Torch, Summer 1983

r E vangelism and discipleship are the Siamese twins of the Bible. They are like the proverbial chicken and the egg. You can ' t have one without the other. The Lord Jesus commissioned us to make disciples . If we would live in obedience to Him, then we must direct individuals to receive Christ as Saviour. We must also teach them and nurture them to the place where they can be reproducing Christians. He taught this not only by word but also by example. Many are those He called unto Himself and turned from darkness to light. Yet that was not the end; rather , it was the beginning as He poured His own life into them so that they might spread this good news - the Gospel . Our Master certainly had a heart for the multitudes . In fact, it was broken with compassion for them. He concentrated His time on the twelve apostles. In a much narrower sense He devoted His schedule to Peter, James, and John. The early church practiced discipleship. Every believer could not help but communicate what he had seen and heard. Churches were established with the new converts . Older saints were busy building into the lives of the new Christians . It is obvious why the believers and churches were multiplied. Discipleship is not simply a popular buzzword for the l 980's. It is a basic Biblical principle. Most of us have ample opportunity to get involved. Producing Reproductive Christians by Or. Paul Dixon , President Pastors, Sunday school teachers , and Christian faculty are discipling to some extent every time they stand before a congregation or a class . For those of us who are married , the greatest opportunity for discipling is building into our mate's life and the lives of the children the Lord has given us. These challenges are basic and obvious. Are there not other Christian friends and contacts who need you or me to care enough to spend some ·time with them? This may mean rearranging our schedule, establishing new priorities, and giving of ourselves in a new way. Most are waiting for a plan ; few need motivation . But may I suggest that even without a formal plan you can get started . Take someone out for coffee. Have a couple over for dinner. Go to a ballgame with a friend. To begin is to decide to invest your life in eternal values . A major emphasis at Cedarville College is not only evangelism but discipleship. Many of our students practice discipleship in the dorms and outside the dorms, and during the summer. The knowledge that our graduates are multiplying themselves in the lives of others is rewarding. Our theme for the academic year has been "serving the Lord - serving one another ." That sums it up well for all of us. After reading this issue of the TORCH, a good question for all of us is, "Whom are we discipling?" •