Lausanne World Pulse – Themed Articles – Evangelism and Discipleship

By Kumar Abraham
May 2007 Jesus’ parable of the sower (Matthew 13) teaches us two lessons: (1) the importance of sowing the seed of God’s word and (2) the reality of the seed falling on unprepared ground. Although it is convenient for us to hold discipleship and evangelism separately, I am of the conviction that both should be integrated into one whole experience and not be held separate or in any preferred order.

On the one hand, although most evangelistic associations plan and prepare for good follow-up of converts, they do not see much of the fruit of evangelism preserved. On the other hand, groups that emphasize strong discipleship are perceived to be weak in evangelism. There is much tension in the Church as a result and negative reaction from these groups when weaknesses in their methods are pointed out. The Church must learn to bring strengths together and to blend them in a happy marriage.

In Church history we see how the visionary leader evangelist Billy Graham befriended and invited Dawson Trotman (the founder of the Navigators, a movement dedicated to strong discipleship of converts) to help him with the thousands who were coming to Christ at his meetings. At the Amsterdam Crusade in 1954, there were forty thousand people in the stadium Graham was preaching at. Of this event, Graham writes, “The Navigators had trained one thousand counsellors….But even after the training, the counsellors were still unprepared for the overwhelming response. Nevertheless, they pressed on, doing what they could, encouraging those who made commitments to grow in their faith through prayer and Bible study, as well as involvement in a local church.”⁴ History must repeat itself.

While evangelizing, we disciple; while discipling new believers, we encourage them to share the gospel.

An over-reliance on Matthew 28:19-20 to be the “only” or the most popular verse that refers to the Great Commission can also lead many to give greater importance to making disciples or discipleship. That is, discipleship that is solely self-centred on improving one’s self, local church or denomination. None of the other “Great Commission” passages refer to making disciples. On the other hand they do talk about the Christ-follower’s commission to “proclaim” (Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47), “witness” (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8), and be sent (John 20:21). The Church must hold all of scripture in tension.

The Bible teaches the integration of evangelism and discipleship. “We proclaim (announcing the gospel publicly) him, admonishing (warn believers) and teaching (the word) everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). While evangelizing, we disciple; while discipling new believers, we encourage them to share the gospel.

Today, most evangelical Christians lack commitment to Christ and therefore to evangelism and discipleship. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11) should be equipping the believers in local churches and organizations in this area (Ephesians 4:12-13). Evangelism and discipleship are two graces that a Christ-follower could not live without and the world will perish without.

Endnotes

1. Hull, Bill. 1984. New Century Disciplemaking. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA: Fleming H. Revell. 225.

2. Watson, David. 1981. Discipleship. London: Hodder and Stoughton. 187.

3. Hybels, Bill. 2006. Just Walk Across the Room. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA: Zondervan Publishers. 62-63.

4. Graham, Billy. 1997. Just As I Am. London: Harper and Collins Publishers. 242.

Dr. Kumar Abraham is a Sri Lankan national living in Melbourne, Australia and has served as a missionary in the Philippines for twenty-one years. He is an evangelist, a trainer of evangelists, equipper of Christ-followers in evangelism and a Bible school lecturer. He can be reached at: [email protected].