Discipleship Part 6: A Team Sport

What comes first, discipleship or evangelism? Some say they are two sides of the same coin. The debate is for others; what is important for our blog series on discipleship is to talk about how we go about evangelism. One common approach to evangelism is a method called “relational evangelism,” meaning it is in the context of our relationships with co-workers, family, or neighbors that we share the gospel. This method arose in response to a common method called “revival-style” evangelism, where you invite someone to an event where the evangelist or preacher would share the gospel, seeking an immediate response. Both have been effective, and neither of these approaches is necessarily wrong.

However, I believe a far more common example we see in Scripture is a “team sport” approach. We see it in the words of Jesus, and it captures something important about how faith spreads:

• In John 1:39, Jesus says: “Come and see.”

• Philip says to Nathanael: “Come and see.” John 1:46

• The Samaritan woman says: “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” John 4:29

• Even in the OT, Psalm 66:5 says: “Come and see the works of God...”

• After Jesus' resurrection, the angel says: “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:6

Come and see. Our faith is experienced with others. When we invite our friends who do not know Jesus to experience life with other Christians, we are saying – come and see how Jesus is real. There is something powerful about inviting someone to see what Jesus is doing.

Transformational discipleship is invitational.

Sometimes the reason I think non-Christians aren’t interested in Jesus is that the Christians they know, they don’t want to be like. Christian, is your life because of Jesus attractive? Is your spiritual walk with Jesus transforming you in ways that others see? This isn’t about putting up a good front; this is about being honest with others in a way that allows them to see how Jesus walks with us.

Discipleship that is evangelistic depends on a community. The Holy Spirit is alive in our midst, and others will be drawn by what they see; they will know we are disciples of Jesus by our love (John 13:35). Faith in action is a powerful testimony. This is why it matters that you are invested in your local church. This is why welcoming someone new may be the very thing God uses in that person’s life to draw them to himself. Maybe they are someone else’s friend, family member, or neighbor who has been invited to "come and see." Maybe they are watching you and others to see if this Jesus stuff is real. It is; the Holy Spirit is present in our midst.

When we are committed to “being the people of God” together, we create an environment where we can evangelistically invite people to “come and see.” You don’t have to have it all figured out, but come with us as we follow Jesus, and you will see. Maybe salvation comes when whoever is preaching puts words to what is happening; maybe it is in the context of a small group, or maybe it is one-on-one. It all starts with an invitation to “come and see” what God is doing in my community.

That's multiplication. Disciples making disciples. Evangelism. Who are you inviting to come and see what God is doing in your life?

(For further reading: Come and See: How Belonging Opens the Door to Belief by Paul Robie)

Reflection

• How is “come and see” a helpful way to think about evangelism?

• What implications does a “come and see” culture have for Christians?

• Who could you invite into your life?

• What would it look like for your faith to become visible enough that someone could actually see what following Jesus looks like?