Fulfilling the Great Commission: Evangelism that Leads to Discipleship

Jesus gave us a clear command:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” – Matthew 28:19

To obey this call, we must begin by faithfully sharing the gospel. Evangelism is the starting point of disciple-making. Before anyone can grow as a disciple, they must first hear and respond to the good news of Jesus. Our mission is to proclaim Christ clearly, then walk alongside those who believe so they too become disciple-makers.

Evangelism and discipleship are not separate tasks; they work hand in hand. We share both our message and our lives as we point people to Jesus.

1. We are Dependent on God

Before we evangelize, we must remember that salvation belongs to the Lord. It’s not about perfect presentations or persuasive arguments. God is the one who draws people to Himself; our role is to faithfully share.

Prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit should always come before proclamation. 

John 6:37, “All that the Father gives me (Jesus) will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out”.

2. Frame the Big Questions

Every person wrestles with life’s deepest questions. J.H. Bavinck's five worldview questions are powerful entry points for gospel conversations:

  • Totality - Is there something greater than us? (Meaning)
     → God is the Creator and Lord over all.

  • Norm - How should I live? (Authority)
     → God has revealed His will through His Word.

  • Deliverance - How can we escape suffering? (Salvation)
     → Jesus died and rose again to rescue us from sin and death.

  • Destiny - What happens after we die? (Future)
     → Those who trust in Christ have eternal life with Him.

  • Higher Power - How do we relate to the divine? (Spiritual Connection)
     → Through Christ, we are reconciled and brought into relationship with God.

The gospel doesn’t just offer “religious answers”—it provides a comprehensive worldview centered on Jesus.

3. Talk About Sin

It’s tempting to jump straight to Jesus’ love, but people must first understand their need for a Savior. Without recognizing sin before a holy God, the cross makes little sense.

Like offering medicine to someone unaware they’re sick, the gospel requires clarity about our spiritual condition before its beauty can be understood.

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

4. Talk About Jesus

Once the problem is clear, point people to the solution: Jesus Christ. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t, died in our place, and rose again to give us new life.

Your personal story can be helpful, but keep Jesus at the center. He alone saves.

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

5. Tell Them How to Respond

The gospel calls for a personal response-repentance and faith.

This is more than a one-time decision; it’s the beginning of a transformed life in Christ.

Romans 10:9 “…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Evangelism that Flows into Discipleship

Evangelism is the first step, but discipleship is what helps faith take root and grow. Jesus didn’t just tell us to make converts, He told us to make disciples, teaching them to obey all He commanded (Matt. 28:20).

When someone believes, we are called to walk with them: teaching, modeling, praying, and helping them mature so that they, in turn, share the gospel with others (2 Tim. 2:2). This is how the early church multiplied: evangelism reached people, and discipleship grounded and equipped them to continue the mission.

Final Encouragement

Evangelism is central to God’s mission (2 Cor. 5:18–19), and the Holy Spirit empowers us to carry it out (Acts 1:8). Immerse yourself in Scripture, pray for boldness, and take every opportunity, whether in your home, workplace, classroom, coffee shop, or neighborhood, to share the gospel.

And when someone responds, don’t leave them on their own. Walk with them. Invest in them. Teach them to follow Jesus. When evangelism and discipleship work together, we don’t just share the gospel; we multiply the mission.

Additional Evangelism Resources: