Are these two things the same? Let’s take a quick look.
First, let’s acknowledge that these two activities are very similar with each other and the differences are something we should understand (if we are to be effective at both).
Let’s also acknowledge that both have a very important place in the life of the believer (or, at least, they should). Both are biblical. Both have value. But if I had to pick which one I would do all of the time, it would have to be discipleship. This is because discipleship is a more complete method than evangelism. Let me explain.
Discipleship
I choose discipleship over evangelism because when I am witnessing to people I speak to everyone the same, whether they already believe (in Christ) or not. I try to engage in conversation with them on their level and really get to know them. I begin to foster a rapport, with the intent of growing a relationship. And this is the first distinction between the two:
Discipleship is a relationship.
Discipleship will continue from simply sharing faith in Jesus all the way into growing in Jesus. It can be the first “hello” and it can remain until the final “goodbye”. It is both an introduction into faith and a commitment into mentoring a new believer. Actually, in the spirit of Proverbs 27:17, it can also be close friends helping each other through the trials and temptations of the spiritual life.
Discipleship can be one-on-one, or group instruction from a teacher. Jesus was a discipler of His followers, who then became disciplers of others as well. It’s a way of multiplying a movement or philosophy. It also brings a community closer together.
A disciple is a person who follows. A disciple makes a commitment. Whether saved by faith already or not, the disciple continues to listen and learn. Eventually, the disciple will become a believer. Disciples are both believers and those who are not yet believers. The disciple doesn’t need to understand anything at all about faith; just willing to listen and learn. If, after hearing enough to make a decision, the disciple rejects the teaching, then that person is no longer a disciple. There are many former disciples of Jesus in the world.
Evangelism
In contrast to discipleship, evangelism does not continue into the spirit life of the new believer. They can evangelize others, but they are no longer evangelized. Christians do not engage in evangelism with other Christians. It is an activity that is directed only at the unbelievers in the world.
We know that Jesus discipled others, but did He evangelize as well? YES, He did! Whenever He spoke to the public, He was evangelizing. After the crowd dispersed, He spoke privately to His disciples and discipled them.
Similarities
- Both activities begin with engaging others with a message.
- Either can be one-on-one or in a group setting.
- Both involve the message of salvation (but evangelism is only about salvation).
- Either method can involve fostering a relationship with the listener or student.
- Neither practitioner needs to understand everything about the subject to engage in the activity.
Practical Differences
In practice, it may be difficult to distinguish which method a person is using. Hopefully, the one doing the activity knows which is in use, but sometimes even that person may not know which tactic they are using. This is because it isn’t always easy to know how far into the discussion the listener is willing to go. (And the listener must be a willing participant in the discussion.)
If all the believer can do is “plant a seed” of faith, leaving it for someone else to “water”, then that was likely an act of evangelism. Certainly, if the relationship does not continue it’s more likely that is was evangelism. Therefore, evangelism is a short-term engagement and discipleship is more long-term.
Evangelism discusses the means of salvation, the essence of God, the reliability of scripture and other key elements to the faith. Discipleship covers all of these as well as how to live the life of following Jesus, how to support each other, how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in your relationship with God and every/any other aspect of the spirit-filled life.
How to Fail
There is no guarantee of success in leading others to a saving faith in the cross of Christ. But there are some ways to almost certainly shipwreck your efforts.
Be Insincere
If you don’t really care about what you’re saying, or about the person to whom you are speaking, that will be quite obvious to anyone. Your message will fall on deaf ears at that point. If you don’t care about what you’re saying or to whom you are saying it, then why should they care either?
Be Haughty
Let everyone know that you are better than they are. You’ve really got your life in a state of perfection and they only wish they were as together as you are. This kind of superiority serves no one, especially the message of hope and love that is in the cross of Christ. If you cannot be gentle and respectful (1 Peter 3:15), keep your mouth shut. Besides, thinking that you are superior is an outright lie.
Be Hypocritical or Inconsistent
If your lifestyle is contrary to your message, that will show. That will ruin your message. If your message is of the love of Christ but you show outward disdain or hatred for others, how well will that work? This can be said in many ways, in many aspects of the spirit-filled life. Lying, stealing, drunkenness, sexual misconduct, or general nastiness are a few of the things that will (absolutely will) ruin your message. No one is perfect. Your message must include that point, but it does not give you (or me) license to live however we want in front of others.
Lose Focus
If you are simply talking about joining a church, you are not on point. If you are trying to get someone to change their behavior or attitude (as in, clean up their life), you have missed the point entirely. If the discussion gets political, it’s off track.
The message of the cross is about the cross making us right with God in a way that nothing else can. If we are focusing on lifestyle, behavior, or whatever else, we run the danger of getting off track. It is best to always bring the conversation back to what matters most (or keep it there)—the sacrifice of Jesus covering our sinful lives. This is the Good News. This is what separates the Gospel Message from any other thing on earth. Yes, context is important. Yes, it sometimes helps to discuss the things in life that are hindering us from accepting the cross. But never lose sight of the heart of the message.
Do Nothing, Say Nothing
No one (not even God) can steer a car that is stationary. You have to make a move. It’s okay to be nervous, scared, or feeling like you’re out of your depth. God can work through those things. Plus, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Just pay attention to these guidelines and then go for it. After all, it’s a command from the Lord.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20, NLT
It feels good to follow the Lord and His instructions. Go now, and make some disciples.
In Christ,
Gary
