John Bowen has written, "The best evangelists, in my opinion, are those who are constantly seeking to know more of God themselves." [Evangelism for Normal People, Augsburg Press, 2002] I think he's right. A corollary to that thought might be, the worst evangelists are those who think they have God all figured out! There's a temptation, in our faith-sharing ministries, to rely on a method or a plan. When this becomes a substitute for trying to communicate the living, dynamic, transformative relationship we have with God, it no longer serves the Good News faithfully.
Essentially, a disciple is a learner. Yes, a disciple may also be a teacher, a helper, one who shares from his/her experiences of faith. But we are continually being confronted and shaped and challenged by the Word of God through the inspiration of God's Spirit. We are spiritual development projects, just as the new believer or the not-yet believer is, though we are at a different place in the journey.
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