Evangelists are some of the most energizing people on any team. We’re the ones pulling others into the story, making sure no one is left out, and helping people feel the urgency of the message. But for all that energy and impact, we also carry some unique challenges—especially when we operate without grounding, community, and guidance.
If you’re an evangelist (or love someone who is), here’s a quick snapshot of what we bring to the table—and where we sometimes need support.
The Strengths
We speak to move.
Evangelists are verbal processors and story-sharers. If you’ve ever met a strong verbal processor, you know they may not even know what they think until they start speaking. We instinctively know how to translate vision into language that moves people. Whether it’s one-on-one or on a stage, we connect ideas to action—fast.
We carry relational intelligence.
Many evangelists have the StrengthsFinder gift called Woo (winning others over). We read people quickly, connect easily, and build bridges across differences. We’re the ones introducing new people, asking follow-up questions, making the room come alive. We make people feel seen, feel connected—and usually, we can convince you of almost anything.
We spark momentum.
Evangelists help teams remember the why. When things feel stagnant or stuck, we re-center the mission. Not just as an abstract idea, but as a living, breathing invitation: this is about people.
The Struggles
Overpromising
In our passion to get others involved, we can oversell or overcommit. We want people to say yes—but sometimes that means setting unrealistic expectations for ourselves or others. I’ve spoken to colleagues I’ve overpromised things to, and I’ve heard the disappointment in their voice. The balance? A strong prophet on the team who brings clarity and integrity to our enthusiasm.
Burnout
Evangelists give a lot—emotionally and relationally. If we don’t have healthy rhythms or clear boundaries, we crash. Fast. The “yes to everyone” impulse is generous, but it has a cost. In immaturity, we carry the weight to connect everyone, to bring everyone in. But that’s not sustainable—and it’s not all ours to carry. Community reminds us that good news is a shared responsibility.
Follow-through and sustainability
We’re great at starting. Finishing? That’s where we need help. Shepherds, teachers, and solid systems help us turn inspiration into transformation. And sometimes, we need our teams to challenge us: go at a pace the system can sustain. Not everything needs to be built from scratch. Not every yes needs to be yours.
What This Mean
The evangelist voice is powerful—but it needs maturity, guidance, and collaboration. As Alan Hirsch reminds us in the 5Q framework, evangelists are not just solo communicators. We thrive in teams, where our energy is sharpened by accountability and sustained through relationship.
You don’t have to do it all.
You just have to do your part well.
Your Turn
What are your biggest challenges as a communicator and influencer?
We’d love to hear your story—comment below or shoot us an email.
And if you’re ready to grow in your evangelist calling, check out our [Evangelist Pilot Cohort →].