Q: You’ve stated that Christians aren’t called by Christ to win Converts, but to make Disciples. Can you explain the difference; and share some effective Discipleship strategies?
A: Out of our desire to win souls to Christ, we’re hearing the Gospel ‘watered-down” to make Christ more appealing to the culture: we tell the lost, “Come to Christ, and He will solve ‘ALL’ your problems!” This statement isn’t found anywhere in sacred Scripture. Therefore, we leave the person, with the notion, that they don’t have to do anything, except believe.
Simply stated, Converts are new believers, in Christ. However, we are called by Christ to make Disciples [“Go therefore and make Disciples of all nations.” Matthew 28:19]. A Disciple is a ‘learner or pupil,’ someone who is willing to step out of their comfort zone, and work for Christ, training Converts to develop and then display the attributes of Christ, in the earth.
Some of the most effective Discipleship strategies would be to:
#1. Simply PRAY…PRAY…PRAY!
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their mouth speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.” (Matthew 6:7)
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with Thanksgiving [Don’t be weary, keep at it and watch for God’s answer.] … Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. [Be wise in all your contact with the unsaved.]…Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Colossians 4:2,5,6)
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)
You should pray every day for opportunities for witnessing, then watch for God to present opportunities as He prepares hearts. Do not let the spirit of fear grip you, so pray without ceasing. Make a list of people in your family, neighborhood, and on the job that are unsaved and need prayer for salvation.
#2. Study scripture daily to show yourself knowledgeable in witnessing.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” [Work hard so God can say to you, well done. Be a good workman so you won’t be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what His Word says.]
Whenever possible, fill your days listening to Christian radio, reading literature, etc. to help build up your most holy faith and keep your spirit focused on the Lord. This will make it easier to proclaim Jesus as Lord to non‐believers.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (I Peter 3:15‐16)
#3. Pray for God to put you in the right place at the right time each day so that you can be able to witness effectively. Keep in mind that there’s an invisible spiritual war going on in the minds of those we’re witnessing to because Satan doesn’t want them to trust in their only hope for salvation – the Lord Jesus.
We need to let the people we are talking to know that the decision that we make during this lifetime, whether for or against God, has eternal consequences. The Bible says that God’s judgment is eternal (Hebrews 6:2), which simply means that there is absolutely no appeal, from the eternal fires of hell (St. Matthew 25:41,46).
Remember, the Apostle Paul said, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
There are a few key words in this verse. First, there’s the word “ambassadors” which describes an older, more experienced man who served as a representative of a king from one country to another. Paul is therefore describing his role – and the role of all believers – as a messenger representing the king of heaven with the gospel, who pleads with the people of the world to be reconciled to God, who is their rightful king.
When he used the phrase, “as though God were pleading,” he’s saying that when we as believers present the gospel, God pleads with the sinner to come to Him by faith and accept His plan of salvation, which is to repent of their sins and believe on Jesus.