Articles
One Soul at a Time
“How long will it take to complete the Evangelism training?”
This is a question we receive periodically from elders, preachers, and members regard-
ing the HTHSOE congregational model. This is completely understandable. Many of
our auditoriums are draped with themed banners that emphasize a particular teaching
for the year. Once this is completed, we move on to the next topic. I am certainly not
opposed to these themes. Congregations need leadership and direction. We are task
oriented and motivated by completion. I would like to propose that evangelism is not
an annual theme or a task that you finish; evangelism is a lifelong mission.
When Jesus came, He had one mission; to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He nev-
er took His eyes off His objective. No matter the circumstances, His physical condition,
or the treatment He received, Jesus remained focused on reaching one soul at a time.
Although he reached out to thousands, the masses were not converted.
When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He provided us the same mission. We must
make disciples. When understood properly, it provides a blueprint for sustainable
church growth. Jesus was clear in Matthew 7:13-14 and 22:1-14 that it takes a con-
stant effort to seek the many in order to save a few.
In view of this teaching, a congregation can set a reasonable goal of baptizing the
equivalent of ten percent of a church’s membership annually. While we cannot bap-
tize the majority (Matthew 7:13-14), we can reach one soul at a time. If we follow this
simple strategy patiently, we can double our membership in a matter of seven years.
We are not running the 40-yard dash; we are running a lifelong marathon. We are in
this for the long-haul. It is a work that will last until the “end of the age” (Matthew
28:20). The history of the early church demonstrates this execution (Acts). By focusing
on the lost, the church of Christ in the first century took the gospel to the whole world
(Colossians 1:23). Training never ceases. The work never ends. We must enter this
mission with realistic expectations. We will not convert many, most, or even a lot, but
we can convert a “few.” By converting one soul at a time, the church of Christ can
grow.
