Evangelism and Spiritual Warfare, Mentor's Guide, MG08

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E V A N G E L I S M A N D S P I R I T U A L W A R F A R E

biblical justification for their act tonight). What do you think of their decision? How soon should we encourage new converts to ally themselves to Christ and his Church after their decision?

You Go with Brother Bill

One urban church is so concerned about conserving the fruit of their evangelism that they assign new believers to spiritual mentors whose responsibility it is to challenge, encourage, instruct, protect, counsel, and befriend the new convert. While it seems a little tight at first, most of the relationships work out fine, especially since the mentors are under the pastors authority. What do you think of such systems? Should we allow new converts to choose their own “friends” in the church, or do we stand a better chance of saving some of the little lambs if shepherds are actually assigned to their care as a part of their spiritual responsibility? The key to successful evangelism is following up new Christians by incorporating them into a local assembly of believers as quickly as possible. To follow up new believers in Christ consists of “incorporating new converts into the family of God so they can be equipped to grow in Christ and use their gifts for ministry.” This is for the purpose of maturity (growing up in Christ) and fruitfulness (reproduction in Christ by multiplying disciples). This occurs when we baptize new believers, incorporate them into the local assembly, and instruct them as members of the community, equipping them to live the Christian life as members of the body of Christ.

Restatement of the Lesson’s Thesis

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If you are interested in pursuing some of the ideas of Follow-up and Incorporation , you might want to give these books a try:

Resources and Bibliographies

Cosgrove, Francis M., Jr. Essentials of Discipleship . Dallas: Roper Press, 1988.

Eims, Leroy. The Lost Art of Disciplemaking . Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984.

Ortiz, Juan Carlos. Disciple . Carol Stream, Ill: Creation House, 1982.

Phillips, Keith. The Making of a Disciple . Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1981. Wagner, Peter. Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow . Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1979.