Effective evangelists?

[Sean]

Another "unknown prophet" visited our church Sunday from the east coast. He is just a guy in a tshirt(clean cut) that felt led to prophecy over a visitor(son of a faithful saint) during the lesson...it was very different, but POWERFUL!

He just happened to drive by the church and felt impressed to attend....Thank God he listened!

[Esaias]

If evangelists are a gift to the church for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry, then it follows that they do NOT "only minister to the lost".

[thephnxman]

Originally Posted by Esaias

If evangelists are a gift to the church for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry, then it follows that they do NOT "only minister to the lost".

"...for the work of the ministry..."

AMEN. But I believe that the evangelist's primary function is to the Church. It's far better to teach
10,00,00 saints "how to" evangelize, than to try to evangelize 10,000 souls: for THAT is the Church's
primary function.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by thephnxman

"...for the work of the ministry..."

AMEN. But I believe that the evangelist's primary function is to the Church. It's far better to teach
10,00,00 saints "how to" evangelize, than to try to evangelize 10,000 souls: for THAT is the Church's
primary function.

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by Esaias

If evangelists are a gift to the church for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry, then it follows that they do NOT "only minister to the lost".

I agree. I did more for God as an "in-church" evangelist than I ever did reaching out to the local communities.

What I mean by "in-church" evangelist is reaching in toward those who attend services but aren't saved, including member's children. Lots of souls received the Holy Spirit, or at least way more received the Holy Spirit by evangelizing within the walls of the church, compared to the thousands of people I invited over the years.

I'm not denigrating the missional efforts, by the way. Some of the "work of the ministry" is planting churches, a major function of Pauline-style evangelism.

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by Sean

So you are saying that someone that prophecies is not a prophet?

If so, how do you draw that conclusion...I mean, who says?

Are all apostles? Prophets?

It's obvious that Paul's rhetorical questions in 1 Corinthians 12:29-30 requires a "No" answer.

And yet, when all receive the Holy Spirit, according to prophecy, they all prophesy.

So no, not everyone who has ever prophesied is a prophet. But to have never prophesied is to never be a prophet.

As for who decides, the whole local assembly under the unction of Holy Spirit and Headship of Christ, should be able to recognize the prophetic mantle and authority that comes with such a gifting.

It will become obvious to those who follow the Spirit. Just as with the deacons in Acts 6, when it came time to choose, the church already knew who to pick because the gifting and operation of the Holy Spirit in their lives was clear.

No one needs to be "ordained" to the office of a prophet. God will make it clear to those who are paying attention. Men are not approved then trained for the calling. They are called and trained, then confirmed with the approval of the saints.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

I agree. I did more for God as an "in-church" evangelist than I ever did reaching out to the local communities.

What I mean by "in-church" evangelist is reaching in toward those who attend services but aren't saved, including member's children. Lots of souls received the Holy Spirit, or at least way more received the Holy Spirit by evangelizing within the walls of the church, compared to the thousands of people I invited over the years.

I'm not denigrating the missional efforts, by the way. Some of the "work of the ministry" is planting churches, a major function of Pauline-style evangelism.

[Sean]

Howbout this Aaron....They are not all prophets that speak in unknown tongues because they do not desire to prophecy....


1 Cor 14 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye(same group as "YE ALL") prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (Paul would "rather" YE ALL prophecy than speak with tongues.....
Why would he "rather" they do it if they were not called to do it in the first place?




Now look at verse 24...24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:(Paul would rather "All" prophecy, than speak with an unknown tongues)


Now look at, not only Paul wanting ALL to prophecy...but Paul refers to those prophecying as "prophets"....

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.




Now Paul wants us ALL to covet what?....A new car...House...Wife...Speak in tongues? No, but this...

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

[Sean]

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one(see verse 32), that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject(see verse 31) to the prophets.

[Sean]

If you prophecy, Paul calls you a prophet.