Does the Bible really teach that all believers are actually itinerant evangelists?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Does the Bible really teach that all believers are actually itinerant evangelists? – I.E.
A: Itinerant evangelists are the most important ambassadors and messengers on Earth. They are a mighty army, spreading out across the world with a vision to reach their own people for Christ. Evangelism is not a calling reserved exclusively for the clergy. One of the greatest priorities of the church today should be to mobilize believers to do the work of evangelism.
Everyone who possesses Christ as Savior is to be a witness for God’s truth, and in this way, everyone is called to proclaim the Good News that Jesus Christ came to save lost souls. This marvelous privilege is not given to angels. It was given to redeemed men and women.
Just before Jesus returned to Heaven after His resurrection, He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations … teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20, NKJV).
Evangelism is more than simply encouraging people to choose Christ. It is urging people to become disciples – followers – of Jesus, praying that the Holy Spirit will move in their hearts and that men, women, and children will be obedient to His call to follow Him.
The evangelist sows the seed of the Gospel. Some seed will fall upon stony ground and bear no fruit; but if only a few seeds flourish, the results are manifold. Many Christians do not realize how to put this into action. We witness by proclaiming God’s message, and we witness by how we live life in front of a suffering and hopeless world. The world is a gigantic hospital; nowhere is there a greater opportunity to share with an unbelieving world that watches Christians rejoice in times of trial and hardship. Shine the light of God’s truth; this is sowing the seed.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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