Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 9
May 23, 1957
NUMBER 4, PAGE 2-3a

The Divine Organization Of The Church (No. V)

C. G. Caldwell, Sr., Manchester, Tennessee

"I charge thee in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus . . . preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching . . . . be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry." (2 Tim. 4:1-5).

The above words were addressed by the apostle Paul to the young evangelist, Timothy, and expresses in brief a summary of all the duties the Lord makes obligatory to his position. A number of these things have been spoken of by Paul in his first epistle to Timothy, and several others added in the second; but now in the conclusion of his last letter, he sums up briefly all that he would have Timothy to observe and do. This he does by earnestly urging and exhorting him to do the whole work of an evangelist, and to see that nothing pertaining to his ministry is neglected.

In the following paragraphs I shall endeavor to give a compilation of the duties of an evangelist, as gathered from the writings of Inspiration. Much profitable study could be given to each of these, but for the sake of time and space I shall only catalogue them: (1) Preach Christ, His death, burial and resurrection (I Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 8:5, 25). (2) Preach wherever opportunity affords (Acts 8:40). (3) Baptize those who believe (Acts 8:13, 38). (4) Indoctrinate the church (Titus 1:13; 2:1, 5). (5) Complete the organization of congregations (Tit. 1:5). (6) Assist in building up local congregations (I Tim. 1:3; Tit. 1:5). (7) Reprove, rebuke, exhort (II Tim. 4:1-3). (8) Protect the church from false teachers (I Tim. 1:3). (9) Warn against dangers of apostasy (I Tim. 4:1-6). (10) Give time fully to the Lord's work (I Tim. 4:13-16; II Tim. 2:4, 5; 4:2). (11) Perpetuate the gospel by committing it to others who would faithfully teach it (II Tim. 2:2).

The work of the evangelist therefore is, to convert and baptize the people according to the teachings and example of the apostles; to set in order and instruct congregations in the way of the Lord; to guard the faith (I Tim. 6:20, 21); to handle aright the word of truth (II Tim. 2:15), that is, to "rightly divide" or understand its application to peoples of different dispensations, and apply it correctly to all people and conditions as needed, to the end that men might be saved.

Man, through the years, has added much to these divine requirements and, consequently, much more is expected and demanded of the preacher today than is indicated in the New Testament teaching. The duties set forth above, however, constitute his work as outlined in the Scriptures. Of course, an evangelist is also a Christian, and as such has other duties to perform. These other duties, however, are to be performed because he is a Christian and not because he is an evangelist. Such duties are demanded of all Christians, whether they be evangelists, elders, deacons, or simply members of the local congregation.

Qualifications Of Evangelists

Among the letters written by Paul four are addressed to individuals. Three of these (First and Second Timothy and Titus) are written to Evangelists' and consist almost exclusively of instructions pertaining to the work and qualifications of Evangelists. Since these two fields of inquiry are so vast, and recognizing the advantages of a clear, concise statement, the Apostle summed up in a few words the work of an Evangelist as recorded in II Timothy 4:1-5. In like fashion he summarized their qualifications when he said, "The things which thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (II Tim. 2:2). According to this summary, the qualifications of an Evangelist are twofold: (1) They must be "faithful men" and (2) they must be able to teach others.

The expression "faithful men" here used denotes loyal, trustworthy men, who, under the strongest temptation would refuse to betray the charge committed to them, but who with courage and zeal would be steadfast in the execution of their duties and obligations.

Under this general heading would come such qualifications as: (1) Exercise of Christian purity, or a refusal to become contaminated by sinful, impure complications (I Tim. 5:22). (2) An example to them that believe (I Tim. 4:12). He should so live as to be a model or pattern after which the devotion and consecration of others should be modeled. In other words, he must "practice what he preaches." (3) He must be steadfast in the faith, loyal in the truth, refusing. false doctrines and all speculative theories concerning God's Plan, and uncompromising toward those who accept or teach such. (I Tim. 6:3-11; 4:1-6; II Tim. 3:14-17; 4:1-5). (4) He must be careful both as to himself and what he teaches (I Tim. 4:16).

The evangelist must be able to teach others. "And the Lord's servant must not strive, but be gentle toward all, apt to teach, forbearing." (II Tim. 2:24). "Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth" (v. 15). Under the general heading of "Able to teach", two fundamental qualifications are imperative and indispensable: (1) Must be given to study (II Tim. 2:15 KJV). (2) Must be by nature gentle and patient (II Tim. 2:2 KJV). In other words, the Evangelist must have both natural and acquired ability to perform his work — to "do the work of an Evangelist."

Improper Attitudes

The cause of Christ has suffered immeasurably in many localities, not because of a lack of knowledge of the Truth on the part of the Evangelist, but because of his personality, his attitude or manner toward others, and his lack of ability or disposition to present the truth in a manner conducive to its acceptance by those he endeavors to teach. A constant belligerent attitude, an unkind manner, an argumentative disposition, and an uncharitable and unsympathetic approach are by no means requisite to sound or effective gospel preaching. On the contrary, these things may serve to distract the people, rather than attract them to the preacher and his message. Of course the Evangelist must "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 3); must "reprove," and "rebuke" all error; must be "set for the defense of the gospel"; always making sure, however, that the motivation prompting his action is pure; that his purpose is the vindication of truth and the salvation of souls, and not merely the satisfaction of an egotistical spirit, or the personal aggrandizement of self.

Some Observations

The denominational world has long and steadfastly ignored the original pattern; the Divine Plan has been disregarded; additions, subtractions, various changes and corruptions of God's order have been introduced. Among these changes and various corruptions, NOT A FEW have had to do with the Evangelist. A marked distinction between the so-called "clergy" and what has come to be called "laity" has been attempted, a distinction nowhere indicated in the New Testament. The result has been the exaltation of the Preacher to a position-in relationship to the church organization not given by divine authority. Let us beware lest such corrupting departures find their way into the Lord's church!

Much has been written and said in recent years about a "Preacher-Pastor System," as it allegedly applies to the located preacher in churches of Christ today. Much of this has come from hobby-riders and general cranks. Divinely ordained functions of the preacher or evangelist have been attacked, held up to ridicule, and a desperate attempt to eliminate this phase or department of the Lord's plan of church organization has been made. There may in some instances be grounds for such charges, but if such be true, is it not possible that preachers (Speaking generally) have, perhaps, invited this attack upon themselves by their own eclectic propensities?

Thriving on adulation and popularity preachers sometimes yield to the temptation to "take over," to by-pass the God-ordained elders or overseers, and set themselves up as the director of the congregation. Some brethren would do well to remember that the Evangelist is the servant of the church and not the church the servant of the Evangelist. Instead of the preacher taking charge of the church, the church in many cases ought to take charge of the preacher and let him know that the Lord never intended the Evangelist to usurp the position or assume the prerogatives of the eldership in directing the affairs of the congregation. It is a fine thing for the preacher to know his place and keep in it.