Evangelism as Discipleship

Let’s take a look at Matthew 28:18–20, aka “Great Commission.” We tend to focus on the two commands in verse 18—the first is to GO and the second is to MAKE disciples. The phrase “make disciples” only appears four times in the Bible. Half of those occurrences refer to an actual disciple and the other half simply mean to teach or instruct. So if making disciples means teaching or instructing and the gospel means the message of Jesus’s life, death, burial, and resurrection, then any time we share kingdom truths with others we are doing both evangelism (proclaiming the good news) and discipleship (teaching or instructing about Jesus). They are two sides of the same coin. Let’s look at three reasons to adopt a more expanded view of both of these vital ministry activities.

A gospel life-style, not just a gospel ministry 

The gospel transforms our lives and informs our choices. We are God’s best resource for sharing the gospel! You are the changed life through whom God tells his story. By sharing how the Holy Spirit influences our lives, we can show others the difference the gospel makes, especially in our marriage and family.

We need to value investing time with people who have yet to meet Jesus

It is a temptation for every Christian to be so involved in ministry or church discipleship activities that we don’t make time for those who don’t know Jesus. As we consider evangelizing as discipleship, it reframes the how, when, who, and where of sharing our faith. Viewing evangelism as discipleship allows us to see every interaction with every person as a valuable opportunity to disciple someone to Jesus. Whether that’s over a meal with our neighbors, at our child’s soccer game, or when talking about the Bible in a small group setting, embracing evangelism and discipleship as a lifestyle opens doors for the gospel message. 

We need a long term approach to seeing people become multiplying disciples

Waiting on God is not a passive process. Discipleship takes time and patience. Like a farmer, we must be patience and persistent. A farmer never plants a seed expecting to see a shoot pop up the very next day. Similarly, it takes a lot of time and intentionality to disciple someone closer to Jesus.

Does this concept resonate with you? How is it similar to what you know about evangelism and discipleship? How is it different? What can you do to help someone become closer to Jesus?

Watch Brad Brisco’s video. While it was recorded for church planters, it can easily be applied to what we’re learning today. What would it look like for us to “frame our ministry around our first, second, and third spaces?” How can we help others do the same? Write out some of your third spaces. What is one way you can be a blessing to the people there?

Do you know of other believers in your third space? Set up a time to connect with them and talk about how you could reach that shared community with the gospel.