The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples
Reviewed by Michael C. Johnston, April 1, 1999
Conventional wisdom has dictated that the recruitment of new church members is the responsibility of the paid staff – namely, the pastor. This may have been an effective strategy in days gone by, but it is no longer. Multiple studies have proven that the invitations to worship services and church events which eventually lead to church membership are more effective when offered by individuals within the congregation than by its clergy. In fact, one study reported in the Arns’ book shows that invitations by the pastor results in 5-6 percent of new church members while invitations by friends or relatives provide 75-90 percent of new members.
This reality often creates a great deal of discomfort for church members who are intimidated by words like “evangelism” and “faith-sharing.” The persistent dilemma for the modern believer is how to obey Peter’s injunction: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (I Peter 3:15b).
Resources in this area for laypeople and even pastors have been sparse and rarely useful. The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples is a welcome exception. Authors Win Arn and Charles Arn describe for the reader the biblical concept of oikos which is central to their method of member-initiated, member-conducted faith-sharing and evangelism. Oikos, the New Testament word for “household” is the network of friends, family and all others who fall under the jurisdiction of the head of a household. This included wives and children, but also encompassed slaves, employees, business associates and extended family members.
The Arns say that we, too, have an oikos in our lives today made of family, extended family, friends, co-workers and those we may know from our commute to work. This is our mission field – one not usually available to the professional clergy, but ripe for the harvest by those engaged in it daily.
The Arns explain how to reach those within our oikos who are without Christ. Writing in a direct, simple manner, they describe “Key Principles of Disciple Making,” “Seven Steps for Making Disciples,” and “How to Reach your Extended Family.” They also emphasize the importance of the local church in the process of sharing our faith and bringing people to Christ.
The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples can be an excellent resource for both laypersons and pastors who are struggling with evangelism. All of their advice does not apply to every situation, but it could be a healthy start to developing a strong evangelism program. If you struggle with Christ’s mandate to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:17-19a), this book will provide encouragement and new ideas for the spiritual and numerical growth of your church.
Michael C. Johnston is pastor of Big Creek Presbyterian Church in Hannibal, Missouri.