Chapter Thirteen

Follow-up Evangelism

Follow-up for those that recently come to Christ is very important. Help your church's visitation team follow up on those that have been led to Christ. If you don't have a follow-up team, form one. If you have enough knowledge to witness you have enough knowledge to lead a follow-up group. Follow-up will produce results in the lives of those who come to Christ. You will see a higher rate of individuals attending church or becoming discipled for Christ if you visit them again. Follow-up is a key to effective evangelism.

In Acts 14, we can see Paul determined to follow-up on those he had shared his life with. Although Paul was stoned and left for dead, he picked himself up and went back to the cites from where he came. This sets the pattern for the concept of "follow-up" work among new converts. This emphasizes the need to return to those you have ministered to and help them to resist the temptations that all face and to share how to follow Christ.

Acts 14
19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

I often use the term "Follow-up Evangelism." I have seen that when you visit a home of a new convert you are often welcomed into the home. When you first encountered the person in your initial witness you were a stranger and now you are a friend. When you are allowed entry into the home it can become an opportunity for others in their home to come to Christ. I have seen many times that the whole family will come to Christ.

Another purpose of follow-up is to remind the person to become water baptized. Their need to fulfill the commission of Christ to be baptized may be the very opportunity the Lord will use to bring this person to your church and thus begin the discipleship process. It is important to help bring the new converts to church and be around others who can help them. Be prepared to explain water baptism but not to pressure the person. So often I have seen God change people's lives over the period of many years. Allow God this opportunity and be patient with the person. A friend of mine was saved and I knew many areas of his life that were not right but I never condemned him. Over a period of time I watched and was shocked that nearly a year later he cleaned his home of the things that were not of God, he changed his music, continually studied the Word, and began attending church. When you see God work like this in the life of an individual it is a testimony to the saving grace of our Lord. However, your follow-up and encouragement can ensure the person will continue to follow Christ.

It is so important to record the information from a new convert to ensure you have sufficient information to visit them.

Street University Lesson Thirteen

Group Discussion

1. Discuss how follow-up may have encouraged you to walk further with Christ.
2. Discuss how to include follow-up into your ministry.

Bible Study

Study the scriptures in Acts 14 and see how determined Paul was to return to those he had ministered. Search the scriptures and you will see that much of the letters he wrote in the New Testament were composed of encouragement to those of the church.

Optional Assignment

1. Participate in an evening with your church's weekly visitation group to the hospital, nursing homes, or home visitation.