Go: Our Example

There's a saying: what hooks them is what keeps them. Otherwise, you have a bait-and-switch.

It's no good to say to people, "Pray the sinner's prayer, and everything is going to work out." What happens when they declare their faith in Jesus and experience rejection?

Earlier in the course, we saw that "We preach the message of the cross; our lives should demonstrate the way of the cross."

Why is this?

**Because evangelism is the start of the discipleship process.**

In most cases, by the time someone becomes a Christian, they've already "caught" what it looks like to follow Jesus from watching your life, from studying your example.

And one critical part of your example is that you have embraced God's mission. So if someone comes to faith in Christ, then you want them to learn, from the very start, that being Jesus' disciple involves participating in God's mission.

In my cultural context, most Christians have to unlearn bad habits in order to learn how to be involved in God's mission. But you and I can begin to reverse that trend.

How? When we see someone become a new believer, we invite them to immediately participate in God's mission with us.

Yes, we teach them to read the Bible, pray to God, go to church, repent of sin, be obedient, and all the rest.

Yet here's what the missional leader Alan Hirsch observes about Jesus:

"And this is exactly how Jesus does discipleship: he organizes it around mission. As soon as they are called he takes the disciples on an adventurous journey of mission, ministry, and learning. Straightaway they are involved in proclaiming the kingdom of God, serving the poor, healing and casting out demons. It is active and direct disciple making in the context of mission."

This sounds bold and provocative, but it's actually common sense. Think about any other skill. For instance, what's the best way to learn how to ride a bike? You get on a bike and push on the pedals! And sometimes you fall over and scrape your elbows. It's okay to watch a video first, or read a manual, but until you get on a bike and try to ride it, you'll never learn.

**We learn what it means to follow Jesus by... following Jesus in the mission he's invited us to participate in.**

You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer. Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Ask yourself: If someone followed my example for a year, would they learn to participate in God's mission? What would need to change?

Think of a newer believer you know. Invite them to join you in something missional—a conversation, a service project, or a ministry opportunity.