Expedition 44 The church Series: part 18 the Evangelist

Dr. Will Ryan and Dr. Matt are joined by their friend Sam D'Alie, a CTS student, in this episode to talk about evangelism in the 5 fold giftings.
Note: We are testing out some new equipment in this episode so please forgive some of the audio and video issue at the beginning. The audio and video clears up around 28:00. Thanks!
What is an evangelist?
o Essentially the recruiter, carrier, and communicator/storytellers of the gospel message (Jesus is king)
o The truth teller to unbelievers
o They call for a response to Jesus’ kingship
Their focus/core tasks
o Concern for those outside the kingdom
o Making clear the offer to come into the kingdom so people can respond in allegiance
o Recruit for the cause/“brand ambassadors” for the kingdom
Impact on the body when Evangelism is “the main thing” (monopolization and imbalance)
o When the gift of evangelism is the central thing in the church there tends to be a narrow vision
o Lack of communal heath with the focus on the outside rather than care on the inside of the church
o Narrow perspective of faith (lack of discipleship- AKA simple gospel views)
We need all the gifts to be a healthy body. But the 5 in Ephesians 4 are needed specifically for unity and growth in the body of Christ
o Apostolic work sets the culture and plants, waters, and weeds in the community. They are often itinerant workers plowing new roads for the kingdom.
o Prophets are covenant enforcers exhorting the body to stay on course and listen to the Lord for his vision.
o Evangelists embody the gospel message and share it boldly through invitation, which results in a growing community pursing discipleship.
o We will explore the Shepherd Teacher soon
 
Overview
o The great commission connects preaching the gospel (evangelism) with the necessity of discipleship- we can’t divorce the two. The 4 American gospel we looked at all divorce evangelism and discipleship but they are 2 sides of the same coin.
o OT Evangelism was communal (if there even was evangelism to the nations)- the community evangelizes by their life together that reflects Jesus. This was mainly evangelism/discipleship of each other. We don’t see evangelists sent out to the nations in the OT but rather that the nations would flow into Zion by their “light”.
o NT Evangelism always resulted in community and discipleship as well. Jesus called people to “follow him”. The Apostles planted churches and formed Jesus cultures for the evangelist to invite people into and experience the life of Jesus. What is being offered in the NT is not an “eternal destination” but a community around Jesus.
o “Conversion” doesn’t result from saying a prayer but that could be the start. It is costly according to Jesus. Not some simple statement but a pledge of allegiance to a way of life that could lead to your martyrdom. Most evangelism today leaves people still connected to the ways and systems of the world and makes it “easy” by front loading benefits and downplaying the commitment to the cross and the way of Jesus.
o Evangelize through relationship- who will you invite to your table/community?