What would happen if every disciple in Tennessee embarked on the amazing journey of reaching the spiritually lost?
I believe it would turn the world upside down.
More than 50 years ago Roland Q. Leavell wrote, “The genuine objective of the Great Commission is discipleship. Jesus sought to develop quality in His followers, but He also sought quantity. Therefore, evangelism that produces disciples of quality will multiply as each disciple becomes a partner in the evangelistic enterprise. In this way the gospel will reach into all nations by the process of multiplication rather than addition.”
These words still ring true today.
Evangelism, discipleship linked
Evangelism and discipleship are linked and cannot be separated. We have been called to make disciples, not converts, and we do that one person at a time. Jesus always had time for the individual, and we must follow His example.
Our state has never been more lost than it is today. Recent surveys report that literally millions of Tennesseans do not have a relationship with Jesus.
Will we simply hang our heads in a pessimistic pool of pity, or will we passionately believe the promises of Jesus?
I’m one of those who actually believe we can do what Jesus has called us to do. And if you have experienced God’s grace, I bet you do too.
The Great Commission needs transmission! If we just hear the plan but fail to do anything with it, we are missing the whole point of the gospel. As Hudson Taylor said, “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.”
We must go — we can’t sit still, we can’t be complacent, but we must go to:
- Our homes
- Our schools
- Our work places
- Our communities
We can’t just dwell in the carpeted corridors of our steepled structures. Here’s a simple rule: Wherever you see people, that’s where the gospel needs to go.
We must tell — tell what Jesus has done for you and assure them He can do it for them too! How will they hear if we hold our tongue? We’ve got to make the message clear, being ready to speak when the opportunity arises. And in our hurting world, every day presents multiple opportunities.
Baptize — when a person places their faith in Jesus Christ — explain Baptism and walk with them through following the Lord in obedience of baptism. There’s nothing more motivating to disciples than the stirring of the waters.
Disciple — Teach — we are to teach what the Lord has taught us so others can walk as a disciple of Jesus.
Do all the above again and again and again, day after day. If we do that, Hell doesn’t stand a chance.
Evangelism is incomplete until the evangelized has become the evangelist! Working together is key for all Tennesseans to hear the gospel. We’ll gather evangelistic leaders to share successful approaches and learn from one another.
These cohorts will sharpen, encourage and pray for each other while including others who want to share the gospel more effectively.
We’ll continue supporting churches as needed and remain available for evangelism training. With most of Tennessee’s seven million residents lacking a relationship with Jesus, we have abundant opportunities to share the Good News.
Our plan connects pastors, ministers, laity and others so every Tennessean can hear the gospel and meet Jesus. Let’s not arrive in Heaven empty-handed. I pray we’ll all finish our race and bring as many people with us as possible. We can do this.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Roc Collins and originally published by the Baptist and Reflector.
