Spiritual Gift of Evangelism:

Definition:

The spiritual gift of evangelism is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to individuals within the church. Those with this gift possess a passion and natural aptitude for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others, leading them to faith in Him.

Description:

Individuals with the gift of evangelism are fervent in their desire to reach the lost with the message of salvation. They have a compelling ability to communicate the love of Christ, address spiritual questions, and extend invitations to embrace a personal relationship with God.

Example from Scripture:

In Acts 8:26-40, Philip the Evangelist encountered the Ethiopian eunuch, shared the good news of Jesus with him, and baptized him, resulting in the eunuch’s conversion.

When the Gift is Present in the Church:

When the gift of evangelism is present in the church, it sparks a passion for reaching the unreached and brings a focus on sharing the gospel both locally and globally. Evangelists inspire and equip others to participate in the Great Commission.

When the Gift is Absent in the Church:

In the absence of the gift of evangelism, the church may experience a decreased emphasis on reaching the lost and fulfilling the mandate to make disciples. The absence of evangelistic fervor can hinder the church’s growth and impact on the surrounding community.

What It Looked Like in the Life of Jesus:

Jesus embodied the gift of evangelism throughout His ministry. He proclaimed the Kingdom of God, shared parables to explain spiritual truths, and called people to repentance and faith in God.

Practical Ways to Implement and Develop the Spiritual Gift:

1. Personal Witnessing: Engage in one-on-one conversations with others, sharing your faith story and the gospel message.
2. Prayer for the Lost: Develop a habit of praying for those who have not yet accepted Christ, asking God to open their hearts to His truth.
3. Study and Training: Equip yourself with biblical knowledge and practical tools for effective evangelism through books, seminars, or evangelism courses.

Examples from Church History:

1. St. Patrick (c. 387-461) – As the “Apostle of Ireland,” St. Patrick’s zealous evangelistic efforts resulted in the conversion of many Irish to Christianity.
2. St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552) – A Jesuit missionary, St. Francis Xavier evangelized extensively in Asia, spreading the gospel in India, Japan, and other regions.
3. St. Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) – Although known for her mystical writings, St. Teresa also had an evangelistic spirit, encouraging others to draw closer to God and seek a deeper relationship with Christ.

FAQs:

1. Is the gift of evangelism only for a select few? – While some individuals may have a more prominent evangelistic gift, all believers are called to share their faith and make disciples.
2. Can evangelism be done through actions alone? – While actions are essential, evangelism often involves verbal communication of the gospel message.

Ways to Grow in the Gift:

1. Step out in Faith: Be willing to share your faith with others, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide and empower your words.
2. Study the Scriptures: Develop a deeper understanding of the gospel and biblical teachings to communicate them effectively.
3. Engage with Unbelievers: Build genuine relationships with those outside the faith, creating opportunities for evangelistic conversations through love and compassion.

The spiritual gift of evangelism is a vital component of the church’s mission to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations. Those with this gift play a crucial role in inspiring and equipping others to share the good news of Jesus Christ, leading to transformed lives and a flourishing kingdom of God.