The Great Commission: Every Christian’s Call to Evangelize

A Biblical Study on the Universal Mandate to Share the Gospel

Introduction: A Troubling Reality

A shocking reality confronts the modern church: 51% of churchgoers don’t know what the Great Commission is, and only 17% are actually familiar with the passage known by this name. This alarming statistic reveals a fundamental disconnect between Christ’s final earthly command and the awareness of His followers today. Even more concerning, this lack of awareness often translates into a passive approach to evangelism, where many Christians believe sharing the gospel is reserved for those with special gifting rather than understanding it as a universal calling.

This study aims to address this gap by exploring the biblical distinction between spiritual gifts and the Great Commission mandate, encouraging every believer to embrace their role as Christ’s ambassadors in everyday life.

Chapter 1: Understanding the Great Commission

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)

These words, spoken by our risen Lord, constitute what we call the Great Commission. Yet some argue that the Great Commission was only given to the apostles and therefore does not apply to us today. This interpretation fundamentally misunderstands the nature of Christ’s command.

The Great Commission is not a suggestion but a mandate given by Jesus to every follower. Unlike spiritual gifts—unique abilities given by the Holy Spirit to build up the church (1 Corinthians 12)—the responsibility to share the gospel is universal. Spiritual gifts, like teaching, mercy, or administration, vary among believers, equipping each for specific roles (Ephesians 4:11-12). However, the call to proclaim Christ’s message transcends these gifts. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). This truth emboldened the apostle Paul, and it invites every Christian to participate in God’s redemptive mission.

Consider the disciples in Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Jesus didn’t limit this promise to a select few; it was for all who would follow Him. The early church, filled with ordinary men and women, spread the gospel through their daily lives—merchants in marketplaces, mothers in homes, and laborers in fields. Their witness wasn’t confined to a spiritual elite but flowed from their identity as God’s people, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

The scope of this calling becomes clear in Jesus’s words recorded in Luke 24:47-48: “and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” The phrase “you are witnesses” (Greek: martyres) implies not just the apostles, but all who have experienced Christ’s saving work.

Chapter 2: The Distinction Between Spiritual Gifts and Universal Commands

One of the most common misconceptions in contemporary Christianity is the belief that evangelism is reserved for those with “the gift of evangelism.” This misunderstanding has created a culture where many believers feel excused from sharing their faith, believing they lack the necessary spiritual gifting.

Understanding Spiritual Gifts

The three main passages describing spiritual gifts are Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; and 1 Corinthians 12:28. When we examine these lists carefully, we find that evangelism is not recorded in the common spiritual gifts listings in Scripture; instead, the office of evangelist is mentioned in Ephesians 4:11.

The spiritual gifts include:
– Romans 12: Prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy
– 1 Corinthians 12:4-11: Word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues
– 1 Corinthians 12:28: Healings, helps, governments, and diversities of tongues

Notice that “evangelism” as a spiritual gift is notably absent from these comprehensive lists. What we do find in Ephesians 4:11 is the office of “evangelist”—a distinct calling for certain individuals to specialize in gospel proclamation and to equip others for this work.

The Universal Nature of Gospel Commands

Even if evangelism is a spiritual gift, it is also a command for all believers, just like giving, serving, and so on. Not having “the gift of evangelism” does not excuse a believer from his or her call to share Christ with others.

Consider the parallel with giving. While some have a special gift of giving (Romans 12:8), every Christian is still called to be generous (2 Corinthians 9:7). Similarly, while some may have a special capacity for mercy, all believers are commanded to be merciful (Matthew 5:7).

This principle applies powerfully to evangelism. The Apostle Paul makes this universal calling clear in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20: “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.”

Notice Paul’s language: “us,” “we,” and “ambassadors”—plural pronouns indicating that all believers share in this ministry of reconciliation.

Chapter 3: Biblical Foundations for Every Christian’s Evangelistic Calling

1. The Command to All Believers

Romans 1:16 declares: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Paul’s confidence in the gospel should inspire every believer to share it boldly.

The commands to witness are given to all followers of Christ. Beyond the Great Commission, consider these universal commands:

– 1 Peter 3:15: “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” This command is addressed to all believers, not just those with special gifts.

– 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Every believer is part of this royal priesthood to proclaim God’s excellencies.

2. The Example of Ordinary Believers

As we follow the storyline of the early church, it is obvious that the apostles sought to evangelize and disciple others. But we see ordinary believers sharing the gospel as well.

Acts 8:1 records: “And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” What did these ordinary believers do? Acts 8:4 tells us: “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”

Noted historian Kenneth Scott Latourette makes this observation about the spread of the gospel: “The chief agents in the expansion of Christianity appear not to have been those who made it a profession or a major part of their occupation, but men and women who earned their livelihood in some purely secular manner and spoke of their faith to those whom they met in this natural fashion.”

3. The Stewardship Principle

Luke 12:48 reminds us: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.” We have been given no greater gift than the gospel, and we have no greater stewardship than to share that message of good news with others.

2 Timothy 4:2 commands: “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” While this was written to Timothy, the principle applies to all believers who have received God’s Word.

4. The Harvest Imperative

Matthew 9:37-38 records Jesus saying: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Jesus didn’t limit this harvest work to professional ministers but called for more laborers—ordinary believers who would engage in the work of gathering the harvest.

Chapter 4: Overcoming Common Barriers to Evangelism

The Fear of Inadequacy

Many people say they’re nervous to talk about faith because they’re afraid they don’t know enough answers. People believe that they need to learn more to be good at evangelism. This fear stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of evangelism’s purpose.

This isn’t about defending our faith. It’s about sharing the gospel: the good news for everyone! We don’t need to be theological experts to share what Christ has done in our lives. Acts 4:20 captures this beautifully: “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

1 Peter 3:15 offers encouragement: “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Preparation begins with knowing the gospel and living it out authentically. A life transformed by Christ speaks louder than words, drawing others to ask about the hope they see.

The apostles Peter and John, facing opposition, declared, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Their boldness came from the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit who empowers believers today. 2 Timothy 4:2 instructs, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” Whether in a coffee shop conversation or a church outreach event, every moment is an opportunity to share Christ’s love. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Sharing the gospel is part of the purpose for which God saved us.

The Right Posture

We’re not supposed to begin sharing our faith with a defensive posture. We shouldn’t have a confrontational mindset. Our goal isn’t to win an argument; it’s to be faithful to follow the way of Jesus and be diligent at sharing the gospel.

An easy thing to remember when you’re learning how to share the gospel is that you should be looking for conversations, not confrontations. This aligns perfectly with Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 4:15 to speak “the truth in love.”

The Power of Personal Testimony

Your personal story of faith is a powerful evangelistic tool. Enter a faith conversation with the primary goal of loving the other person, listening to them, and sharing your story about how God changed your life. No one can argue with your personal experience of God’s grace.

Chapter 5: Practical Methods for Everyday Evangelism

1. Lifestyle Evangelism

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Our very lives should be a testimony to God’s transforming power.

Living the Gospel and serving others is one of the best ways of sharing the gospel. We reflect the love and compassion of Jesus to those around us!

2. Conversational Evangelism

When we encounter people, practice asking unnecessary questions. Ask something beyond the typical “how are you?” This will help you practice moving outside your comfort zone, and you will start really seeing and listening to those around you.

Simple steps for conversational evangelism:
– Ask genuine questions and listen carefully
– Share your story authentically
– Invite continued conversation
– Offer to pray for specific needs

3. Gospel Literature and Tracts

A gospel tract is a printed piece of literature that presents the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ and calls the sinner to repent of sin, trust in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life, and to follow Him.

The benefits of gospel tracts include:
– A gospel tract can go places that you can’t go
– A gospel tract can clearly present the gospel in a cogent way
– A gospel tract doesn’t take much effort to pass out
– A gospel tract can find its way into people’s homes when we can’t

Any method that results in people hearing/reading and understanding the biblical gospel is a good evangelism method. However, some people rely entirely on gospel tracts and purposefully avoid directly sharing the gospel with others. While tracts are valuable tools, they should supplement, not replace, personal evangelism.

Chapter 6: The Church’s Role in Equipping for Evangelism

Pastoral Responsibility

Ephesians 4:11-12 reveals God’s design for church leadership: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

Ephesians 4 raises a challenge for pastors: Are we training our people to do evangelism? Are we setting an example for them in our own personal evangelism?

Pastors and church leaders must:
– Model personal evangelism
– Teach the biblical mandate for all believers to share the gospel
– Provide practical training and resources
– Create opportunities for corporate evangelistic efforts

Creating a Culture of Evangelism

Churches should foster an environment where evangelism is:
– Expected as normal Christian behavior
– Equipped through training and resources
– Encouraged through testimonies and celebration
– Evaluated as part of spiritual growth

Psalm 96:3 commands: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.” This should be the heartbeat of every local church.

Chapter 7: The Urgency of Our Calling

The Eternal Stakes

Romans 10:14-15 poses urgent questions: “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'”

Every day, people around us live without the hope of the gospel. Our neighbors, coworkers, family members, and friends desperately need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

The Divine Enablement

Acts 1:8 provides both command and promise: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” We don’t evangelize in our own strength but in the power of the Holy Spirit.

After all, only God can save! It’s not fancy words or perfect sentence structure that leads someone to accept Jesus. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit through the sharing of the gospel.

Chapter 8: Responding to God’s Call

Personal Application

As you reflect on this study, consider these questions:
1. Have you embraced your calling as Christ’s ambassador?
2. What fears or misconceptions have hindered your evangelistic efforts?
3. How can you begin incorporating gospel conversations into your daily routine?
4. What resources or training do you need to become more effective in sharing your faith?

Practical Next Steps

1. Pray for opportunities: Start each day with this simple prayer: “Holy Spirit, lead me into conversations about Jesus today.”

2. Prepare your testimony: Write out a clear, concise account of how Christ changed your life.

3. Learn a simple gospel presentation: Familiarize yourself with basic methods for explaining the gospel clearly.

4. Start with your circle: Begin sharing with family, friends, and coworkers who know you well.

5. Get involved in church evangelism: Participate in outreach events and evangelistic training.

Conclusion: A Church Transformed

Imagine a church where every member understands their role in evangelism. Picture believers who confidently share their faith not because they have a special gift, but because they understand Christ’s universal command. Envision communities where the gospel spreads naturally through ordinary Christians living out their extraordinary calling.

This transformation begins with understanding that the Great Commission is not optional for any believer. Pastors, we can say to our people with confidence, “You are called to be a witness for Christ in both word and deed.”

The gospel is “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). As stewards of this incredible message, we have the privilege and responsibility to share it with a world that desperately needs hope.

May we be faithful to our calling, boldly proclaiming “the excellencies of him who called [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9), trusting in Christ’s promise: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

The church that embraces its evangelistic calling will experience the supernatural growth that God intends. While we may employ various strategies for church growth—improving worship experiences, enhancing facilities, or developing programs—nothing compares to the divine multiplication that occurs when every believer becomes an active witness for Christ. When ordinary Christians begin extraordinary conversations about Jesus in their workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities, the church doesn’t merely grow through transfer growth or natural increase, but through the miraculous transformation of lost souls becoming found children of God.

This is how the early church exploded from 120 believers in an upper room to thousands upon thousands across the known world—not through marketing campaigns or entertainment, but through Spirit-empowered believers who “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) with the gospel message. The church that recovers this biblical pattern of evangelism will discover that God’s method for growing His church remains unchanged: “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). Every soul won through faithful evangelism becomes not just a new member, but a new evangelist, creating an exponential impact that no human strategy can replicate. This is God’s design for church growth—and it begins with each of us embracing our calling as ambassadors of the most powerful message ever proclaimed.

Remember: We are excited to see what God does through you as you learn how to share the gospel in your everyday life!