The Pastor's Role
Calvin Ratz
To some degree the shepherd looks after the sheep, while the sheep give birth to the lambs. But then again, if evangelism isn't happening in our lives, it probably won't happen much in the church.
—Calvin C. Ratz
Paul told Timothy, "Do the work of an evangelist," and ever since, evangelism has belonged in a pastor's job portfolio. But how exactly do we go about evangelism as pastors?
Some pastors actually do little personal evangelism. They figure they have plenty of pressing tasks just to provide spiritual leadership for the church. Evangelism is something members can do. So they encourage evangelism, but don't necessarily participate in it.
To some degree the shepherd looks after the sheep, while the sheep give birth to the lambs. But then again, if evangelism isn't happening in our lives, it probably won't happen much in the church. So although we're not singlehandedly responsible for the rescue of souls, I believe we've got to be involved.
It's been said, "A student learns what his teacher knows, but a disciple becomes what his master is." My people will not become what I say they should be; they'll become what they see is important in my life. And that's true with evangelism.
People want to be led, to be inspired, to be challenged. Pastors who lead their churches into evangelism do it primarily by example, by modeling, by making evangelism a priority.
Reluctant Models
Yet for various reasons, pastors may shy away from talking about personal experiences. For example, I hesitate to talk about my personal evangelistic activity because sometimes I'm afraid of embarrassing new converts; I don't want to spotlight them until I can see that their conversions have stuck. Many excellent sermon illustrations occupy the pews each Sunday, ...
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