Evangelism and Discipleship-- Big Words!

“The bigger, the better.” – Sound familiar?

Here in America, we like things big.

“Evangelism” comes from the Greek word “euaggelion” which translated simply means, “good news”. It is simply telling others of the Good News of Salvation -- the redemption that we find in His blood at the Cross. However, when we – as Americans – hear the word “evangelism” we usually think big. Big stages with big names speaking to even bigger crowds. We think about the number of converts and hoot and holler when we hear that x-amount of people accepted Christ as their Savior (and of course, the larger the amount of x, the louder the hollering).

But you know what? Jesus did it differently.

In Matthew 13 Jesus told a parable about a sower and when the disciples asked Him about it, He responded by saying it was meant to confuse the crowds. Jesus didn't speak to these crowds because He knew what was in their heart. Instead, Jesus directed this portion of His teaching to a small, select group of His friends. These men were called “disciples” – or in the Greek, simply a learner or follower. These were men that were being poured out into, first with the twelve disciples of Jesus and then as these men and others (such as Paul) went out and invested in the lives of others.

You see, Jesus wasn't about the bright lights and loud music. He invested in relationships. He spent His three year ministry traveling around preaching and teaching to large crowds, but as they were seeking a show Jesus often retreated to His select group of men and taught them. These men were with Him every day of these three years – they not only got the teaching that He provided, but they saw how He lived and were trained on the spot.

If we take a look at the life and ministry of Jesus, we see that we have something wrong in our approach to ministry here. While I'm not saying large, revival type conferences are bad, I think we're missing something. Jesus invested in people – He took the time to show them what it meant to walk with God (literally, in the sense of the 12 disciples!).

I'd like you to watch this short video about the Church and the Great Commission.

Jesus calls us to go (Matthew 28:18-20), but going could simply mean investing in the lives of people around you. Think about it: how many people do you know here that do not know the Lord as their personal Savior? People you work with, go to class with, live life with. These people may not go to a huge revival conference, but they will see your witness. As you live life with these people, you can (notice -- Gospel. This is not a challenge, not a requirement of the law. It's something we get to do, gleefully!) point them to Christ. 

John 13:34-35 
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Friends, this post is not meant to chastise you and challenge you to do better and be better. I simply want you to consider the ministry of Jesus Christ. Out of our love for Him there is a natural overflow into the people around us. I do not want to point my finger at you and tell you to invest in those around you because they're all going to hell. That's motivation by law. There's life and freedom in the Gospel! As you seek the Lord today, He'll break your heart for what breaks His, and make your heart beat for what He loves. And suddenly, investing in the lives of others and pointing them to Christ-- evangelism, discipleship -- turns from an event to a way of life. 

As we love the Lord, may He teach us how to love those around us -- and go and make disciples.