Customer Reviews

The Master Plan of Evangelism: 30th Anniversary Edition

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I grew up hearing a lot of teaching and preaching in church about what the gospel was. It consisted, I was told, mostly of what Jesus taught.

One day when I was in college, a guest speaker came to our youth ministry class and uttered a sentence that would open an entirely new dimension to my understanding of the gospel. "Jesus' methods," the speaker said, "are just as much a part of the gospel as his message." Wow!

This book takes a simple, yet profoundly insightful, look at Jesus' methods--how he made disciples, how he equipped his disciples to carry out his mission.

If we want to know how best to make disciples, doesn't it make sense to ask how the greatest disciple-maker of all time did it? That's what Coleman does in this book that has become a classic.

Many of today's "discipling" methods consist primarily of guiding either individuals or groups through a curriculum. They begin with cognitive knowledge and assume that cognitive knowlege leads to behavioral change. Sometimes it works. Often it doesn't.

That was not Jesus' approach. Coleman identifies eight principles that Jesus embodied in his disciple-making: Selection, Association, Consecration, Impartation, Demonstration, Delegation, Supervision, and Reproduction--and devotes a chapter to each.

A few excerpts:

"Most of the evangelistic efforts of the church begin with the multitudes under the assumption that the church is qualified to preserve what good is done. The result is our spectacular emphasis on numbers of converts, candidates for baptism, and more members for the church, with little or no genuine concern manifested toward the establishment of these souls in the love and power of God, let alone the preservation and continuation of the work."

"This was the essence of his training program--just letting his disciples follow him."

"Knowledge was gained by association before it was understood by explanation."

If you're wanting to get a biblical perspective on how to do evangelism or how to make disciples, apart from the Scripture on which this book is based, it would be harder to find a better starting point than this book.

They titled this book wrong. This isn't the Master Plan of Evangelism; this should have been the Master Plan of Discipleship. But that's about the only thing I can say wrong about the book. It's almost as if Coleman takes apart Jesus' life and ministry on Earth and puts it back together with chapter titles, isolating the principles that drove him to do the things he did. This book is almost essential reading for an understanding of how to raise up Christians who will seriously follow God and strive to know Him. If you desire to make disciples as Jesus called us to do, you will do yourself well to read through this book.

This is a truly insightful work that gives a strong, biblically-based challenge to much of the church's quick-fix, low-involvement evangelistic efforts so prevalent in Christendom today. The author takes a careful look at the life and ministry of Jesus Christ Himself and examines His priorities and methods. His findings are, indeed, profound, and they bear careful consideration as we, the church, endeavor to be effective in ministry in the 21st century.

This is a must read for anyone who is involved in Christian ministry of any kind. I rank it as one of the top 5 books that should be on the bookshelf of every devoted Christian.

Coleman begins his book with a preface titled "The Master and His Plan." He begins his discussion with the problem in evangelistic methods. He lists objective and relevance as the crucial issues of our work. The question must be asked: Is it worth doing? And, does it get the job done?

We must have a well thought through strategy for fulfilling the Great Commission. For this Coleman offers his book as a study in principles. He follows Jesus' method as the model for the principles he sets forth in his book.

Chapter one is titled "Selection." Coleman begins with the observation that men were Jesus' method. Jesus focused on training a few men who were willing to learn, without neglecting ministering to the masses. Jesus concentrated on a few men because he knew that he needed quality leaders to carry on the work of the kingdom in his absence.

Coleman observes that this is seldom the practice in churches today. He says most evangelistic efforts are directed to the multitudes because of our emphasis on numbers of converts rather than a genuine concern for the spiritual welfare of those that are reached. But we must begin to intentionally disciple believers if we are to achieve lasting growth. This will be a slow, tedious, and painful process that will probably go unnoticed by people at first, but the result will be glorious.

Chapter two is titled "Association." Coleman says that Jesus had a very informal teaching method. The essence of his training program was just letting his disciples follow him, just to be with him. They were able to observe, discuss, ask questions, and listen to Jesus' teaching. His method was himself. Coleman points out what our problem is today. He says that our methods of preaching to the masses, occasional prayer meetings, and training classes cannot do the job. He says that the example of Jesus would teach us that preparing leaders can be done only by persons staying close to those whom they seek to lead. Coleman says the church has failed tragically at this point because this type of training involves the sacrifice of personal indulgence. Coleman says the church must have as its basis a personal guardian concern for those entrusted to its care.

Chapter three is titled "Consecration." Jesus requires obedience of his followers. We must count the cost and decide to take up our crosses. We cannot lead others if we ourselves have not first learned to be a follower, and the one we follow is Jesus.

Chapter four is titled "Impartation." In this chapter Coleman discusses the fact that Jesus gave himself to his disciples in love. Jesus modeled a self-giving life. Coleman also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, and that Jesus imparted knowledge and teaching to his disciples that was not made available to those on the outside.

Coleman states that if we are to follow this example of Jesus it means that we cannot give away something that we do not ourselves possess. We must possess the life and love of God if we are to share it with others.

Chapter five is titled "Demonstration." Jesus didn't just tell his disciples how to live, he showed them. He modeled prayer, using Scripture, soul winning, and teaching naturally. Jesus' classes were always in session. The eye is always a better pupil than the ear, and we do well to follow his lead.

Chapter six is titled "Delegation." Eventually Jesus began giving his disciples assignments. He began sending them out to all the villages and cities to spread the gospel. This allowed them to practice what they had been learning. This needs to be applied in our churches today. We must give people opportunity to practice what we are training them to do.

Chapter seven is titled "Supervision." Jesus kept check on his disciples. A sort of on the job training. This must continue well on until after we know that the leader is capable of passing the vision on to others he or she is training. Disciples must be brought to maturity, says Coleman.

Chapter eight is titled "Reproduction." This is the most wonderful part of the process. Jesus' disciples are to reproduce themselves. A church program cannot do this, only disciples can do this. All Christians should be reproducing Christians. Coleman gives the analogy of the vine and the branch and says a barren Christian is a contradiction.

Coleman says, "The test of any work of evangelism thus is not what is seen at the moment, or in the conference report, but in the effectiveness with which the work continues to the next generation (p. 103)." This is lasting fruit. This kind of fruit can evangelize the whole world.

Coleman ends his book with an epilogue titled "The Master and Your Plan." We must evaluate our life's plan and if need be make some changes to allow the Master's plan to become our plan. Coleman says the methods will vary but we get our principles from the example of Jesus. Coleman encourages the reader to work with a small group of people and train them using the principles he has brought out from the life of Jesus.

Concluding Evaluation

I agreed with Coleman's book and I genuinely appreciate his conclusions. I sadly wonder, though, why a book that has had at least sixty-six printings (as of 1993) has not seemed to influence the American church much. I have never seen so many endorsements on a book as much as this one, yet who is actually practicing what it says? I still see, especially in my own denomination (SBC), programs and literature as being promoted to accomplish discipleship, and no talk, much less action, about discipleship as being something accomplished personally by individuals, as Jesus modeled.

This is the model that I wish to follow, indeed have already begun, in my ministry. How I wish that I had someone who would have discipled me when I became a believer, or even to do so now. But regardless, I must be faithful to what God has called me to do.

I believe this book contains principles that can revolutionize our churches if we would implement them. But this model requires Christians who really do seek first the kingdom of God.

Authoring a book that overflows with biblical references to evangelism and their applicability in our lives, Coleman is exact and clear. Expecting another book simply on the latest evangelistic method, it was a pleasant surprise to read his approach using Scripture.

Using eight general principles to guide his readers, Coleman explains how evangelism should be conducted in our world today. He suggests modern day methods generally revolve around mass communication programs and these programs fail to reach individuals in a deeper way. He is quick to note that he does not view these events as useless but unless they are accompanied by one-on-one relationships, they will fail. This is why we see so many "professing" believers that do not live their lives as a Christian should. The principles Coleman delves into are selection, association, consecration, impartation, demonstration, delegation, supervision, and reproduction.

The author's arguments in this book are overall very persuasive. His frequent use of Scripture is used well in backing his points. It seems many authors today will manipulate the text to fit their agenda but it did not appear this way at all in Coleman's book.

By looking to Scripture for the "master plan of evangelism," Coleman does not depend on his own methods. Though he does not condemn any specific modern methods of evangelism, he reminds us that we must be consistent with the life of Jesus. The Gospels especially show us how Jesus and His disciples performed evangelism on a day to day basis. What better role model for the Christian then Christ Himself? Coleman's honesty is appreciated as he reminds us of our failure as a church to follow Christ's pattern of evangelism.

The author's claims are also well supported by reviewing the actual results of this type of evangelistic attempt. Many can easily agree that a majority of today's professing Christians do not know the first thing about evangelism. After many repeated and failed attempts to learn and apply the newest programs, methods and models of evangelism, we simply cease to try. The author's methods are Scriptural and in tact.

There is a point of disagreement with a short line in chapter eight of this book. Coleman says "there is no use to pray for the world. What good would it do....The only hope for the world is for laborers to go to them with the gospel of salvation..." While it is agreed that they need someone to come to them with this gospel of salvation, Scripture does suggest we should pray for them as well. Yes, there are more passages that teach us to pray for the "harvesters" but we cannot neglect verses that teach us to pray for the lost. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 says "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you." In Titus 2:1,3-4 it says "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people...This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." In praying, we must pray for both the lost and the harvester.

It seems the author does look at his approach primarily on the basis of discipleship. He never makes it explicitly clear if he believes a person must be a disciple to "be" a Christian. Though he hints at it, it will not to be assumed in this review. Considering Coleman also has a book entitled The Master Plan of Discipleship, how different could it be? Yet, there is most definitely a connection to be made between disciples and evangelism, and in this aspect, Coleman excels.

An argument could arise that these principles may not be cross-cultural. However, if one evaluates its Scriptural backing, this argument should be quickly nipped. There are many aspects of the Bible that seem initially difficult to apply cross-culturally (or even within our current culture for that matter) that we simply must acknowledge.

In comparison to other works in this field, Coleman has an exceptional book. It is very easy to read and understand. Using Scripture as it's "sword" it is hard to disagree with many points. Coleman chooses not to dwell on some of the more controversial topics of evangelism. He does not do this out of ignorance but points to other resources for more study. He has a message to convey and his purpose is fulfilled. Many others in this field agree with Coleman as is apparent by his 30 "words of commendation" from well known and respected Christians. If one of the greatest evangelists of our time, Billy Graham (ironically a preacher to the masses), gives him the forward to the book, he must at least have something noteworthy to say.

Overall this book was well written, Scriptural and pertinent in our lives as Christians. It is most definitely a book written for leaders of churches, schools, organizations or even accountability partners. There are many great principles addressed and appropriate for evangelism everywhere. Maybe if more churches adhered and strived to evangelize and train disciples as Jesus, we'd be reaching the world with much greater force.

As a Christian, we are commanded to make disciples of all nations. This book reveals the key to accomplish this task. It is not the "normal" way most of us Christians perceive how evangelism should be accomplished. Coleman looks at Jesus Christ's life on earth and applies it to our lives, and shows us the way Jesus wants us to evangelize. A real eye opener. A Must read!

While I agree with the previous reviewer that some of the writing and bible references in this text could stand for a modern rewrite, I think the principles that Coleman highlights are timeless and profound (if not profoundly simple).

He is NOT writing about methods. Coleman is highlighting the strategy and principles of Jesus. These principles can be applied in a multitude of methods across cultures, generations, and technological fronts. As a wise old friend has said,

"Methods are many, but principles are few. Methods will change, but principles NEVER do."

Aside from a need for a modern update and not just a cover change, this book is by far the most helpful resource on Jesus' strategy and philosophy of ministry, the very same He has called us to (Matt. 28:19-20), that I have ever seen. I am involved in full-time evangelism and discipleship ministry and have found no other source better for training laborers and leaders to follow Jesus in reaching the world. This would be a five star if not for the need for an update in the text and references.

John Fitzgerald

"The Master Plan of Evangelism" by Robert Coleman says what it came to say quickly. There are fewer than 100 pages total in the main part of the book.

Is that it? How can this tiny little tome be considered such a classic, with over two million copies sold?

Its brevity is its strength and weakness.

Short books are more likely to be read by nonreaders, and Coleman capitalizes on this through succinctly explaining evangelism via discipleship.

Its weakness, though, is in total substance. While Coleman presents Scriptural references, it is short on exposition. However, those committed to outreach will not be looking here for answers. This is for the committed beginner, not the experienced evangelist.

Unusual in what is somewhat a populist book is its thorough endnotes and bibliography. There are 25 pages combined of this. This is where those hungry to understand more deeply the theology behind Coleman's presentation can get into the meat.

Unlike some of the current books on evangelism, he relies on classical ideas, ones trascending the specifics of modernism, post-modernism, feminism, racism, denominationalism and so on. This is closer to what Billy Graham might have written. Graham, in fact, recommends it.

Use this book to start your learning of the ideas and process, backed with a biblical foundation. It is not a 'rah-rah' book to get you excited. Coleman presumes you are serious, excited and focused, and gives you the tools to get going.

I fully recommend "The Master Plan of Evangelism" by Robert Coleman.

Anthony Trendl
HungarianBookstore.com

Involved in ministry to soldiers. This book is the absolute best I've found that unfolds the ministry strategy of Jesus in a readable, yet profound style. Second only to the Bible; will change/challenge/illuminate your perspective on Jesus and His ministry!

Being a member of a "discipleship movement", I have deep convictions about world evangelism. Without a doubt, Jesus Christ has been the most influential/impacting man to ever live. How did one man change the whole world? Answer: Discipleship.

You will be glad to know that this book is very short and easy to read. It examines and reveals the secrets of Jesus' ministry. Reading this book has changed my personal life, my ministry, and my church. I strongly recommend this book for every disciple of Jesus.