In the video titled “Why Evangelism Cannot Be Our Focus, “ Alan Hirsch challenges conventional approaches to Christian ministry by suggesting that, while important, evangelism should not be the church’s primary focus. Instead, the central focus must be on discipleship. According to Hirsch, the Great Commission isn’t simply about preaching the Gospel but about making disciples, encompassing a more comprehensive and transformative approach to spreading faith.
Here are the key takeaways from Hirsch’s message:
1. The Great Commission is About Discipleship
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” While evangelism—the act of sharing the Gospel—is a crucial part of this process, Hirsch emphasizes that making disciples goes beyond just preaching. True discipleship involves mentoring, teaching, and nurturing believers in their journey of faith, ensuring that they grow spiritually and become mature followers of Christ.
The issue with focusing solely on evangelism, according to Hirsch, is that it can create short-term converts instead of long-term followers who truly understand and embody Christian principles in their daily lives. Discipleship, on the other hand, fosters a deeper relationship with Christ that permeates all aspects of life, equipping believers to impact others.
2. Evangelism Happens Along the Way
Hirsch doesn’t downplay the importance of evangelism but points out that it is a natural outcome of discipleship. As people grow in their faith and their lives are transformed by Christ, they naturally share the Gospel with others. Evangelism, therefore, is a byproduct of a healthy discipleship process, where believers are trained and encouraged to live out their faith in such a way that it attracts others to Christ.
Instead of making evangelism a separate task or program, the church should focus on integrating it into the process of making disciples. When people are nurtured into maturity in their faith, evangelism becomes an organic expression of their relationship with Jesus.
3. Avoiding the ‘Quick Fix’ Approach
A major concern Hirsch raises is that when evangelism is emphasized as the primary goal, there is a risk of pursuing quick conversions without investing in the deeper, ongoing work of discipleship. This can lead to spiritual immaturity where new believers are not given the tools or guidance to sustain their faith over time.
By focusing on discipleship, churches ensure that new believers receive the support and teaching they need to develop a robust and lasting faith. Discipleship nurtures individuals in their walk with Christ, guiding them through the complexities of life and faith rather than just introducing them to Christianity without ongoing support.
4. Living the Gospel in Everyday Life
Hirsch emphasizes that discipleship isn’t confined to church services or Bible studies but is reflected in how Christians live their daily lives. By modeling Christ-like behavior in the workplace, community, and home, believers become living testimonies of the Gospel. This holistic approach means that evangelism doesn’t rely solely on preaching but on how the disciples of Christ conduct themselves, love others, and stand out in a broken world.
Discipleship First, Evangelism Will Follow
Alan Hirsch’s approach reframes the conversation around the Great Commission by urging the church to prioritize making disciples. He believes evangelism flows naturally out of a strong discipleship process, where believers are equipped to share the Gospel in both word and deed. By focusing on discipleship, churches can foster a more mature and sustainable faith beyond mere conversion to create lifelong followers of Christ.