THE WORLD’S FIRST EVANGELIST
The first evangelist, who spoke of Jesus and drew people to believe in him, was not the disciples, but an unlikely Samaritan woman. Having had an amazing encounter with Christ, she decided not to keep quiet.
Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah? —– Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.(John 4:28-41)
What was the reason for her success?
First, she told her story. While it is possible to get lost in philosophical discussions, no one can deny the validity of your own story. Your experience is yours and has value despite what others might think about it. Sharing your own story does not require a degree in divinity nor does it necessarily require knowledge of philosophy or debates. It only requires willingness and an enthusiasm to make known what you have experienced.
Second, she pointed toward Christ.Evangelists far too often get lost trying to convey to the world a concoction of experience, philosophy and similes, so much so that Christ is left out. Evangelism does not make sense if Christ is not made the centerpiece. Far too many churches today have substituted the call to accept and follow Christ for a call to change churches. True, one church might be as good as dead, but a person who changes denominations, will soon end up disappointed and looking for a new one, unless his thirst is quenched by Jesus, the living water.
Third, she urged her listeners to experience Christthemselves like she had done. Evangelism is asking others to come and experience what you have experienced; not asking others to go and experience what might be possible. A personal experience that fills you with unspeakable joy and compels you to preach is what truly drives evangelism. She had that and therefore was able to find success in drawing others to Christ.
In today’s world of famous tele-evangelists and big name preachers, there is an innate drive to be famous and substantial before the world. However, we are not even told the name of the Samaritan woman, who anonymously goes into the pages of history as the first (and very successful) evangelist for Christ.
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In the KJV it specifically says she told the “men”.
The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, …John 4:28
This is significant because it can be paired with Paul’s writings to get clarity on the proper role of women in the body of Christ. I see again and again women, like Priscilla for example, working OUTSIDE of the church meeting house in various capacities such as evangelism(to men), explaining scripture(to a man), teaching under age boys that are family(Timothy’s mother and grandmother),teaching younger women.