Effective evangelists?

[Esaias]

Who are some proven effective apostolic evangelists of our day?

[Sean]

Billy Cole said at our men's retreat, years ago, that the REAL Biblical evangelists today are those that go into homes and convert sinners to the truth.(not the ones that go from church to church for pay)

[n david]

Originally Posted by Sean

Billy Cole said at our men's retreat, years ago, that the REAL Biblical evangelists today are those that go into homes and convert sinners to the truth.(not the ones that go from church to church for pay)

[good samaritan]

Originally Posted by Sean

Billy Cole said at our men's retreat, years ago, that the REAL Biblical evangelists today are those that go into homes and convert sinners to the truth.(not the ones that go from church to church for pay)

I agree with this statement for the most part, but we shut down a lot of things by pastors making statements like this behind the pulpit. Years ago churches would hold revivals for 4-6 weeks straight. My grandma was won during a brush harbor revival. The pastor would host the evangelist in his home and feed them on their own table. They couldn't give much, but they did what they could. Money wasn't an issue.

Today people are all about money, and suddenly it becomes wrong for evangelists to receive any wages. We have discredited evangelists as hirelings, but pastors think they should receive wages? We should continue to honor those who labor in the gospel. That doesn't mean that people should preach for money, but it means that people should have enough love in their heart that they want to do anything they can to see the gospel go forward.

There are many evangelists out there doing a work for God and they don't have the big names that we have heard. I don't want to tear down others for something that God has possibly called them to do. I am going be careful about broadbrushing everyone in a ministry that God has established. Sure there are hirelings out there but that doesn't mean evangelists are in it for money. I mean no disrespect, but Bro. Cole probably was compensated for his labors as well. I hate to hear it when people tear one another down.

I personally believe it would be good that a church can grow its paid staff and not just continue to increase a pastor's salary. So teachers and others in the church could focus more of their energies on the ministry. We need to recognize all the ministries and not just recognize the one.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by good samaritan

I agree with this statement for the most part, but we shut down a lot of things by pastors making statements like this behind the pulpit. Years ago churches would hold revivals for 4-6 weeks straight. My grandma was won during a brush harbor revival. The pastor would host the evangelist in his home and feed them on their own table. They couldn't give much, but they did what they could. Money wasn't an issue.

Today people are all about money, and suddenly it becomes wrong for evangelists to receive any wages. We have discredited evangelists as hirelings, but pastors think they should receive wages? We should continue to honor those who labor in the gospel. That doesn't mean that people should preach for money, but it means that people should have enough love in their heart that they want to do anything they can to see the gospel go forward.

There are many evangelists out there doing a work for God and they don't have the big names that we have heard. I don't want to tear down others for something that God has possibly called them to do. I am going be careful about broadbrushing everyone in a ministry that God has established. Sure there are hirelings out there but that doesn't mean evangelists are in it for money. I mean no disrespect, but Bro. Cole probably was compensated for his labors as well. I hate to hear it when people tear one another down.

I personally believe it would be good that a church can grow its paid staff and not just continue to increase a pastor's salary. So teachers and others in the church could focus more of their energies on the ministry. We need to recognize all the ministries and not just recognize the one.

G.S.....My point is that the "ORIGINAL" 1st century evangelist was to sinners, not saints.

It works also to have modern "traveling preachers" edify the church and preach to visitors.

But the original evangelist is to go straight to sinners and teach/win them, as a lifestyle.....free of charge, just ask Paul.

[good samaritan]

Originally Posted by Sean

G.S.....My point is that the "ORIGINAL" 1st century evangelist was to sinners, not saints.

It works also to have modern "traveling preachers" edify the church and preach to visitors.

But the original evangelist is to go straight to sinners and teach/win them, as a lifestyle.....free of charge, just ask Paul.

I think that Paul could be viewed as a traveling evangelist. He didn't get paid much (not materially). I think that this nation was began so people could have religious freedom. It later became a nation that revolves around dollars. Our nation has been know for the American dream, which to most is to be prosperous and make a lot of money. I believe that many in the church is being affected by the culture, but God will be judge to the hearts of all those who labor in his name.

I don't know anyone today as consecrated as those in the book of Acts.

[ApostolicKitty]

Originally Posted by Sean

Billy Cole said at our men's retreat, years ago, that the REAL Biblical evangelists today are those that go into homes and convert sinners to the truth.(not the ones that go from church to church for pay)

Yet I bet he receives pay for preaching the gospel himself.

Anyway... I do agree that true biblical evangelists are not those that necessarily go from church to church preaching. What I mean by that is that they do not preach inside a building, but go out to where the lost are to reach them and bring them into the fold. That can mean their homes, a shopping mall, brush arbors, or even coffee shops... but definitely not nice, cozy church buildings where the lost often don't darken the door, though I see no problem with them preaching there once they bring people in.

I don't think it's appropriate for them to set a price to preach, though I do believe they should be supported as they do this work. They have to eat, clothe themselves, and pay bills, too.

Just my opinion... and, unfortunately, I don't know of anyone who does such a thing... I know there are some. I don't know if they are effective. I'd like to think there are some out there that are.

[TK Burk]

Bro. D.D. Benincasa is a true apostolic evangelist. Most days he's out in his city teaching Bible studies, winning souls and ministering to people's needs in Jesus' name.

Those who attend his Bible studies range from the homeless to millionaires. Since Fort Lauderdale is such a diverse city, many of these "students" are from different religions. I'm not talking just different "Christian" denominations (though there are many of those too), but different religious backgrounds such as: Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Rastafarian, New Age, and many others. He is a very studious man and not only shows these folks what the Bible says, but many times also shows them what their own religion teaches and how that differs from the truths of God. He is a true apologist.

Bro. Benincasa is faithful to live what he believes. He is fearless when speaking the truth, regardless of who is listening. He has a good reputation in his city and is known for his faith. For all the work he does, he refuses to take up an offering or ask for money. His faith is that God will make a way for the needed money to come, which He does. Bro. Benincasa has a burden for souls and shows it in the evangelistic work he is doing.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Sean

Billy Cole said at our men's retreat, years ago, that the REAL Biblical evangelists today are those that go into homes and convert sinners to the truth.(not the ones that go from church to church for pay)

Is the part in bold what Bro. Cole said, or is it something you added?

[Sean]

Originally Posted by n david

Is the part in bold what Bro. Cole said, or is it something you added?

I added that one.