THE CHURCH CALLING AN EVANGELIST

The passion of Itinerant Evangelists is to help bring revival to local churches through preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Evangelists consider it a privilege to be called by God to preach and/or sing for revival to take place in your church. If you feel comfortable, let the evangelist know the praises and difficulties that your church is experiencing. This will enable the evangelist to be more sensitive to the needs of your church.

GATHER INFORMATION

Calling the evangelist is very important and should be a special matter of prayer. Broaden your knowledge of the many evangelists equipped to lead successful revivals. Check the "Evangelist’s Directory" in Grow Magazine and the "Evangelists’ Slates" in The Evangelists’ Perspective. The Evangelist Network web site located at www.nazarenerevivalism.org contains information on the many talented evangelists in our church. Secure recommendations from church leaders and other pastors. Become acquainted with evangelists who are holding meetings in neighboring churches.

FINANCES

Make definite financial plans. It is the responsibility of the church board, in Manual 129.11, "to determine the financial support and housing allowance an evangelist should receive and notify the person of such minimum support at the time of the call by the local church board."

The Board of General Superintendents recommend:

• Fully care for the travel expenses incurred by the evangelist for travel to and from the church.
• Provide for housing meals, and study resources while the evangelist is serving the local congregation.
• Upon consultation with the evangelist, make a contribution to his or her Nazarene Single Defined Contribution Pension account.
• When requested by ministerial evangelists, designate a portion of the compensation as housing allowance.
• Pay a stipend which, as nearly as possible, recognizes the full value of the services being provided by the evangelist. An amount equal to twice the pastor's compensation, including housing, and benefits and a love offering would be appropriate.
• Remember the evangelist at Christmas with a generous love offering.

Make yearly plans for revival by establishing an adequate annual budget for evangelism. This will assure adequate financial support for evangelists called during the year.

EXTEND THE CALL

To initiate the revival meeting, warmly invite the evangelist, stating brief facts about your church and the area you serve. State the objective of your meeting, the dates you desire (allow flexibility), and the minimum honorarium the evangelist can expect to receive. If you initiate the call by telephone (this is the usual procedure), be sure to follow with a confirmation letter.

PUBLICITY

Advertise your revival. Contact Visual Arts at Nazarene Publishing House for available publicity materials. 1-800-877-0700 ext. 315.

THE CARE OF THE EVANGELIST

Be available to greet the revival workers when they arrive.

Be gracious. Share your excitement and anticipation with the evangelist. Show them to their rooms when they arrive. Be certain that accommodations are clean, quiet, comfortable, and accessible. If they are to have their meals in a restaurant, give them adequate cash (suggested minimum per day of $25.00 per person).

Be hospitable. Remember, they may become lonely, but try not to overdo the fellowship aspect. One meal a day together allows you to finalize plans for the revival. Express appreciation for and confidence in their ministry, publicly and privately.

Introduce the evangelist to neighboring pastors and lay leaders, if possible, while they are in your city. Introductions to the district and general church leaders would also be very helpful. Assemblies, conventions, district camps, and retreats are also events where introductions can be made.

WORSHIP

God’s presence is evident in those services that worship and uplift His name. Vibrant music and singing will involve the people in worship. Keeping announcements to a minimum and the service flexible will allow His presence to remain the focus. Giving the evangelist sufficient time for his message and an altar call (at least 45 minutes to an hour) will play a key role in the lives being changed and challenged. In all things, keep an atmosphere of openness and acceptance to the will of God in your life and in the life of your church.

Results of revival are not always seen immediately. The success of the revival is not only in the number of seekers at the altar, but in the new vision and the overall strength it brings to the local church and those who attend.

MERCHANDISE

The church should pay an adequate royalty when selling tapes of their services that contain the message and/or songs of an evangelist. Arrange ahead of time with the evangelist so there is no misunderstanding.

Some evangelists have extended their ministries through writing and/or recording sermons and songs. These can be a blessing to your people. Provide a display area in the foyer for the workers merchandise.

CANCELLATIONS

Three parties are involved when canceling a revival - the pastor, the church board, and the evangelist. Be considerate and pray for divine guidance. Try not to cancel unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Even if there is a pastoral change prior to a revival, the church should keep their commitment to the scheduled evangelist, if possible. The board secretary should reconfirm the date, just to be sure.

Our prayer and hope is that you may experience God’s presence with confirming evidence as you enter into this special time of revival and spiritual renewal

The Evangelist Network
Church of the Nazarene
6401 The Paseo
Kansas City, MO 64131
1-800-821-2154 or
(816) 333-7000 ext. 2440
Fax: (816) 361-5202

E-Mail: evang@nazarene.org

For more extensive Revival Preparation, Planning and Follow-Up, call the Nazarene Publishing House at 1-800-877-0700 to order The Revival Preparation Guidebooks, (order number MGU-595).

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