THE ABCD’s OF EVANGELISM & DISCIPLESHIP
Evangelism is a key part of the Christian life. I believe this so much that I pursued a degree teaching me how to motivate others to be better at evangelism. As a part of this degree I learned a variety of evangelistic techniques. One of these techniques was the ABC’s of evangelism. This evangelistic model is used In VBS and in a lot of churches because it’s a very simplistic and effective means to communicate the Gospel of Christ. Specifically the ABC’s of Evangelism that stand for:
A = Admit (Admit that you are a sinner, based on Romans 3:23)
B = Believe (Believe that Christ died on the cross for your sins, based on John 1:12)
C = Confess (Confess that Christ is the Lord of your life, based on Romans 10:9-10)
Many Christians have used this evangelistic tool to lead others to eternal security in Jesus Christ. However, no matter how effective of a tool it is, I contend that the ABC’s of Evangelism is missing a step.
Earlier I mentioned I pursued a degree in evangelism. My degree in evangelism taught me how to equip others to be better at evangelism. The degree also taught me how discipleship fit into a healthy church evangelistic model. They believe, as I do now, that if one is discipled effectively then they become better at evangelism. For example, when one knows how to share their faith they are more likely to practice evangelism. Hence, a church increases their evangelistic reach from their discipleship investment into others. So, what does all of this have to do with the ABC’s of Evangelism? Again, I believe the ABCs of evangelism does not go far enough.
Please know that I believe the three steps are very effective in leading one to Christ, and that does NOT need to change. Rather, we must never forget that after one is converted by embracing a new life in Christ through faith, that this is when discipleship begins. Thus I suggest the ABC’s of Evangelism become the ABCD’s of Evangelism & Discipleship, which looks like this.
A = Admit (Admit that you are a sinner)
B = Believe (Believe that Christ died on the cross for your sins)
C = Confess (Confess that Christ is Lord)
D = Discipleship (Make Disciples of All Nations & Follow Him)
This model does not diminish the current evangelistic model; instead it adds to the current model to include discipleship. Therefore, evangelism and discipleship are included and neither is left out. This addition allows for an intentional emphasis to be placed on discipleship, just as there has been on evangelism. Therefore, I believe the discipleship component of the ABCD’s of Evangelism & Discipleship should strive to do two things.
1. To train Christians to be able to lead others to faith in Jesus Christ and then disciple new converts to replicate the same for others.
2. To train Christians to become life-long learners of the Christian faith in order to faithfully follow Christ as The Lord if their life.
In closing, Jesus said “follow me and I will make you fishers of men” in Matthew 4:19 not just to call on the name of The Lord to be saved. He said to “make disciples” in Matthew 28:18-20 not just pray this prayer. We need evangelism, but we also need life-long discipleship. I’m not advocating that one is better than the other; instead I’m stating that one with out the other is incomplete. In our efforts to see one eternally secure, lets teach them how in this life to endure.
See you at the next post!
