In the sense that the word "Evangelist" is generally used, most Christians would understand it to refer to an office to which only certain individuals are called. Indeed, scripture does mentions various offices, including the specific office of the evangelist. Does this mean that only those holding that specific office are to evangelize? Surely not, if we would expect apostles, prophets, and pastors to evangelize.

(Eph. 4:11) It was he [Christ] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (NIV)

 But what about everyday, ordinary believers? Are they to evangelize? If we believe we are all disciples, then the answer in clearly "yes." In fact, the Great Commission which Jesus gave to the disciples has been passed on to all believers. All Christians are called to be disciples. Disciples are student that are to learn to do all that Jesus taught His disciples.

(Matt. 28:18-20) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.""(NIV)

Mark 6:12 They went out and preached that people should repent. (NIV)

Thus, whether we have an office or not, we are not exempt from being willing and able to offer salvation. We may not start out by taking the initiative, but at the very least, we should be prepared if someone asks. As we gain experience and courage, there will be times to make an overture. If we are prepared, the Holy Spirit will make the appointment. We are in a war of good against evil. In the military, although individual soldiers have their specialties, every soldier must be prepared to use his weapons to fight. Surely, the most effective attack on Satan's kingdom takes place when we become an instrument for "setting the captives free."

(James 5:20) Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (KJV)

Unfortunately, few of us are willing evangelize. One reason is, we do not know how to do it, or what to say. It is understandable that, like anything we attempt for the first time, we may be fearful. But, if we are willing to act in obedience to God's commands, and step out in faith, we will be rewarded. Understand, faith is the basis on which we do something we have never done before. In an attempt to deal with the problem of ignorance the following is offered: This prayer is suggested as a guide for those who would like a simple "say after me" that can be easily understood and memorized. The Biblical references are included, but need not be part of the prayer. You may have a different way of saying the same thing. There are many forms of the "sinner's prayer." Just be sure the one you use touches all the necessary scriptural bases. Although the Four Spiritual Laws are very popular, you may notice-- although they imply it-- no direct reference is made to repentance. If we are well grounded in the essential elements of what needs to be confessed, we can use our own words. Still, it is useful to have a memorized version to fall back on. If we are obedient, the Holy Spirit will give us the words.

SINNERS PRAYER

Dear God, I acknowledge and confess that I am a sinner. I have gone my own way and done my own thing apart from You.

(Romans 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (I])

(Romans 5:12) Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned-- (NIV)

I now, by an act of my will, and a decision of my heart, turn from going my way, to going Your way; from doing my thing, to doing your thing.

(Luke 13:3). . . unless you repent, you too will all perish. (NIV)

 And I ask you to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I) I believe that Jesus Christ is your only begotten Son; that He came in the flesh; that He died on the cross for me; that He rose from the dead; that He ascended into Heaven, and now sits at Your right hand, making intercession for me. (NIV)

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (NIV)

(Romans 10:9-10) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (I) I believe that He is the only way to You and no one comes to You, except through Him. (NIV)

(John 14:6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (I) Now, Lord Jesus, I receive You as my personal Savior. I invite you to come into my heart; to be Lord of my life, and to manifest Yourself to me. (NIV)

(Rev. 3:20) Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (NIV)

(John 14:21) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (I) I promise, with your help, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I will confess you before men. Amen. (NIV)

(Matt. 10:32-33) "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." (NIV)(

Romans 8:34) Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

I believe that Jesus is your only begotten Son, he came into the world as a man, that He died on the cross for me, He ascended to Heaven and now sits on Your right hand making intercession for me.

Now, Lord Jesus, I invite you to come into my heart and be Lord of my life and with your help, I will confess you before men. Amen.