Evangelism means announcing the good news of Christ’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. Discipleship is the task of training believers to become mature followers of Christ, growing in their knowledge of, love for, and obedience to the Lord.
Ed Smither, “The Church’s Work of Evangelism and Discipleship,” in Lexham Survey of Theology, ed. Mark Ward et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018).
It is easy for those whom do not have the will to “go and make disciple” to make it difficult for those who are called to “go.” They know that by the very existence of members of the church body who are actively going out into their communities it shows their true character and nature. Thus, every effort to go in to a local community is shutdown or sabotaged by those who claim to be the most righteous and holy.
Throughout the history of the church, evangelists (full‐time vocational preachers as well as committed laypeople) have approached Christian witness through a variety of means and contexts: from events such as open air “crusades” and small-group gatherings to personal relationships. Some have developed apologetics, offering a rational defense of Christian claims; others have mastered the art of dialogue, crossing religious and worldview boundaries in order to clarify the Christian message. Many have successfully proclaimed the good news by sharing their own faith story.
Ed Smither, “The Church’s Work of Evangelism and Discipleship,” in Lexham Survey of Theology, ed. Mark Ward et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018).
Why is it so hard for church laypeople to express their faith to others? Is it that they find it difficult to speak before other, or is it that they have no testimony to give? Let us explore these questions.
The first question can be answered simply, fear. Fear is a powerful tool. Satan used that tool to have Peter deny Jesus.
One need only look to Peter as to how powerful fear can be. Jesus spoke about Peter’s denial. In the book of Luke Jesus says:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that our faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen you brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32 ESV
Thus, evangelism is not for the faint of heart. It is a calling that will have you speaking to hostel groups, or individuals. One must be called, equipped, and supported.
The following two videos speak to the equipping and calling. Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason and Paul Washer of HeartCry Missionary Society. We must all be ready to “Go!”