The Evangelist

     Years ago when I was a brand new Christian I was introduced to the traveling evangelist. I must admit that as a young Christian I was quite taken in by some of these men. They would come into the church and start their week long revival meeting. Some were just called evangelistic meetings. Either way the evangelist would preach a week of messages that he probably preached in the last town. I was always confused about whether or not the meetings were for Christians or for the lost. After all he is called an “evangelist” in other words an “evangelizer”. Yet so many of the messages were for those in the church. I believe it may have something to do with the fact that it is harder now than ever to get the lost into church than it has been in the past. Therefore, preach to the ones who are there.

     Many of the messages were decision messages. They were meant to bring about a decision. But not just any decision, a public decision. Why a public one? Well, we were told that it was because a public decision is one that sticks. Because others can keep you accountable. Also Jesus said “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 10:31). This, of course, is totally out of context. But it helps to put the pressure on.

     One of the tools used by the Evangelist is called “doubt”. If he can get you to doubt whether or not you have really trusted in Christ or not then you are more likely to make that public decision. Then with every head bowed, every eye closed, and no one looking around, (except the evangelist, pastoral staff, and trained crew of counselors), would you raise your hand so I can prey on you, I mean pray for you. Then with the piano playing “Softly and tenderly” through twelve times the people go forward. Of course if there is a visitor in next to you who simply will not budge, you are to encourage them to go forward by telling them you will go up with them if they would like. Oh, I almost forgot about the tithe message.

     Maybe some or all of these thing are all too familiar to you too. It didn't take me long to realize something was amiss. Well, maybe it took me longer than I remember. I soon learned that when the word “evangelist” is mentioned in the New Testament it is referring to more of a church planter than an itinerant preacher. With this bit of knowledge I started to ask people why we have evangelists as we know them today? The answers I got were anywhere from; “An Evangelist is a sheepdog” to “Just because something is not biblical doesn't make it unbiblical.” Of course, with that logic you could condone crack cocaine. But I digress.

     The thing that started to really bother me was when I got to seminary. I noticed that in the class we were taught just what I came to learn on my own about Evangelists. But these Pastors, Students, and even the church affiliated with the seminary still had evangelists in their churches. Why? We are, or I thought we were, Calvinistic in our doctrine. Yet these circuit riders are using Finney like tactics.

     Here is what I think is the reason. Besides the fact that the president of the seminary and the evangelist are old college buddies. As I got closer and closer to some of these men I notice that to say you're calvinistic and to be calvinistic are two totally different things. Many of these Pastors say they are trusting in God for results but then engaging in Finney like tactics. To me this just means they don't really trust in the power of God to accomplish His will. Instead, they look at their dwindling numbers and call up the manipulating Evangelist. Too many pastors are focused on the wrong things. Large numbers don't glorify God. Who cares if the numbers in your church are way down? Leave the numbers up to God. And never, never compromise.

Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7