As we have previously seen, there are both physical and spiritual dangers and difficulties for the evangelist. In this section, we’ll learn about the social dangers and difficulties for an evangelist.

The first social danger and difficulty is how the evangelist presents God’s truths. Not every believer in Christ or unbeliever appreciates the gospel. It is important, though, for the evangelist to love others no matter what, for “by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35) In Ephesians chapter 4, we learn of Christ’s leadership gifts in verse 11. Verse 11 begins a lengthier sentence that doesn’t end until verse 16.

• “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” – Ephesians 4:11-16
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Notice from verse 15 how Christ’s gifts are to present the truth. They are to be “speaking the truth in love.” Evangelist, if you find a listener to be an enemy to the gospel, then “if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” But you must remember, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:20-21) Love must be shown from the pulpit, house to house, and to each individual, no exception. Concerning fellow believers in Christ, evangelist Timothy was exhorted:

• “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.” – I Timothy 5:1-2
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In the social realm, evangelists must also guard against the opposite gender. An evangelist must carry himself in purity with all women. I Corinthians 7:1 reveals, “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” Some have said that the word “touch” here in verse one refers to a “sensual touch.” However, that is just not true. This exact word is used often in the gospels when Jesus “touched” someone. And we know that Jesus did not sin. The sentence simply means what it says. “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” Evangelists need to have as little bodily contact with women as possible. Some women try to hug, pat you on the back or shoulder, give a kiss on the cheek, or linger in shaking the evangelist’s hand. We read in Genesis 2:18, “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” If an evangelist is married, he needs to “cleave unto his wife.” (Genesis 2:24) It is not good for a married evangelist to be alone without his wife. Let there be no doubt as to who your wife is. Let there be no “appearance of evil” (I Thessalonians 5:2). Stay near your wife. If you are an evangelist who is not married, stay as close as you can to the pastor or other very trustworthy men of the church. Remember Joseph in Genesis 39? Potiphar’s wife “cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, ‘Lie with me.’” (verse 7) In verse 11, the Bible reveals, “And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.” Joseph was alone with another woman. And even though Joseph did not sin with Potiphar’s wife, he was accused of sinning and there was no defense for him. The church of Christ has had enough scandals. “It is high time to awake out of sleep…” (Rom. 13:11), “to righteousness” (I Cor. 15:34), stop the excesses of physical contact, and get as far as possible away from sin (Pr. 4:15)! “Flee fornication.” (I Cor. 6:18) Let the simple truths of God’s Word prevail. Evangelists must not bring reproach to the name of Christ, they must be free from all offense (Acts 24:16), and they must be holy in every area of their life (I Pt. 1:15) including their social interactions.