In parts of South America, drinking mate (mah-tay), the tea that fuels social interactions in many Latin nations, gives Christians the chance to share their faith with others. Photo: Ryan Miller

Vol. 1, No. 4 — July 2007
Practicing evangelism; becoming missional
A Bible study and discussion guide
by Tory Doerksen

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Defining our terms: Start the activity by discussing what the words "missional" and "evangelism" means to each person in the group.

The practice of mission and evangelism: Isn't it curious that we often talk of sports and music and other skills of all sorts that need to be practiced, but rarely view evangelism or mission in similar ways? We often assume a person is sharing the Good News with others, or they aren’t. But, followers of Christ are constantly learning how to be missional and to evangelize.

Jesus and the Disciples: If we observe the 12 disciples, Jesus didn’t just send them out, but rather taught them, showed them and sent them, and did so more than once. Jesus knew that it would take time for the disciples to learn the art of spreading the good news (evangelism), that it would take time for them to become better travelers, speakers, listeners, healers and intercessors (people who pray for others). Think of it — Jesus spent three years primarily with 12 people. He knew that being missional cannot be learned overnight or directly upon conversion, but it takes time to learn and practice.

You
Learning
1. Jesus sends: Read Matthew 9:35-10:16 to find out how and why Jesus sent people. What were his expectations?

2. Jesus teaches/shows: Compare any three passages and describe what Jesus taught and how he taught it. (Feel free to choose other passages that relate.)

• Matthew 13:10-23 (or 10-53)
• Matthew 14:13-21 (and/or 15:32-39)
• Matthew 17:14-21
• Matthew 18:1-6 (or 1-14)
• Matthew 26:36-46

2. Simply put – keep practicing. Try different ways of sharing the good news about God’s impact on your life, the way of Christ or salvation through actions and words. Be creative and remember that evangelism (and being missional) takes time.

3. Remember that we practice to become more comfortable and confident. Jesus knew it would take a significant amount of time to train the disciples as they practiced a lifestyle of sharing the good news of God with others. Jesus knows it will take a significant amount of time and practice to train us as well.

4. Remember that different people respond differently, and that ultimately we must put our faith in the Holy Spirit regardless of what happens.

Tory Doerksen and his wife Crystal served as Service Adventure unit leaders in Lebanon, Ore., from 2005-2007. Contact Tory at