Preparing for Evangelism and Discipleship

by Elva Seaford

Preparation is paramount! Study till you “own” it. Prepare to be flexible! Prepare much, to use little. Know that you may never use all that you prepared, at least not exactly as you had thought. Don’t’ be disappointed when you don’t use it all! What you can be absolutely sure that you will use is your purposed flexibility you "build in" through maximum preparation.

We’re flexible, so that by all possible means we might save some (I Cor. 9:22) I appeal to you as the apostle Paul does that we be perfectly united in mind and thought (1:10). We resolve to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (2:2), not with words of human wisdom, foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1:17,18). Do not come with your worldly wisdom. We don’t want the cross of Christ to be emptied of its power, or you to be frustrated by worldly determination. Indeed, God has chosen the foolish, weak, lowly and despised (and even me). Our boast is indeed in the Lord.

How do you prepare? Stay close to your Lord. Protect your quiet time with Him. Stay in His Word. You must discipline yourself in prayer. Ask now for others to be prayer warriors for you and the mission. Be sure you Journal. Journaling will reveal in retrospect the plans God had in sending you. It will be revealing and faith building. It will also be invaluable for you to look back at these as you prepare your personal debrief and as you give testimony to others.

Read about the missionaries of our faith. I personally love to read books by Amy Carmichael. Here are some questions that she would ask of those considering missions.
Do you truly desire a crucified life? This may mean doing very humble things joyfully for Christ’s namesake.

Does the though of hardness draw or repel you?

Do you love unity and loyalty? What does the word “loyalty” mean to you?

Do you realize that we are a family, not an institution? In our work with others, we all cooperate as needs arises.

Are you willing to do whatever helps most?

Can you mention any experience that you have passed through in your Christian life which brought you into a new discovery of your union with the crucified, risen and enthroned Lord?

Do you think of your call as a vocation for life?

Lilias Trotter, another missionary asks, “Are we fulfilling in our own souls the conditions for blessing that God has laid down?” John 17:19 - And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Familiarize yourself with the apologetic for the worldviews you will be encountering.
Be comfortable with leading someone to the Lord (as though this may be the only thing comfortable!!) But do not judge the success of your mission by whether or not you even lead one to the Lord. Remember, it is the Holy Spirit that is responsible for the effects of your giving.