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 regarding 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 com-
pletion. 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 never took
His eyes off His objective. No matter the circumstances, His physical condition, or the treat-
ment 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 constant 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 baptize the majority
(Matthew 7:13-14), we can reach one soul at a time. If we follow this simple strategy pa-
tiently, 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 histo-
ry 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.
