This is an excellent question. Let’s allow the Word of God to provide the answer. We will look at the evangelist and pastor separately.

EVANGELIST – Let’s read Ephesians 4:11-16, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, EVANGELISTS; and some, PASTORS and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” This portion lists some of the gifts the Lord has bestowed upon the body of Christ. It then tells the purposes for these needed gifts. We read of both evangelists and pastors.

The Greek word for evangelist is “euaggelistes” and it literally means ‘a preacher of the Gospel’. We only read this word three times in the Bible. We learn in this portion that the evangelist is a ‘gift’ that the Lord gives to the Church. This would be a person with the particular gift of being able to readily, powerfully, and spiritually share the Gospel with someone else. A ‘gift’ is different than an ‘office’ in that there are no qualifications given to be able to receive this gift. According to what we read earlier, this gift is given to “the body of Christ.” So, it is not just a gift to be used locally, but can be used wherever the evangelist is. Wherever he goes, he takes this gift with him and he witnesses as the Lord leads. It may be in a store, in a park, in a person’s home, or even in a church meeting. Anywhere the Lord leads! Does that mean that those who have the gift of evangelism are the only ones who should be telling other about Christ? Let’s read 2 Timothy 4:5, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST, make full proof of thy ministry.” This instruction is for ALL believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are saved, then you are called to tell others about this free gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. You may not have the ‘gift’ of evangelism, but you can do the ‘work’ of an evangelist. In fact, in all of scripture, there is only one man who is actually called an evangelist. Acts 21:8 tells us about this man…“Philip the evangelist.”

PASTOR – I encourage you to re-read Ephesians 4:11-16 where the pastor is also mentioned. The pastor is a gift, just like the evangelist. The Greek word for pastor is “poimen” which means ‘shepherd.’ This word is used 18 times in the Bible. Only once is it translated ‘pastor’. The other 17 times it is translated ‘shepherd.’ The gift of pastor is also given to the Body of Christ and is not just a gift to be used locally. The one who has the gift of pastoring takes that gift with him everywhere he goes. I want to point out that pastors and evangelists are ‘gifts’. They are not careers or jobs to be hired for and can possibly be fired from. I have met people who say that they ‘used to be a pastor’. Since pastor (and evangelist) are gifts we need to read Romans 11:29, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” This means that when the Lord gives someone a particular gift, He never takes that gift away. Perhaps the Lord may cease to use one because of sin in his life, but He does not take that gift away. What is the function of the pastor? Just read Psalm 23 and you will see. He is the one who draws one’s heart to a deeper affection, appreciation and dependence on the Lord.

In so many churches today, the ‘pastor’ is supposed to be the evangelist, the teacher, the pastor, the leader, etc. The Lord never intended for one or two or three people to take care of all the responsibilities of the church. As a member of the body of Christ, you have a role to play. Every believer has a spiritual gift. Ephesians 4:7 says, “But unto EVERY ONE OF US is given grace according to the measure of THE GIFT OF CHRIST.” We all need to be busy in serving the Lord in every place. How much time do you spend in a church building each week? One hour? Three hours? Five hours? That leaves many hours in the week left for you to serve the Lord. So many more people are won to the Lord on a ‘one on one’ basis than has ever been saved inside the church building. PRAY. Ask the Lord for direction. READ the Bible EVERY DAY so that you might grow into a mature believer. BE READY. When you earnestly ask the Lord to use you, He will. Whatever your spiritual gift may be, you have a part to play in the body. Just as each part of your fleshly body has a role to play, every member of the body of Christ, the Church, has a role to play. (265.2)