Evangelists tend to be mavericks. It is a part of our nature; it’s part of our calling.
What on earth do I mean by “maverick?” We tend to go where others cannot, and will not go. We speak when others remain silent. We take risks. We work outside of ordinary church channels and see opportunities where others see inconvenience. All because we believe that God has called us to reach the lost.
As Paul said, I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named” (Romans 15:20, ESV).
That being said, we may have that maverick spirit and drive within us, but we also recognize that we are not allowed to be rebellious. We always seek God’s guidance and direction when chosing places to minister and preach.
The evangelist needs enough of a maverick spirit to go where others won’t go—and enough humility to go where the Holy Spirit tells him to go.
Consider the example of Paul in Acts 16…
“And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”” (Act 16:6-9)
Paul was looking toward the harvest field in Asia first, then in Bythinia. But God closed the door for him and his companions to preach the gospel in those places. Did those two regions need the gospel?
Most certainly. But God had another plan.
Paul had a vision of a man who called to him to “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” No doubt this was a direct vision from the Holy Spirit. Paul’s reaction to the vision is seen in the next verse…
“And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (Act 16:10)
When the Holy Spirit said “Hey, stop!” he totally hit the brakes. When the Spirit pointed him in a different direction, he rolled with it. And when God gave him a nudge to head over to Macedonia, he was all in and went for it.
What does that mean for me? It means that I want to make ministry decisions based on the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and not based upon convenience or other worldly considerations.
Sometimes I hear from well meaning people, “Why go to Scotland to preach the gospel? Why go to _______ to preach the gospel? There are people here at home that need Jesus.”
I do seek to reach people around my home base with the gospel. I preach on the college campuses in the Triangle area. I preach at the bus station, at the football and baseball stadiums, and I evangelize at the festivals. But I don’t believe my ministry should be limited to Jerusalem. (See Acts 1:8) Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the world need Jesus too.
Above everything, I seek to obey the Lord in every decision that I make regarding ministry opportunities. You can call me a “Spirit-led maverick.” I’m good with that. Let us be, “The whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole world” together.
Until the Net is Full,
Darrel
