The role of an evangelist within the church hierarchy is significant, as their authority often extends throughout the entire organization, not confined to a specific area. The term "evangelist" means good messenger, reflecting their broad responsibility to communicate vital messages across the church. In the structure outlined, evangelists hold a rank below apostles but above pastors, indicating their wide-reaching influence. Their duties are not limited to pastoring individual congregations but encompass broader administrative and leadership roles. For instance, some evangelists oversee multiple congregations or manage key aspects of the church's operations, such as financial administration or educational institutions. Even when evangelists do pastor specific churches, their responsibilities often extend beyond typical pastoral duties, highlighting the expansive nature of their office within the church's framework.

The role of an evangelist, as understood within the church, carries specific responsibilities and historical context. Research into the term reveals that, contrary to common perception, an evangelist does not primarily preach the gospel to the world as an apostle might. In the Bible, only Philip, known as 'the evangelist,' is shown preaching to the public, and many commentators believe he later became an apostle. Generally, the conclusion is that evangelists focused their preaching within the church. One commentator noted that, except for Philip, no other evangelist is depicted preaching to the public in the scriptures, emphasizing that their gospel proclamation was directed internally to the church body. Additionally, the term evangelist evolves from a function, as seen with Philip, to an office, as with Timothy, indicating a shift during the first century to a supervisory role over other ministers. The evidence suggests that generally, an evangelist's role is not to preach to the world but to serve within the church, though unusual circumstances might warrant exceptions.

Jesus Christ, in His time on earth, made it clear that His mission was not to gain immediate followers or to fulfill the nationalistic expectations of the people. He often instructed those He healed not to spread the news of His works, showing that He was not seeking widespread attention or to be seen as a political conqueror. His purpose was distinct, and He aimed to guide His disciples to understand this deeper mission. When Jesus spoke of building a church, He declared that it would be founded upon Himself, the living rock, ensuring that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. His resurrection and continued life sustain this church, unlike any human foundation which would falter with time. He promised to inspire and guide His apostles in their decisions, though they were not immune to mistakes. Even when they erred, He was capable of correcting and teaching them through experience. Jesus also cautioned His disciples against revealing certain events, such as the vision of the Transfiguration, until after His resurrection. This was to prevent misinterpretations and to avoid drawing the wrong kind of attention to His mission. His instructions often ran counter to the common desire for a Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom, as He emphasized a spiritual purpose over materialistic or political ambitions. In addressing Peter, Jesus rebuked him for suggesting a path of power and avoidance of suffering, calling him out for not being mindful of the things of God. This reflected a temptation similar to those Jesus faced earlier, rooted in materialistic thinking rather than divine purpose. He firmly told Peter to get behind Him, indicating that Peter must follow rather than lead with human ideas, aligning himself with God's plan. Jesus further taught that following Him requires complete denial of self, taking up one's cross, and bearing the burdens of sacrifice. This is not a temporary or superficial act but a constant reorientation of life away from personal gain toward serving God and others. He challenged the notion of gaining the world at the cost of one's soul, emphasizing that true life comes from obedience to God, promising a fulfilling existence filled with peace and joy for those who commit to His way.

In this modern era, the role of an evangelist has evolved from a function directed toward the world to a high office within the church. Herbert Armstrong, as an apostle, took on the responsibility of public preaching, while evangelists focused on administering internal church functions. This shift highlights a change in emphasis, where the primary work of evangelists became centered on the internal needs and organization of the church rather than external outreach.

Philip, a faithful preacher and teacher, emerges as a central figure in the spread of the gospel following the persecution of the early church. He is the first, and only, person in the New Testament to be specifically called an evangelist, as noted in Acts 21:8. His role was distinct, focused on carrying the gospel to places where it was previously unknown, traveling from city to city to preach the Word. Unlike apostles or pastors, Philip's primary function as an evangelist was itinerant preaching, without the authority of an apostle or the responsibility of pastoral supervision over a specific flock. Beginning his ministry in Samaria, Philip boldly preached Christ to the people, despite the deep-seated hostility between Jews and Samaritans. His efforts were marked by the special presence of God, as he performed miracles that demonstrated divine power, drawing attention to Jesus Christ rather than himself. His preaching centered on the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God, maintaining the same focus as the apostles before him. God blessed his teaching, and transformations occurred through his proclamation of the Word. Philip's evangelistic work also included personal witness, as seen in his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. Directed by God to leave Samaria at a time of great blessing, he obeyed without objection, traveling to a desert road to meet this truth-seeker. There, he explained the Scriptures, proclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ, leading to the eunuch's baptism. Philip's readiness to follow divine inspiration, even to unexpected places, underscores his commitment as an evangelist. After this encounter, Philip continued his journey, preaching in many cities along the coast, from Azotus to Caesarea, where he eventually settled. Twenty years later, he was still serving God as an evangelist in Caesarea. His ministry reached diverse audiences, from the mixed-race Samaritans to the influential Ethiopian, yet his message remained consistent, centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ and the coming Kingdom of God. Through his obedience and boldness, Philip exemplified the role of an evangelist, planting seeds of faith wherever he was led by God.

In the account of the Samaritan woman at the well, her actions reflect a profound transformation. After her encounter with Jesus, she left her water pot in haste, driven by an urgent desire to share her experience with the townspeople. She went into the town, enthusiastically spreading the word about this remarkable Man who knew everything about her. Though she did not fully comprehend His identity, her fervor led her to bring the entire town back to meet Him. In this way, she acted as an evangelist, passionately conveying her encounter and drawing others to come and see Him for themselves. Her efforts bore immediate fruit, as the people responded by leaving the city to meet Him, demonstrating the impact of her earnest testimony.