Evangelism = Discipleship & Discipleship = Evangelism

I want to ask you two questions. First, how would you define evangelism? Many of us describe evangelism as the process that brings people to a point of belief in Jesus.

And here’s the second question: How would you define discipleship? Most define discipleship as the growth process in the Christian life.

So to summarize, evangelism is the way to get people “in the door,” and then the work of discipleship begins.

But let’s dig in a bit deeper. The word evangel means “gospel.” And to evangelize means “to preach the gospel.” In the same way, that we come to put our faith in Jesus by hearing and experiencing the gospel, we also continue to grow and mature by the light of that same gospel. This is a lifelong process. We are always in need of evangelism! Discipleship can be understood as the ongoing “evangelizing” of our hearts.

Jesus described it this way. He said,

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” Clear and simple. And then he said something really interesting: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

In Jesus’ view, the whole thing starts with learning to follow him and becoming his disciples. As we enter that process, and as a result, our lives are transformed, and we are set free from guilt, shame, and the weight of sin. This is what discipleship is all about! According to Jesus, we are discipled to the truth that sets us free.

So we see that whether we are talking about our hearts or the hearts and lives of our friends and neighbors, the process of discipleship (evangelism in its truest sense) can begin long before a confession of faith and continue throughout our lives. This is what it means to say that the gospel saves and sanctifies us.

Making disciples alongside you!

–Pastor Wade