What is the Evangelist Training Ministry?
The Evangelist Training Ministry exists to equip everyday Christians to share the Gospel and launch new faith communities in everyday places and spaces. By empowering laypeople to engage in Gospel outreach, the ministry seeks to train and send 150 active evangelists by December 31, 2025. This vision aligns with the mission of the Texas District to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people locally and globally.
Who is an evangelist?
An evangelist is a disciple of Jesus trained to engage unreached or disconnected people in their communities with the Gospel. Evangelists are not ordained or commissioned ministers but are vital participants in sharing Christ’s love in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
What motivates the development of evangelists?
As cultural trends move away from traditional church attendance, there is a growing need for outreach outside church walls. A 2023 Barna study found that 77% of Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X, and 79% of Boomers believe in God or a higher power, with most expressing a desire to grow spiritually. Evangelists meet this need by creating “spiritual wells” in everyday places where people can encounter Jesus.
Additionally, the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has emphasized the importance of lay training programs through recent resolutions:
• 2013 Resolution 4-06A: Commended district lay training programs and recommended a major emphasis on evangelism and outreach in the increasingly diverse and challenging U.S. context.
• 2016 Resolution 13-01A: Celebrated the partnership between the royal priesthood and the Office of the Public Ministry, encouraging districts to provide training opportunities for laypeople in evangelism, mercy, education, and visitation.
These resolutions underline the Synod’s commitment to equipping lay leaders for outreach and ministry in modern contexts.
How does the Evangelist Training Ministry prepare evangelists?
The ministry offers structured training based on biblical principles, Lutheran theology, and practical skills for Gospel outreach. The curriculum includes:
• Basic catechesis and lessons on community engagement.
• Specialized resources for English and Spanish-speaking communities, youth, and ASL.
• Continuing education opportunities to deepen theological understanding and outreach skills.
What are the core pillars of the ministry?
1. Build Spiritual Wells: Evangelists create spaces where people can meet Jesus, addressing both physical and spiritual needs. These spaces may include English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, food pantries, or community gatherings. In John 4, Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well where she came to draw water for her physical needs. Similarly, these ministries provide tangible care while offering the living water of the Gospel, meeting people where they are and inviting them into a deeper relationship with Christ.
2. Serve Future Generations: The ministry focuses on creating lasting faith communities that will endure and grow. Just as Jacob’s well served generations, the faith communities built by evangelists aim to impact families and individuals for years to come, offering a spiritual inheritance grounded in Christ’s love. Jacob had no idea of the encounter Jesus would have with the Samaritan woman at the well he built hundreds of years earlier. In the same way, we build wells and trust that God will reach generations to come. While we don’t always see immediate fruit, we wait on God’s perfect timing.
3. Invite Others to “Come and See”: Following the example of the Samaritan woman, who invited her community to meet Jesus, evangelists extend this same invitation. “Come and See” is more than a phrase—it is our motto and our approach to one-on-one sharing of Jesus with others. By fostering welcoming and inclusive environments, evangelists create spaces where individuals can encounter Christ’s transformative love and, we pray, become connected with a local congregation.
What are examples of evangelist ministry in action?
Evangelists in the Texas District are:
• Hosting neighborhood Bible studies and ESL classes.
• Reaching out to refugee communities and homeless youth.
• Organizing Vacation Bible Schools and community events.
• Engaging through innovative ministries like sports, woodworking, and entrepreneurship.
• Leading young adult ministries that create spaces for spiritual discussions.
• Combining craftsmanship with Gospel-sharing in woodworking ministries.
• Empowering women to share their faith through focused ministries.
• Utilizing gaming as a unique platform for faith conversations.
• Supporting foster children through faith-based outreach.
• Creating community gardens as shared spaces for fellowship.
• Connecting with underserved communities and providing spiritual support for families with special needs.
• Integrating faith into daily life through devotionals at work.
• Reaching youth and families through soccer tournaments and sports ministries.
• Engaging in entrepreneurial outreach to foster relationships and mutual support.
• Partnering with small businesses to distribute essentials through blessing bags ministries.
• Engaging truckers with the Gospel on the road through truck stop ministries.
• Hosting faith-based family events, such as First Friday Front Yard Parties.
• Reaching out to Muslim communities and sharing the Gospel.
• Integrating faith into early childhood education through preschools.
• Combining medical missions with evangelism in eye glass clinics.
• Hosting Bible studies in public spaces to encourage open faith discussions.
• Utilizing creative outreach strategies like pop-up evangelism events.
How does this ministry align with LCMS practices?
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has long emphasized the priesthood of all believers. Recent resolutions (2013 Resolution 4-06A and 2016 Resolution 13-01A) commend lay training programs and encourage the development of evangelists to meet the challenges of modern outreach.
What resources are available to evangelists?
The ministry provides comprehensive support, including:
• Training modules (in English, Spanish, Youth tailored and ASL).
• Coaching and mentorship from district trainers.
• Networking opportunities with other evangelists and ministry leaders.
• Ongoing prayer support and spiritual guidance.
Do we baptize as evangelists?
Evangelists in the Texas District Evangelist Training Ministry are not ordained ministers and, therefore, do not perform sacraments like baptism. Their role focuses on sharing the Gospel, engaging communities, and pointing individuals to Jesus. However, in case of an emergency any Christian can baptize.
How is it different from the Kennedy Evangelism Explosion?
The Evangelist Training Ministry emphasizes building “spiritual wells” or creating communities, safe places in everyday spaces, meeting people where they are, and addressing both physical and spiritual needs. This approach differs from the Kennedy Evangelism Explosion, which focuses more on a structured presentation of the Gospel. Here, the goal is holistic and relational, fostering ongoing engagement and discipleship.
I already took the CPH course on Evangelism, Every One His Witness, so why should I take this one?
While “Every One His Witness” provides a strong foundation, this training expands on practical applications tailored to creating faith communities in everyday spaces. It equips participants to launch ministries, engage in deeper spiritual conversations, and meet tangible needs in their communities.
Are evangelists starting churches?
Evangelists are not tasked with planting traditional churches but are encouraged to form new faith communities in places like homes, workplaces, or public spaces. These are described as spiritual wells where people encounter Jesus and begin their faith journeys.
I don’t have the gift of evangelism.
The training is designed for everyday Christians, not just those with a perceived gift for evangelism. It equips participants with practical tools to share their faith and create welcoming environments where Jesus can meet others.
Can my friends participate in the training even if they’re not from a Lutheran background?
The training is open to all people who are willing to hear the Good News of the Gospel and receive Lutheran Biblical and Confessional training for the purpose of relational outreach, sharing the Good News, and creating spiritual wells in their communities. Our prayer is that we see growth in God’s Kingdom and in the Lutheran Church.
Is the task of an evangelist to disciple?
The role of an evangelist may involve relational discipleship. It is multifaceted and may call for a variety of service for God’s precious people.
What are the core responsibilities of an evangelist?
- Proclaiming the Gospel
Evangelists are tasked with sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in everyday places. They bring the Gospel to those who might never step into a church, addressing spiritual thirst and pointing people to the hope, grace, and forgiveness found in Christ. This work echoes the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the mission of the seventy-two sent by Jesus in Luke 10.
- Building Spiritual Wells
The metaphor of “spiritual wells” captures the essence of the evangelist’s mission. Just as Jesus met the Samaritan woman at a physical well (John 4), evangelists create spaces where Jesus encounters people. These wells often begin with meeting people in their day-to-day lives and meeting tangible needs such as providing a meal, offering a listening ear, or helping with practical challenges. But they ultimately point to the living water that only Jesus can provide (John 4:13-14).
- Engaging in Spiritual Conversations
Evangelists are trained to initiate and engage in meaningful conversations that gently guide people toward Christ. These conversations are not about forceful persuasion but about listening, empathizing, and responding with the truth of the Gospel. This requires humility, active listening, and a readiness to share personal faith stories, following the example of Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman.
- Making Disciples
Discipleship is a key part of an evangelist’s role. Evangelists do not simply share the Gospel and move on; they walk alongside individuals, helping them grow in the basis of faith and integrate into the broader Christian community. This aligns with Jesus’ command in Matthew 4:19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
- Establishing Faith Communities
Evangelists are often involved in forming new faith communities, though not in the traditional sense of planting churches. These communities might gather in homes, workplaces, parks, or coffee shops, providing a safe and welcoming environment where people can explore their faith and grow in their relationship with Jesus.
- Inviting Others to “Come and See”
Like the Samaritan woman who invited her community to meet Jesus (John 4:29), evangelists extend the invitation to others. They may not have all the answers, but their transformed lives and personal testimonies serve as a powerful witness to Christ’s work. This simple yet impactful invitation is central to the evangelist’s mission.
- Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The role of the evangelist is not carried out in their own strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit. Evangelists rely on God to do the transformative work in people’s hearts, while they serve as willing instruments. As noted in God’s Word and in the Lutheran Confessions, the Holy Spirit works through the Word and the Sacraments to create and sustain faith (1 Peter 2:9; Augsburg Confession, Article V).
What are the characteristics of an evangelist?
- Compassionate and Empathetic: Evangelists are called to care deeply for the lost and meet them where they are.
- Relational: Building trust and genuine relationships is key to their ministry.
- Humble and Authentic: Sharing faith authentically, often through personal stories of transformation.
- Persistent and Patient: Understanding that spiritual growth takes time and that God works in His perfect timing.
- Community-Oriented: They work to integrate individuals into a community of faith, fostering lasting spiritual growth.
Why are evangelists essential?
- As church attendance declines and more people express spiritual hunger outside traditional church settings, the role of evangelists becomes critical. They are the bridge between the unchurched and the church, bringing the love of Christ into the everyday lives of those who might not otherwise hear the Gospel.
- In essence, evangelists serve as frontline Gospel workers, creating pathways for others to encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and experience the life-changing power of His love. This role is deeply significant and aligned with the broader mission of the Church to reach the lost and disciple the saved.
Where does my task as an evangelist begin and end?
An evangelist’s role begins with sharing the Gospel and building relationships and continues as they disciple others and form faith communities. The ministry highlights that while evangelists initiate the connection, Jesus does the transformative work.
How will the district support me long-term once I am trained as an evangelist?
The district provides ongoing mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. Evangelists also receive spiritual guidance and prayer support to sustain their ministry efforts.
Can I go through the program and not be officially sent as an evangelist?
Yes, participants can take the training without being officially sent. The training benefits anyone who wants to learn how to share their faith effectively and support Gospel outreach in their community.
What’s the point of going through this program with a cohort?
Participating in a cohort provides mutual support, encouragement, and shared experiences. It allows evangelists to learn from one another, collaborate on outreach ideas, and build a network for ongoing ministry support.
How can I get involved?
If you feel called to make an eternal impact, consider becoming an evangelist or introducing this ministry to your church. For more information, contact:
Deaconess Noemi Guerra
Districtwide Evangelist Development Ministry Leader
Texas District, LCMS
1221 Satellite View
Round Rock, TX 78665
Email: noemi@txlcms.org
Office of the President
Texas District, LCMS
7900 East Hwy 290
Austin, TX 78724
