Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. Bob Gonzales 
I agree that not all persons are gifted and called to preach in the sense of delivering sermons. But does employing an evangelistic heart normally include verbal witness in your view, as opposed to mere "lifestyle" evangelism. As I noted earlier, some appear to make a distinction between the called pastor or missionary's duty to communicate the gospel proactively and the layman's role to communicate the gospel reactively. The text used to distinguish the layman's reactive or responsive role from that of the ordained man of God is 1 Peter 3:15. I'm still wondering if this distinction finds its root in Reformed or Puritan theology.
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Bob,
I struggle with this. The Baptist evangelistic methodologies that I have been exposed to have always been programmed. The corresponding guilt that was mine for the taking was always in bloom. As an elder I have to approach the subject of evangelism biblically. Is it biblical? If so, who is called to do it and how? I believe most of us are all settled on the role of the preacher in declaring the gospel. I doubt many on the PB will argue against missionaries proclaiming the gospel. But how about the individual pew sitter? Is there a biblical mandate for them to witness or share the gospel? Is one needed? If I am honest to scripture, I have to admit that I cannot find one inference that commands individuals to preach the gospel. Why is that?
I don't know if it's necessary to define "preaching." Proclaiming the gospel is preaching and it doesn't necessarily have to be done from a pulpit. But while venue is not addressed in scripture, it seems (to this Baptist) that is the office of pastor or elder to preach the gospel message. Because I don't claim to have this all buttoned down, I'm going to throw out a few questions:
1. Can trained lay people proclaim the gospel under the authority of the pastor and elders?
2. Is sharing or "witnessing" the same thing as preaching in regards to the gospel?
3. If #2 is allowed for the membership what form should this take?
I ask these questions because there are many believers who are petrified to share the gospel. Beyond that, there are just as many who don't have a mastery of the message. I've heard pastors say that mastery of the message isn't important. The Holy Spirit has control over the effort and can even work through the mistakes of men. But how do we excuse a careless approach to to the gospel message, even if it's well meaning?
I am in favor of the church employing various methods in order to attract unbelievers. Community outreaches, family days, nursing home ministries, door-to-door visitation; all of these can be used to invite unbelievers so that they may hear the gospel proclaimed. These type of activities can involve the whole church membership while leaving the preaching of the gospel in the hands of those who have been called for that purpose.
These are just my thoughts. I'm more than willing to have them poked, prodded and dissected by the brethren here on the PB.