Ever since I became a Christian at 17 yrs old, people like Billy Graham, David Wilkerson, Reinhard Bonnke and lesser known evangelists have been heroes to me. To me, the ability to be a "soul winner" was the ultimate in Christiandom; to have the privilege to lead someone to Jesus, to help them step into eternal life, and help them step into their destiny; what could be better?? Indeed, in my own life, I've had the privilege of helping several dozen people come to Christ. Each time the feeling of awe is the same. It is truly priceless.
Yet despite some moderate "success," I found something disconcerting along the way. I really don't have a gifting in evangelism. It doesn't come easy to me like math and push-ups. I have to really work at it, and even when I work at it, it doesn't always "work." For the longest time, this was hard for me to accept because I have such a high view of soul-winning (and still do; I sigh with envy at people that can turn a conversation at the drugstore into a "Let's pray" moment).
But then I read Paul's words to Timothy, his protege. "Be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2Ti 4:5. In a moments time, my "worldview of evangelism" changed; I was comforted, relieved and invigorated.
Timothy, it seems was not the evangelist that Paul was. Paul was this gospel machine, planting churches, igniting revival and turning the world upside down where ever he went. Acts 17:6. Timothy, however, did not seem to have the same gifting; he didn't have that same "gear." But how did Paul address this situation? He didn't condemn, nor lay a "heavy" on Timothy. He didn't tell him to become an evangelist; rather he encouraged Timothy to do the "work of an evangelist." A masterful bit of pastoring by Paul and a genius turn of phrase. In that short phrase ("do the work of an evangelist," as opposed to "be an evangelist"), Paul did several crucial things. 1) He released Timothy from any guilt or condemnation that he wasn't this amazing soul winner. 2) Paul recognized that not everyone is gifted in this area; i.e. Paul did not project his gifting on to Timothy and unnecessarily make Timothy feel like he should become something he couldn't. 3) Yet, Paul was able to encourage Timothy to "win souls" by re-contextualizing the assignment; not as one gifted in this area, but as one that can do the work of a gifted one.
What a joy this is. If we're not an evangelist by gifting or calling, don't sweat it. God doesn't expect blood from a turnip. But we can still do the work of an evangelist and partake in the evangelist's bounty. In otherwords, I don't have to feel this "inner pressure" to be something I'm not or can't be. That's a life-changing realization, and a liberating one. Just because you're not a pro, doesn't mean you can't enjoy golfing. Go enjoy golfing. Knock in a few birdies, maybe an eagle. Your score still counts with God.
Part 2: How I'm doing the work of an evangelist.