Discipleship vs. Evangelism

Attribute	Discipleship	Evangelism
Definition	Following and learning from Jesus	Spreading the gospel and converting non-believers
Focus	Building a deeper relationship with Christ	Sharing the message of salvation
Method	Teaching, mentoring, and living out the faith	Preaching, witnessing, and inviting others to believe
Goal	Spiritual growth and maturity	Bringing people to faith in Christ

Definition

Discipleship and evangelism are two key components of the Christian faith. Discipleship involves teaching and guiding believers to grow in their relationship with God and become more like Christ. It focuses on nurturing and developing the spiritual maturity of individuals within the church. Evangelism, on the other hand, is the act of sharing the gospel message with non-believers in order to bring them to faith in Christ. It is about reaching out to those who do not know Jesus and inviting them to experience salvation.

Focus

One of the main differences between discipleship and evangelism is their focus. Discipleship is primarily focused on the growth and development of existing believers. It involves teaching, mentoring, and equipping individuals to live out their faith in a deeper and more meaningful way. Evangelism, on the other hand, is focused on reaching out to those who do not yet know Christ. It involves sharing the good news of salvation and inviting others to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Relationship

Discipleship is often seen as a long-term, ongoing relationship between a mentor and a disciple. It involves investing time and energy into the spiritual growth of another person. The goal of discipleship is to help individuals mature in their faith and become more like Christ. Evangelism, on the other hand, is often a one-time interaction with someone who does not yet know Jesus. It is about sharing the gospel message in a way that is clear and compelling, with the hope of leading someone to faith in Christ.

Method

Discipleship typically involves a more personal and relational approach. It often takes place in small groups or one-on-one settings, where individuals can receive personalized attention and guidance. Discipleship may involve studying the Bible together, praying for one another, and holding each other accountable in their faith journey. Evangelism, on the other hand, often involves more public and outward-focused methods. It may include street evangelism, evangelistic events, or sharing the gospel through social media or other platforms.

Goal

The ultimate goal of discipleship is to help believers grow in their relationship with God and become more like Christ. It is about equipping individuals to live out their faith in a way that is authentic and transformative. Discipleship aims to produce mature and spiritually grounded Christians who can then go out and make disciples themselves. The goal of evangelism, on the other hand, is to bring people to faith in Christ. It is about sharing the message of salvation with those who do not yet know Jesus and inviting them to experience the life-changing power of the gospel.

Integration

While discipleship and evangelism may have different focuses and methods, they are both essential components of the Christian faith. Discipleship helps believers grow in their relationship with God and become more like Christ, while evangelism reaches out to those who do not yet know Jesus and invites them to experience salvation. Both discipleship and evangelism are important for the health and growth of the church, as they work together to fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples of all nations.