plan to grow and equip the Church. Their role stands alongside apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers, indicating its critical importance. Evangelists have a divine appointment and spiritual authority to lead others to Christ and to stir the Church toward outreach. The verse reminds us that evangelism is not optional or secondary—it is a vital gift for the Church’s mission.
#2. Romans 12:6-8
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
While evangelism isn’t named directly here, the passage teaches a foundational truth: spiritual gifts differ by God’s design, and each must be used faithfully. Evangelism falls under these grace-based gifts. Those gifted in evangelism must intentionally use that gift with zeal, clarity, and obedience. Paul emphasizes responsible use—meaning that gifted evangelists shouldn’t neglect or downplay their calling. This verse underscores the principle that every spiritual gift, including evangelism, is meant to be exercised actively for the good of the Church and the salvation of the lost.
#3. 2 Timothy 4:5
“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
Paul’s words to Timothy are direct and urgent. Though Timothy was a pastor, Paul urged him to “do the work of an evangelist.” This means that even leaders with other callings are not exempt from evangelism. Evangelism is a ministry to be fulfilled, not avoided. This command shows that the work of an evangelist includes more than preaching—it involves persistence, endurance, and focus. Paul links it to sober-mindedness and suffering, indicating that evangelism requires spiritual toughness. The verse challenges believers to carry out evangelism consistently, no matter their role or circumstances.
#4. Acts 8:4
“Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”
After persecution scattered the early Church, ordinary believers—not just apostles—began spreading the gospel wherever they went. This verse reveals that evangelism isn’t limited to those with formal titles or positions. Every believer can carry the message of Christ into new places. The scattered Christians didn’t wait for ideal conditions—they preached as they went. This verse powerfully affirms that while some have the gift of evangelism, all believers should be ready to share. It also shows that God can use hardship to ignite gospel expansion through faithful witnesses.
#5. 1 Corinthians 12:28
“And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.”
Though the word “evangelist” is not used, this list shows that God arranges spiritual gifts for building up the Church. The ordering implies God’s intentional design in empowering believers with different functions. Evangelism, as seen elsewhere in Scripture, fits among these appointed gifts, serving a vital role in the Church’s mission and structure. This reinforces that evangelism is not a human invention or strategy but a divine appointment. Understanding the placement of such gifts helps us honor and nurture them as sacred tools for gospel advancement.
#6. Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
These final words of Jesus are a foundational commission for all believers. Evangelism flows directly from Jesus’ command to go and make disciples. It’s not optional. It’s the core mission of the Church. The command is global, urgent, and comprehensive. It includes preaching, baptizing, and teaching. Evangelists, empowered by the Spirit, play a central role in carrying this out. While the Great Commission applies to all Christians, those with the gift of evangelism often feel a strong inner urgency to obey it and help others do the same.
#7. Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Jesus promised His followers power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. This power wasn’t just emotional—it was enabling. The gift of evangelism operates in the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Evangelists are not persuasive by natural ability alone; they rely on divine power to reach hearts. This verse shows the progression of witness: local, regional, and global. Evangelists are often at the forefront of such movement, leading the Church into new territories and cultures with boldness and clarity.
#8. Mark 16:15
“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’”
Jesus makes the mission clear—proclaim the gospel to every person, everywhere. Evangelists live out this commission with intentional focus and consistent action. This is not limited to public preaching. It includes one-on-one conversations, street outreach, media use, and more. The verse emphasizes the global scope of the gospel mission. Evangelists often feel deeply burdened for unreached people and respond with urgency. Mark 16:15 validates the gift of evangelism as both a spiritual gift and a divine command, reinforcing the need for obedient messengers.
#9. Luke 24:47
“…and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
Here, Jesus outlines the content of the message—repentance and forgiveness through His name. True evangelism centers on Christ, calling people to turn from sin and receive forgiveness. Evangelists are not just inspirational speakers; they proclaim truth that convicts and transforms. This verse shows that evangelism must include a clear gospel message, not vague spiritual encouragement. It also reinforces the global aim of the mission. Evangelists gifted by the Spirit will be moved to declare this message with clarity, compassion, and boldness.
#10. John 4:29
“Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?”
The Samaritan woman, after encountering Jesus, immediately shared her experience with others. Her simple testimony stirred curiosity and drew people toward Christ. Evangelism doesn’t require eloquence; it requires an encounter with Jesus and the willingness to share it. This verse shows how personal testimony can be a powerful evangelistic tool. Though she wasn’t trained, she was effective. Evangelists today often stir hearts not by argument, but by authentic, Spirit-filled witness. The Samaritan woman modeled how personal transformation naturally leads to gospel proclamation.
Evangelists in the Bible
#1. Philip
Philip is the only person in Scripture directly called an “evangelist.” In Acts 8, Philip boldly preached Christ in Samaria, performed signs, and led many to faith. He also obeyed the Spirit’s leading to share the gospel with an Ethiopian eunuch, resulting in the man’s baptism and likely the gospel’s spread to Africa. Philip shows that evangelists are Spirit-led, mobile, and eager to proclaim Jesus to individuals and crowds alike. His ministry proves that evangelists operate beyond church walls. They go where people are—across cultures and borders—empowered by the Spirit to lead others to salvation.
#2. Paul
Paul was an apostle with a strong evangelistic calling and mission. He planted churches, preached to Jews and Gentiles, and endured persecution to proclaim the gospel. In Romans 15:20, he expressed a deep desire to preach Christ where He had not been named. Paul trained others, debated with philosophers, and wrote extensively to clarify the gospel. He modeled theological precision with missional urgency. Paul’s life teaches that evangelists must be both bold and grounded in truth. His passion for lost souls and relentless pursuit of gospel expansion define the heart of a true evangelist.
#3. Peter
Peter preached the first gospel sermon after Pentecost, leading 3,000 people to Christ. In Acts 2, he boldly declared Jesus as the risen Messiah, calling for repentance and baptism. Though known for his impulsiveness, Peter was transformed by the Holy Spirit into a powerful preacher. He evangelized Jews and later took the gospel to Gentiles, including Cornelius. Peter shows that evangelists need Spirit-empowered courage and theological clarity. His ministry reveals how the gift of evangelism can ignite movements. Despite past failure, he became a bold witness, proving that God uses redeemed people for powerful gospel work.
#4. Barnabas
Barnabas played a key role in encouraging and supporting evangelistic ministry. While not always seen as a front-line preacher, he partnered with Paul, discipled new believers, and helped build the early church in Antioch. His name means “son of encouragement,” and he lived it out by nurturing evangelists like Paul and John Mark. Barnabas reveals that the gift of evangelism often includes mentoring and strengthening others in gospel work. His leadership helped multiply gospel impact across regions. Evangelists can learn from Barnabas how to support and collaborate for greater outreach effectiveness.
#5. Timothy
Timothy was a young leader commanded to “do the work of an evangelist.” Though he had a pastoral role, Paul instructed him to remain active in gospel proclamation (2 Timothy 4:5). Timothy’s background—half-Greek, half-Jewish—positioned him to reach diverse audiences. He was mentored by Paul and entrusted with key churches. His example shows that evangelists must combine faithfulness, endurance, and courage. Timothy also proves that personality or age doesn’t disqualify anyone from evangelism. When developed and deployed, the gift can flourish in any context. His story encourages emerging leaders to embrace evangelism as central to their ministry.
#6. Stephen
Stephen was the first Christian martyr, known for his powerful witness before death. In Acts 6–7, he boldly defended the gospel before hostile leaders, tracing Israel’s history to Christ. His evangelistic message was direct, uncompromising, and Spirit-filled. Though he died violently, his testimony deeply impacted Saul (later Paul). Stephen proves that evangelism may come with high cost, but it carries eternal weight. His life teaches that the Spirit can use laypeople—not just apostles—for powerful proclamation. Stephen’s death planted seeds for future conversions. Evangelists must be ready to speak truth, regardless of outcome, trusting God for the harvest.
#7. Apollos
Apollos was an eloquent speaker who “taught accurately the things concerning Jesus.” In Acts 18, he preached boldly in Ephesus and Corinth, winning many to faith. Though initially lacking full knowledge, he was teachable—Aquila and Priscilla discipled him further. Apollos proves that evangelists benefit from solid theological training. His combination of passion and learning made him highly effective. Paul mentions him in 1 Corinthians as a respected gospel worker. Evangelists today can learn from Apollos the value of humility, clarity, and doctrinal soundness. Effective evangelism is not just fiery passion—it’s truth shared with accuracy and conviction.
#8. John the Baptist
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus through bold, public preaching. He called people to repentance and pointed them directly to the Messiah. His message was clear, urgent, and centered on Christ. John baptized thousands and confronted both religious leaders and political authorities. His lifestyle was radical, but his focus never shifted. He shows that evangelists may be called to challenge the status quo and lead people into deep spiritual awakening. John’s ministry was short but powerful, setting the stage for Christ. Evangelists must boldly speak truth, even when it costs them popularity or safety.
#9. Matthias
Matthias replaced Judas and joined the apostles as a gospel witness. While less is known about him, Acts 1:21–22 shows that the requirement for apostleship was having witnessed the resurrection and being ready to testify. This implies Matthias shared in evangelistic labor with the others. His selection reminds us that evangelists don’t need fame to be faithful. They simply need to bear witness to Jesus. Tradition says Matthias preached in various regions, possibly Ethiopia or Cappadocia. His story teaches that the Church needs faithful, Spirit-empowered evangelists—seen or unseen—to carry the gospel to new frontiers.
#10. Silas
Silas was a close companion of Paul and a committed evangelist and church planter. He joined Paul on missionary journeys, helped start churches, endured imprisonment, and preached the gospel boldly. In Acts 16, Silas sang hymns in jail, leading to the jailer’s conversion—a clear mark of evangelistic passion under pressure. Silas also helped write and deliver apostolic letters, showing theological depth and pastoral concern. His life reveals that evangelists often operate in teams, face hardship, and remain joyful in trials. Silas demonstrates that evangelism includes both proclamation and follow-up care, building gospel-centered communities.
Unleashing Your Gift of Evangelism – 5 Ideas
#1. Lead Outreach Events
Evangelists thrive when they take the initiative to organize gospel-centered outreach efforts. Hosting or leading events like community evangelism, open-air preaching, or church-sponsored service days provides structure for effective gospel sharing. These gatherings allow evangelists to use their gift to engage both believers and unbelievers. They also create opportunities to train others and build momentum in the church. Whether it’s a neighborhood cookout or a public concert with testimonies, outreach events give space for proclaiming Christ clearly and publicly. Evangelists should prayerfully lead with vision, collaborate with leaders, and focus on reaching people beyond the church walls.
#2. Share Personal Testimonies
Your personal story of salvation is one of the most powerful tools you have. Evangelists should boldly share how Jesus changed their lives—in one-on-one conversations, small groups, or digital platforms. Testimonies resonate deeply because they reveal a real encounter with Christ, not just theology. People relate to transformation, brokenness, and hope. Sharing authentically helps open hearts to the gospel message. Evangelists can also encourage others to develop and share their testimonies. Whether brief or detailed, a personal story becomes a bridge to talk about Jesus. Testimonies invite others to consider how Christ can change their lives, too.
#3. Train Others in Evangelism
A key part of the evangelist’s role is equipping other believers to share the gospel. According to Ephesians 4:11-12, evangelists help the Church grow by building up others. They should regularly lead evangelism workshops, offer role-playing sessions, or provide gospel-sharing tools. Multiplying gospel witnesses strengthens the whole body and extends the reach of the message. Evangelists can also mentor younger believers, answer questions, and remove fears surrounding evangelism. By modeling and teaching, they create a culture of bold witness. Equipping others ensures that evangelism doesn’t rest on a few, but becomes the heartbeat of the whole church.
#4. Support Missionary Work
Evangelists can extend their reach by supporting and partnering with missionaries around the world. This support may involve prayer, giving financially, or participating in short-term missions. Many evangelists are called to local outreach, but their passion and resources can fuel global missions. They can also network with mission agencies, train missionaries in gospel communication, or help develop contextual evangelism strategies. Supporting missions enables evangelists to contribute beyond their immediate environment. It connects their gift to God’s larger plan for all nations. Even if not called overseas, evangelists can play a vital role in global disciple-making efforts.
#5. Use Media for Gospel Proclamation
Digital tools offer evangelists an unprecedented platform to reach multitudes with the gospel. Social media, podcasts, blogs, and videos can be used to proclaim Christ creatively and broadly. Evangelists should consider how to communicate the gospel clearly through short clips, visual storytelling, or written testimonies. With wisdom and intentionality, media can amplify their voice far beyond physical gatherings. Evangelists can also help churches or ministries develop digital outreach strategies. In a digital age, the mission field is as much online as it is in person. Media-savvy evangelists are positioned to influence culture and bring the gospel to digital frontiers.
Closing Thoughts
The gift of evangelism is a powerful and vital part of the Church’s mission. Through Scripture and biblical examples, we see how God uses individuals to spread the good news with clarity and impact. Whether preaching to crowds, sharing personal stories, or equipping others, evangelists help advance the kingdom of God. This gift is not just for the stage—it thrives in everyday conversations and creative expressions. If you sense this calling, pursue it with prayer, training, and bold obedience. God has uniquely gifted you to proclaim His truth. Use it faithfully, and watch Him work through you.