Growing into Christ (8)

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1.8

The Master Plan of Evangelism
Robert E. Coleman (1928 - )
“Evangelism is not an optional accessory to our life. It is the heartbeat of all that we are called to be and do. It is the commission of the church which gives meaning to all else that is undertaken in the Name of Christ. With this purpose clearly in focus, everything which is done and said has glorious fulfillment of God’s redemptive purpose – educational institutions, social programs, hospitals, church meetings of any kind – everything done in the Name of Christ has its justification in fulfilling this mission.”

Hmmm. Looking at most churches, and most believers, we might think that evangelism is optional. Not many of us are doing it, after all. We do our best to convince our “seeking” neighbors to come to church and find out what we’re all about, but there is no mandate for this in the Gospel. We’re supposed to be making disciples “as you are going” (Matt. 28.18-20), that is, in the normal course of our everyday lives. One of the most conspicuous outcomes of growing into Christ is that Christ overflows through us to others. If we’re truly growing into Jesus, then Jesus will make Himself known in our words and deeds, as His Spirit works in our everyday lives. Spiritual people live spiritual lives, seek a spiritual Kingdom, have the mind of Christ and His Spirit, and follow the Spirit’s leading in showing Jesus. Knowing Jesus and proclaiming Him to others is the heartbeat of faith. Pastors who do not evangelize and do not train their leaders for evangelism are, to be blunt, digging the grave of their church – if not on their watch, then during one to come.

Would the members of your church say that evangelism is optional or incumbent on all? Why not ask them?

Mission Partners Outreach
Here is the perfect resource to help you spend time with another believer, as the two of you grow together into Jesus. 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).