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The Certificate track answers the multiple choice. The Associate adds the fill-in-the-blank questions; M.Div. and Th.M. add those and the short-answer questions. 90% of each part is required to pass.
Orientation
Evangelism does not end with a response to the gospel. A common mistake is to treat evangelism as complete once a person has made a profession of faith. Scripture, however, presents evangelism as the beginning of a process that leads to discipleship. True conversion results in new life, and that life must be nurtured and developed. Follow-up is essential to help new believers grow in understanding, assurance, and obedience.
I. The Biblical Mandate for Discipleship
Jesus did not command His followers merely to make converts, but to make disciples:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19–20, NKJV)
The goal of evangelism is not only a decision, but transformation. A disciple is a learner and a follower of Christ. To make disciples is to bring people not merely to a moment of profession but to a lifelong walk of obedience.
II. The Evidence of Genuine Conversion
Not every profession of faith is evidence of true conversion. Jesus warned:
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21, NKJV)
True conversion produces a changed heart, new desires, and spiritual growth. Follow-up helps discern whether a response is genuine, and gently establishes the new believer in the faith.
III. The Importance of Immediate Follow-Up
When a person responds to the gospel, immediate follow-up is critical. In Acts, new believers were quickly integrated into teaching and fellowship:
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42, NKJV)
Delay can lead to confusion, doubt, or discouragement. The early church did not leave new believers to themselves; it surrounded them with teaching and community from the very first days.
IV. Teaching Foundational Truths
New believers must be grounded in essential truths: assurance of salvation, the nature of God, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of prayer.
"as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." (1 Peter 2:2, NKJV)
Growth requires nourishment. A newborn left unfed will not thrive, and a new believer left untaught will struggle to grow.
V. The Role of the Church
The church plays a central role in discipleship.
"And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47, NKJV)
New believers need fellowship, teaching, and accountability. Discipleship is not meant to occur in isolation; it flourishes within the life of a healthy local church.
VI. Encouraging Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth involves reading Scripture, prayer, obedience, and fellowship. It is gradual but intentional.
"but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18, NKJV)
No one matures overnight. The believer who walks faithfully in these ordinary means of grace will, over time, be conformed more and more to Christ.
VII. The Danger of Neglecting Follow-Up
When follow-up is neglected, new believers may become discouraged, misunderstandings may develop, and spiritual growth may be hindered. Evangelism without discipleship leads to incomplete ministry. The seed may sprout, but without cultivation it is easily choked or scorched.
VIII. Reproduction in Evangelism
Disciples are not only learners—they become witnesses.
"And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, NKJV)
A healthy pattern follows a clear sequence: evangelism leads to discipleship, and discipleship leads to reproduction. The disciple who is built up becomes, in turn, one who builds up others.
IX. Illustration and Application
Consider two believers who each lead someone to Christ. One shares the gospel and moves on, leaving the new believer without guidance. The other invests time, teaches, encourages, and walks alongside the new believer. The difference is not in the moment of profession but in the long-term fruit. Months later, one new convert has drifted; the other is grounded, growing, and beginning to share the gospel himself.
Conclusion
Evangelism is the beginning, not the end. True faith leads to discipleship, growth, and reproduction. The believer must not only proclaim the gospel, but also participate in the ongoing development of new believers, "teaching them to observe all things" that Christ has commanded.
Unit 10 Final Exam
Certificate track: Section A (multiple choice) required at 90%; Section B (short answer) optional. Associate: Section A and the 10 fill-in-the-blank questions, each at 90%.
M.Div./Th.M. track: Section A, the fill-in-the-blank questions and Section B, each at 90%, independently.
M.Div. and Th.M.: all five assigned readings are part of the course. Their separate exam is required after activation; see its page for the current rule. Honors remains optional and does not replace the exam.
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