Growing into Christ (8)

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock… 1 Peter 5.2, 3

The Master Plan of Evangelism
Robert E. Coleman (1928 - )

“Basically His way was His life. And so it must be with His followers. We must have His life in us by the Spirit if we are to do His work and practice His teaching. Any evangelistic work without this is as lifeless as it is meaningless. Only as the Spirit of Christ in us exalts the Son are men drawn unto the Father. Of course, we can not give something away which we do not possess ourselves. The very ability to give away our life in Christ is the proof of its possession.”

What Robert E. Coleman wrote about the work of evangelism is equally true about the work of making disciples. We must be spiritual people – as Jonathan Edwards insisted – if we would help others grow into Jesus and be more truly spiritual themselves. As we spend time with others – in our homes and theirs, taking a meal together, sharing in ministry – we can encourage one another by our mutual example of seeking the Lord. We must always take care that the example we set before the people of God is a snapshot of what the Lord desires for them to become. Though he can only work closely with a few men, the pastor sets the bar for the spiritual life, personal demeanor, relational skill, and ministry effectiveness of all the people in his care. They will follow your example, whatever example you put before them. This is a matter for much prayer, throughout the day, lest our example be something other than that of Jesus Himself, we cause the brethren to stumble.

Who are some disciple-makers whose personal example has greatly affected your own life? How is your example affecting others?

Mission Partners Outreach
Jesus trained and deployed His followers two-by-two, to learn and serve together in proclaiming His Kingdom. Are you following this pattern? Our Mission Partners Outreach provides the resources and framework for making witness-bearing disciples in your church. Want to learn how it works? I’m currently looking for three men to work with me through this six-month training effort, which includes preparing a plan to implement this free training in your own church. Watch this brief video, then contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for more information.

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations are from Robert E. Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism(Old Tappan: Revell, 1963, 1987).