My initial burden that led to the writing of these posts actually centered on the fact that, for the most part, we have dropped the ball when it comes to discipling new believers and believers in general. With that in mind, however, we need to take a moment and talk about evangelism because a person cannot be a disciple of Jesus unless they have been born again. For ages, people have seen evangelism and discipleship as the two-fold command of our Lord’s Great Commission in Matthew 28. Speaking of evangelism and discipleship, I must mention something here that I heard years ago and have never forgotten. Early in my ministry I heard someone say, “Evangelism is incomplete until the evangelized become evangelists.” How true that statement is.
I realize that not everyone who follows our ministry is a Southern Baptist. We are so thankful that people of many denominations pray for us, follow the ministry, and have even supported us financially. The Body of Christ is so much bigger than any one denomination, ministry, or church. However, as a Southern Baptist, I must say that many have been troubled, saddened, and even alarmed by the fact that Baptists are baptizing fewer people now than we have in nearly seventy years! It is not the purpose of this post to try and analyze this sad fact. I believe that more than anything else, this should show us the need for revival and spiritual awakening. It is sad to say, however, that there are many, even in leadership positions, who feel that this is simply the catch-all, “spiritual”, preacher answer to this dilemma.
Having said that, we need to consider, “Have ideas and motivation for evangelism and discipleship become things that we basically program, package, promote, and then purchase in a Christian bookstore? ” Are baptisms at their lowest point in decades because we continue to try to motivate carnal church members to be soul-winners and then wonder why hardly anyone ever shows up for “visitation night” or other evangelistic outreach events? Why do we have hundreds of people who have been trained in Evangelism Explosion, Continued Witness Training, Faith, etc., yet our baptistries have cobwebs growing in them?
As I wrote in an earlier post, I am not trying to sound negative, harsh, judgmental, or holier-than-thou. But, we must honestly face these issues, ask these questions, and ask the Lord to speak to us. We must cry out to God for revived hearts among His people and for spiritual awakening among the lost. I am thankful for evangelism training and for every tool we have for evangelism and discipleship. However, have you ever heard of anyone being trained to share about their grandchildren? Do you ever have to motivate a college football fan to talk about, quite enthusiastically I might add,their favorite team? Do you have to force someone who loves to hunt and fish to talk about their latest experience?
You may be thinking, “Preacher, you’re being ridiculous. What’s your point? What does this have to do with evangelism and the Great Commission?” Part of the answer may be found in a passage in Acts and in another passage in Ephesians.
Until next time–In Christ’s service, Allen
theamenministry 