Evangelism and Discipleship
Matthew 28:18-20 New International Version (NIV)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Evangelism and Discipleship are popular words commonly heard in Christian churches, but sadly many churches are having some confusion on its meaning and worth, which resulted in ignoring the actual call and commission by Jesus himself to all those who believe in Him.
It is a call and responsibility being commissioned to all Christians. Many thought that these ministries are only reserved for those persons who have position and gifting in the church circle, but in fact the bible clearly states that all believers are ministers of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 New International Version (NIV)
18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
Matthew 28:19 is the key verse which fully describes what is evangelism and discipleship mean. According to Matthew 28:19, we must GO and MAKE disciples. “GO” is the foundation of Evangelism, while “MAKE” is for Discipleship. Let us discuss first what is Evangelism all about.
Evangelism:
One meaning of the word “GO” is to reach from one destination to another. It is same thing that God wanted us to do is to reach for others which is called evangelism. As Christians, we are not intended just to stay together in one place and enjoy God’s word and blessing, but rather God wants us to reach out to others and tell what He has done for us through His great love.
Psalm 105:1 New International Version (NIV)
1 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
The reality is that evangelism or reaching for others is not an easy task since it involves time, effort and resources. Let us discuss some important things regarding evangelism:
1) Evangelism involves compassion: As Christians, we don’t just do evangelism just to say we are following Him. God wants us to feel what he felt in seeing the lost, so our approach to them will be genuine. This ministry should always be fueled by compassion to the lost, knowing that apart from Christ we are nothing, and this will result in a burden to seeing them to come to Christ as they hear your testimony in Him.
Matthew 9:36 New International Version (NIV)
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
2) Evangelism should be covered by testimony: Good testimony should always surround and cover the one reaching for the lost. Our renewed life will be a monument for others to see that what we are sharing is true. That is the same reason why God calls us salt and light of this earth. It is very difficult for someone to listen to us if the evidence of change life is not on us. Remember we should be a living testimony of Christ.
Hebrews 12:14 New International Version (NIV)
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Matthew 5:16 New International Version (NIV)
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
3) The foundation of Evangelism is the Gospel of Christ: Good testimony is just the fruit of the gospel of Christ. So the main message of evangelism is not about us but about the gospel of Christ. That God is Holy and we are sinners, that Jesus paid the ultimate penalty of our sins so we can become righteous again before God and on the 3rd day He rose again from the grave. That we must repent and receive Him as personal Lord and Savior, and we have been saved through faith by His grace for us.
Romans 1:16 New International Version (NIV)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
4) Evangelism is about seeking the lost: Evangelism is not just waiting for someone to pass you by, but rather we must have the heart of God which is about seeking the lost. We must intentionally go and approach others and tell who Jesus is. Again, the key word of evangelism is GO and not wait.
Luke 19:10 New International Version (NIV)
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
In all of these always remember that the Holy Spirit empowers us to go and reach out to others, to become witnesses of Jesus Christ in this earth.
Acts 1:8 New International Version (NIV)
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Discipleship:
Many Christians and churches nowadays are doing some evangelism work to reach out for others but then sadly fail to establish them through discipleship. Many thought that teaching believers to follow God’s instruction through life group, cell group, care group or any names related to this activity is already discipleship. But the reality, this type of activity is just one of the means or aspects of discipleship.
Matthew 28:19 says that we should “MAKE disciples”. “MAKE” in this verse is the foundation of Discipleship.
According to google dictionary, one of the meanings of the word “make” is putting parts together or combining substances. In the same way, discipleship is not all about teaching but making relationships. Discipleship is a way of building a relationship between the teacher (Discipler) and the pupil (Disciple) as you grow together your faith in Christ.
Remember that the foundation of discipleship is RELATIONSHIP. Without a good relationship between the discipler and the disciple, it is very hard to influence and teach the disciple to follow a specific instructions or teaching. That is why Jesus has set a good example on how to become an effecter discipler by building a good relationship with His disciples.
What are things we need to consider regarding discipleship?
1) A good discipler knows how to connect to others: Discipleship is not just about the teaching but about connecting the disciple. Many disciplers or even church leaders impose their will or teaching on others without having the ability to connect to them. This can result in obedience without knowing the essence or significance of the instruction, or just a momentary obedience. As a discipler, we need to go to a level of understanding and interest so we can teach them in the way they will understand and learn.
2) Discipleship need and takes time: As per a natural relationship, building relationships takes time. As you spend time with your disciple, you are allowing them to start to build their trust and confidence in you, to become more open to sharing their thoughts and be receptive to your teaching. Jesus set an example for all of us to follow by giving time to His disciples during His ministry on earth. Jesus slept, ate and even grieved with them.
3) Discipleship is a place of affirmation and correction: Discipleship is the great area to start a culture of callout disciple potential and gifting. A good discipler knows how to challenge, encourage and motivate his disciples. He can also provide appropriate correction if He sees it and deems it necessary. e.g. Matthew 16:13-23
4) A Good discipler knows how to cast vision or share the calling mandate of God: Discipleship is not just about learning. It is a place where you understand what are the things needed to be done, and encourages and motivates you to participate on the calling. Disciples should not just know the burden, but also feel the burden and act on it. Jesus’ disciples received the mandate of God and walked on it in their lives.
In summary Evangelism is about intentionally seeking for the lost to share Christ and discipleship is building relationships to share the teaching and mandate of Christ, resulting to a renewed life and obedience to his/her calling.
Put your notes and reflections on this lesson
Copyright © 2022 by God@Work Church - Singapore.
All quotations from scripture in this training material unless otherwise indicated are taken from the
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
