I’ve been that person in team meetings—the one who interrupts a perfectly laid-out strategy to ask, “But what about the people who’ve never been here before?” I’ve seen the eye rolls. I’ve heard, “We’ll get to that.” I’ve challenged people to explain things more clearly, often saying, “Say more,” because we forget that not everyone we’re talking to knows what’s going on. I push against insider language. I ask the annoying questions—like, “Why do we allow these people in this space and not those people?”
But if I didn’t speak up—who would?
Evangelists, we’re the loudest voice in the room. We chase shiny objects. We talk to everyone—including the Uber driver, the barista, and your introverted operations manager who just wanted a quiet morning.
That wasn’t a scheduled outreach. That was just Tuesday.
And yes—we might drive you a little crazy. But without us, your team is incomplete.
In Alan Hirsch’s 5Q framework, evangelists are described as recruiters to the cause. They are Good News people. Hirsch explains that evangelists in the Ephesians 4 typology are not simply street preachers or enthusiastic personalities—they are vital carriers of the gospel’s relational energy.
Evangelists are:
- Bridge-builders between outsiders and insiders
- Natural storytellers who make abstract ideas compelling
- Relationally wired to connect people to Jesus and to the movement or cause
Evangelists don’t just invite people to church. They invite people to belong, to participate, to build.
What Evangelists Bring to a Team
Every organization, ministry, or church team needs evangelists because they:
1. Keep the mission alive
Evangelists remind us that the Church is not just for insiders. When things turn inward, they turn us back out. They reawaken urgency.
2. Attract new energy
Whether through relationships, events, or spontaneous moments, evangelists help bring in new people, fresh stories, and real-life momentum.
3. Translate vision into invitation
Apostles cast the vision. Prophets call people to faithfulness.. But evangelists make it accessible—they communicate in ways that draw people in, not push them away.
4. Challenge insular culture
Evangelists ask hard questions:
“Why does this feel exclusive?”
“Who else should be here?”
“How do we make this make sense to someone who just walked in?”
Their questions can rattle comfort zones—but that’s exactly the point.
Yes, They Might Drive You Nuts
Evangelists are often high-energy, highly relational, and move faster than systems allow.
A friend of mine—also a strong evangelist—regularly connects with people, offers them a next step, and then comes back to the team with, “We need to build this new thing because I found someone who needs it.” Evangelists can skip the process to get to the people.
But if you’re an evangelist, here’s the challenge: Don’t mistake your energy for maturity.
As Alan Hirsch reminds us, evangelists need guidance, grounding, and community. Passion alone won’t sustain the calling. Mature evangelists aren’t just inspiring—they’re trustworthy. They’ve learned to:
- Listen deeply before speaking boldly
- Collaborate with apostles, prophets, teachers, and shepherds
- Stay connected to the heart of the message—not just the thrill of sharing it
You may be tempted to silence the evangelist in the room. Don’t. Instead, invite them to the table and ask:
“Who’s not here yet?”
Because evangelists are always asking that question—and that question might just change everything.
Want to explore your evangelist gifting?
Join our upcoming Evangelist Pilot Cohort—a space to grow, be challenged, and connect with others like you.