SDA Evangelists

We expect a lot from an evangelist. He must attract people of different backgrounds, and hold their attention night after night. He must introduce them to Jesus, acquaint them with God's word, share the main points of Christian doctrine, present our special insights, teach a new lifestyle, and baptize them into our church—all in a few weeks!

Before he can win minds, the evangelist must win hearts. He must first sell himself. Only then will an audience hear his good news about God. He knows the methods he must use. And as he appeals to new prospects, older saints may wince.

Admitting no gray areas, the evangelist offers concrete answers to all questions. He refers to history, politics, science and health, fields in which he may have no special background. His illustrations must engage the uneducated, yet win the respect of scholars. He must be always enthusiastic, ever confident and never in doubt.

The evangelist is a specialist, in personality—a salesman. Perhaps he is not also the gentle scholar or nurturing pastor. Anyway, he's leaving soon. So, having just won the confidence and affection of his converts, the evangelist must introduce his successors—us. He has caught the fish. Now we must clean the fish.

New believers have not understood all the evangelist said. They have heard him through the filter of their own previous experience. They have misconceptions; and perhaps for some of these, the evangelist is responsible. But it doesn't matter. He has brought new people to us. Now they are ours to teach. He has finished his work; our own is just begun.

The evangelist has gone forth to teach all nations. He has baptized them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Now we will teach them to observe all things whatsoever Jesus has commanded. And as we work together, Jesus will be with us always, even to the end of the world.