Movement of Evangelism: The Link between Evangelism and Discipleship

Evangelism and discipleship are both needed in church growth, and we cannot neglect either of these. Rev Gary Chia shares five links to build an intentional evangelism and discipleship system.

In the first few months of my conversion to Christianity, I was filled with fresh fire to preach the gospel boldly to my friends. However, I realized that I was insensitive in my approach and offended some of my friends then. There were questions I could not answer readily and struggled to defend my faith. Looking back, I wish I was better equipped with the right tools to reach out to my friends.  Evangelism and discipleship are strongly connected. You cannot say you are a disciple if you don’t share Christ. And if you aren’t a true disciple, your testimony and declaration will carry no weight.

I’d like to share with you five key links between discipleship and evangelism that you can use to evaluate where you are and how you can be intentional in growing in both discipleship and evangelism.

Our evangelism must be focused on making disciples, who become disciple-makers.

1. Make Disciples not Converts

Discipleship and Evangelism are the pillars of the Great Commission. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is not just a call to evangelism but a call to discipleship. We are to make disciples, not just converts, and to teach them to obey everything Jesus has commanded us. Getting people saved through street evangelism is great, but how do you grow that seed of faith? Is there a follow-up? Is there a connection of that new soul to a community of faith? Our evangelism must be focused on making disciples, who become disciple-makers. The discipleship process cannot be left to chance but needs to be intentional and purposeful.

2. Evangelism is a Natural Product of True Discipleship

When the church produces true disciples, they will naturally become agents of evangelism. As ambassadors for Christ, believers are called to represent Him faithfully in the world. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul writes, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” Paul’s standard of discipleship multiplies itself. It should not stop at the person being discipled, but it should equip them to make new disciples. It should equip them with the know how’s to share the Gospel, to share their testimony, to nurture new souls that come into the Kingdom, and walk with that new believer until they become disciples. This creates a ripple effect, extending the reach of the Gospel.

When a believer experiences genuine transformation, it encourages them to become a bold witness.

3. Authentic Relationship with Christ and Church

It’s hard to tell people how good Jesus is if you are not experiencing it for yourself. And it’s more than just how good Jesus was decades ago when you first became a believer. Do you have an authentic, vibrant, living relationship with Jesus and your spiritual community? Discipleship is about building an intimate relationship with Jesus. When a believer experiences genuine transformation, it encourages them to become a bold witness. One that is not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16)

You can’t tell people how good a church is if you aren’t part of one. I don’t just mean attending service. I mean being a part of the community where you receive mentoring and nurturing from the church. This is where believers learn to live authentically and intentionally to become living testimonies of God’s grace and redemption. Authentic relationships with Christ and the church are life-giving. When it happens, it becomes a magnet for pre-believers to know Christ.

4. Mentoring and Modelling

Discipleship is about equipping believers for works of service to fulfil the Great Commission! Through teaching, mentoring, and encouragement, discipleship empowers believers to be confident in sharing the Gospel.  It’s one thing to read about how to share Christ, and another to observe someone doing it and eventually sharing Christ with someone on your own. Be discipled with practice sessions! Evangelism isn’t confined to formal preaching or an evangelistic program, but it encompasses every aspect of our lives. Evangelism is a lifestyle!

Evangelism is a key part of the disciple-making process, and intentional discipleship first requires evangelism.

5. No Power, No Fire!

One of the reasons why the church is experiencing evangelism fatigue is because we limit the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ final command in Matthew 28 is to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”. Evangelism cannot be done in the power of the flesh. Rather we need to rely on the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom, courage, and grace needed to fulfill the Great Commission. Will you believe for miracles, signs, and wonders that prove God’s authenticity? Will you move in faith for the power of God to be revealed through you?

Evangelism is a key part of the disciple-making process, and intentional discipleship first requires evangelism. May we remain steadfast in our commitment to proclaim the Good News and make disciples for the glory of God.

Billy Graham once said, “Only God knows when the alarm will sound, ending the work and ministry of evangelism as we have known it.”  May this be the cry of our hearts as we endeavor to continue to be a disciple-making church.