The body of Christ is wonderfully crafted by God to embrace diversity, where every member possesses gifts and callings. As mentioned by the Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4 our collective purpose is to progress toward the fullness of Christ, which involves developing ourselves in aspects, like evangelism. While some individuals are specifically called and naturally inclined towards this domain we are all encouraged to cultivate our abilities in it. So let’s explore deeply the indicators of a calling drawing inspiration from the heroes depicted in the Bible.

Introduction

Have you ever thought about what distinguishes evangelists? Whether you’re new, to the faith, or have been on your journey for years there are lessons we can learn from prominent figures, in the Scriptures. Let’s explore the qualities that make someone naturally talented in sharing their faith.

Sign #1: Teaching with Authority

Jesus taught with unparalleled authority, offering firsthand insights into the Kingdom of God. His teaching style was straightforward and declarative, often beginning statements with “Truly, truly I say to you…” He spoke the words of God directly, which astonished people used to the teaching styles of the Pharisees (Matthew 7:28-29). Jesus’ authority came from his identity as the Son of God.

• Speaks boldly and confidently
• Offers unique, firsthand insights
• Messages are grounded in Scripture
• Listened to intently by audiences
• Commands respect without arrogance

Sign #2: Compassion for the Lost

Jesus reached out to the marginalized and those distant from God, like tax collectors, sinners, and Samaritans. He met people where they were, addressing spiritual needs without compromising truth. Jesus exemplified love in action through healing and acts of mercy. His motivation was compassion for the lost and marginalized.

• Loves people unconditionally
• Drawn to serve the marginalized
• Addresses spiritual needs sensitively
• Motivated by care, not obligation
• Goes out of their way to help others

Sign #3: Global Vision for Salvation

Jesus’ Great Commission reflects his intent for global evangelism and salvation. It applies to all believers in bringing the gospel to “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus as the promised Messiah came to redeem people across the earth. He demonstrated this through interactions with non-Jews like the Samaritan woman.

• Burdened for the spiritually lost worldwide
• Understands the urgent need for global evangelism
• Seeks to spread the Gospel cross-culturally
• Prays persistently for unreached people groups
• Takes action to support global ministry

Sign #4: Boldness in Proclamation

Peter’s boldness led to the conversion of thousands. At Pentecost, he addressed crowds courageously, leading 3,000 to accept Jesus (Acts 2:14-41). While originally timid, Peter became empowered after Christ’s ascension. His bold preaching ushered many into the Kingdom, despite opposition.

• Preaches courageously despite opposition
• Does not shy away from confrontation
• Words flow with spiritual conviction
• Focuses on the message over opinion
• Steps out in faith trusting God

Sign #5: Divine Desire for Salvation

Attributed to Peter, the sentiment “God desires none shall perish” is crucial in evangelism (2 Peter 3:9). Peter conveyed God’s deep desire for all people to know salvation through faith in Jesus. He called believers to share this message despite scoffers, considering it an act of patience from God.

• Believes earnestly all can know God’s grace
• Urgently pleads for people to repent
• Does not easily tire of sharing the Gospel
• Perseveres patiently when rejected
• Trusts fully in God’s heart for the lost

Sign #6: Theological Depth

Paul had a profound understanding of the Gospel. His training as a Pharisee equipped him with extensive knowledge of the Old Testament. After his conversion, he received revelation from Jesus (Galatians 1:11-12). The Holy Spirit also imparted to him an “abundance of revelations” (2 Cor. 12:7). These encounters gave him deep insight into salvation.

• Knowledgable about biblical truth
• Received special spiritual insight
• Draws deeply from the Scriptures
• Able to handle complex questions
• Faith strengthened through understanding

Sign #7: Versatility in Approach

Paul adapted his message to reach different people, becoming “all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:22). He used his Roman citizenship to gain legal protection at times. Among Greeks, he quoted their poets (Acts 17:28). With Jews, he recounted his Pharisaic pedigree (Philippians 3:4-6). This cultural flexibility allowed him to communicate across contexts.

• Adapts language and illustrations to audiences
• Contextualizes the Gospel without compromising it
• Moves comfortably across cultures
• Finds common ground to connect beliefs
• Focuses on connecting not correcting

Sign #8: Sensitivity to Spiritual Guidance

Philip’s obedience to the Holy Spirit led him to the Ethiopian eunuch. An angel first directed him to a desert road where he encountered the eunuch and explained Isaiah’s prophecy, leading to the man’s conversion (Acts 8:26-38). Philip followed the Spirit’s leading, resulting in divine appointments.

• Makes space to listen to the Spirit’s voice
• Responds quickly to sensed promptings
• Steps out in faith when Spirit leads
• Prayerful about discerning God’s will
• Yielded to changing direction

Sign #9: Preparation and Forewarning

John prepared the way for Jesus, urging people to repent. He called people to spiritual renewal in anticipation of the Messiah, quoting Isaiah’s prophecy (Mt. 3:3). John warned of coming judgment, echoing Old Testament prophets. He challenged unbelievers’ false sense of security as children of Abraham (Mt. 3:7-9).

• Warmly urges people toward repentance
• Passionately warns of sin’s consequences
• Messages inspire urgency and self-reflection
• Focuses intently on spiritual renewal
• Does not shy away from difficult truths

Sign #10: Personal Testimony

Her transformative encounter with Jesus led her to evangelize her community. After Jesus revealed his knowledge of her broken life yet offered her living water, she proclaimed him to be the Messiah to her town (John 4:4-42). Her personal story had a powerful impact.

• Transparent and authentic
• Shares vulnerably about the spiritual journey
• Centers Christ in a Conversion Story
• Readily admits prior brokenness
• Praises God for transformation

Sign #11: Willingness to Suffer for the Gospel

Stephen’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that evangelism sometimes demands. Being the martyr he fearlessly preached the gospel at the cost of his own life, through stoning (Acts 7;54 60). He did not let persecution deter him from proclaiming the message of salvation. In fact, he even prayed for forgiveness for those who took his life.

• Some key takeaways from Stephens’s example are;
• The willingness to sacrifice comfort and security in order to serve God.
• Not allowing opposition to hinder the ministry and continuing to spread the news.
• Demonstrating unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution.
• Maintaining a perspective rooted in eternity fuels a commitment.

Stephen’s inspiring story highlights how important it is to remain steadfast, in our beliefs and dedicated to sharing God’s love regardless of any challenges we may face.

Sign #12: One-to-One Outreach

Andrew focused on personal relationships, introducing Peter to Jesus. His style was intimate and relational. Andrew first brought his brother Simon, later known as Peter, to meet Jesus (John 1:40-42). This small gesture led to Peter’s key leadership role in the early church.

• Invests in individual friendships
• Patiently nurtures personal connections
• Sensitive and attentive conversationalist
• Looks for opportunities to share Christ
• Models godly character

How to Become a Powerful Evangelist

Do you feel called to reach people for Christ through evangelism? Here are practical tips to help you maximize your gifting and become a powerful evangelist.

Develop Effective Teaching Skills

Effectively teaching God’s Word involves dedicated Scripture study and Spirit-led preparation and delivery.

• Study Scripture daily for fresh insights (2 Timothy 2:15)
• Lead Bible studies to practice teaching skills
• Employ good exegesis when interpreting texts
• Use engaging stories and illustrations
• Rely on the Holy Spirit to guide your teaching (John 14:26)

Cultivate Compassion for the Marginalized

Showing Christlike compassion means identifying and serving disadvantaged people, building caring relationships, and sharing the Gospel sensitively.

• Identify and serve disadvantaged groups in your community (Matthew 25:34-40)
• Visit locations like shelters, hospitals, and prisons
• Listen well to people’s stories and needs
• Let your heart break for what breaks God’s heart (Isaiah 61:1-3)
• Share the Gospel through word and deed (1 John 3:18)

Gain a Global Vision for Evangelism

Embracing a worldwide vision encompasses learning about the unreached, supporting global church planting, and utilizing your gifts for Gospel advancement globally.

• Learn about unreached people groups (Acts 1:8)
• Connect with missionaries to understand practical needs
• Give financially to support global church planting
• Use your spiritual gifts to contribute remotely
• Pray for missionaries and visit the field when possible

Develop Boldness in Public Evangelism

Becoming a bold public preacher means overcoming fear, grounding messages in Scripture, and relying on the Spirit’s power to proclaim the Gospel.

• Overcome fear and insecurity through the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Start by sharing your testimony with trusted friends
• Speak at larger venues as you gain experience
• Focus on the message over personal anxieties
• Rely on Scripture to ground your preaching (2 Timothy 4:2)

Inspire Others Toward Salvation

Inspiring the lost to salvation requires meeting people where they are, sharing God’s love and promises, and gently challenging unbelief with empathy.

• Meet people where they are spiritually (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
• Identify their hopes, fears, doubts, and beliefs
• Share relevant Scripture promises (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• Remind them of God’s love and desire for salvation (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9)
• Challenge apathy and unbelief with compassion (Jude 1:22-23)

Gain Advanced Theological Knowledge

Grasping theology equips evangelists with deeper biblical understanding gained through study, training, conferences, and prayer.

• Study under spiritually mature teachers (2 Timothy 2:2)
• Pursue formal seminary training if possible
• Attend apologetics and evangelism conferences
• Develop skills in hermeneutics and exegesis (1 Timothy 4:13)
• Pray for deeper understanding of biblical truths (Ephesians 1:17-19)

Build Cultural Understanding

Reaching diverse cultures effectively involves learning, listening, identifying barriers, contextualizing appropriately, and communicating with cultural intelligence.

• Study worldviews and beliefs different from your own (Acts 17:22-23)
• Attend cultural events and read diverse literature
• Listen more than speak (James 1:19)
• Identify potential cultural barriers to the Gospel
• Contextualize the Gospel without compromising it (1 Corinthians 9:20-23)

Grow in Spiritual Discernment

Growing in discernment means dedicating time to prayer and Scripture, listening to the Spirit’s guidance, and recognizing divine appointments.

• Spend consistent time in prayer and Bible study (James 1:5)
• Study how Jesus discerned people’s hearts (John 2:24-25)
• Listen for the Spirit’s guidance regarding outreach
• Confirm impressions through Scripture and counsel (1 John 4:1-3)
• Be willing to change course based on discernment

Prepare People’s Hearts for the Gospel

Preparing hearts involves praying, boldly calling people to repentance, teaching spiritual truths, and lovingly exposing deceptions they may believe.

• Pray for softening of hard hearts (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
• Boldly call people to repentance (Matthew 3:4-6)
• Warn people of the consequences of sin
• Teach on topics like holiness, justice, and regeneration (John 3:1-8)
• Lovingly challenge defenses and expose faulty thinking (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
• Exercise patience – trust God’s timing (Colossians 4:5-6)

Share Your Personal Testimony

Sharing your testimony involves writing out your story, practicing telling it, focusing on the Gospel, and communicating authentically.

• Write out details of your conversion story
• Practice sharing your testimony with small groups
• Focus on how Christ transformed your life
• Be authentic and vulnerable for greater impact
• Let your passion for the Gospel shine through

Develop Resilience in Persecution

Developing evangelistic resilience requires learning from those who persevered, praying for boldness, and relying on eternal perspective amid opposition.

• Study the lives of bold evangelists who suffered
• Ask God for the courage to stand firm in adversity
• Do not let opposition or persecution deter you
• Remember Christ’s promise that you will face trials (John 16:33)
• Keep your eyes on eternal rewards (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Build Relationships for Outreach

Building relationships for outreach means making Gospel-intentional connections, developing a genuine interest in people, and sharing Christ’s love.

• Make connections in everyday life with Kingdom intent
• Attend community events to meet new people
• Develop a genuine interest in others
• Listen attentively and ask good questions
• Share Christ’s love through simple acts of service

Equip Others to Evangelize

Equipping evangelists involves hands-on mentoring and teaching vital skills like apologetics, communicating the Gospel, and providing opportunities to practice.

• Start a training program for aspiring evangelists
• Mentor others just as Paul mentored Timothy
• Teach vital skills like sharing the Gospel, apologetics, teaching
• Provide opportunities to practice evangelism in safe settings
• Affirm and encourage them along the way

Communicate the Gospel with Clarity

Communicating the Gospel with clarity requires using understandable language, defining terms, using illustrations, and ensuring the core message comes through.

• Evaluate whether your evangelism approach connects
• Avoid using too much “Christianese” jargon
• Explain theological concepts clearly and simply
• Use engaging stories and illustrations
• Make the Gospel message understandable across cultures

As you step out in evangelism, keep growing in these vital skills for maximum Gospel impact. Depend on the Holy Spirit to empower you each step of the way.

Conclusion

To fully embrace the spirit and power of evangelism it is important to recognize that each one of us has a calling to reach out to those who are lost in some way or another. Although some individuals may possess gifts for this task the Bible encourages every believer to grow and become more proficient, in sharing the Gospel.

The signs of an evangelist we explored illuminate key qualities to exemplify. As disciples of Christ, we can all cultivate greater compassion and boldness in outreach. We can develop more intentionality in building personal relationships and one-on-one outreach. We can pray for deeper theological understanding and cultural intelligence to remove barriers. We can seek greater sensitivity to the Spirit’s guidance in discerning doors of opportunity.

It is vital for all Christians to share the love of God through word and deed. We are privileged to carry this message of hope and reconciliation to the world. As we step into these evangelistic skills and spiritual gifts, we can pray for increased anointing, open doors, and wisdom in connecting with diverse people.

While evangelism may present its challenges from time to time it is important to remember that God desires that none should perish. This truth motivates us to keep going. When we step out in faith we can rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us as we share our faith. It is important for us to hold onto God’s love, for those who haven’t heard the Gospel, and ask Him to break our hearts for them.

Evangelism is the joyful privilege of every follower of Jesus. Our personal testimony of God’s transformative grace is powerful. Our genuine care and concern for others opens doors to share the Good News. We must not shy away from boldly proclaiming truth, yet do so with Christlike compassion and cultural understanding.

For continued growth in this vital area, a helpful next step is finding like-minded mentors who exhibit the signs of an evangelist. Walking alongside an experienced guide provides tailored wisdom and feedback. Additionally, look for ministries and training programs focused on teaching practical evangelism, apologetics, and outreach skills.

In our body of believers as followers of Christ evangelism should remain at the center. We are surrounded by people who are spiritually lost and hurting facing an eternity, without God. Let this reality ignite a sense of urgency in us as we strive to advance His Kingdom. As we use our gifts in sharing the Gospel the seeds we sow will bear fruit. Transform lives through personal encounters with the risen Christ.