Evangelism Failed: Causes of Ineffectual Evangelism

Summary

Although the disciples responded immediately to Jesus’ call and followed him, the gospel of Mark records that the disciples:

• questioned Christ’s authority and leadership (8:31–33; 5:35–43)
• doubted Christ’s ability to protect and provide (4:35–40; 6:35–52; 8:1–21)
• suffered spiritual dullness (5:24–34)
• experienced the power and joy of their calling (6:7–14)
• experienced reality of the price of their calling (6:14–29)
• contended with strife and jealousy between them
• preoccupied by self-centered motives and desires (10:35)
• practiced ineffectual prayer habits
• embarrassed to identify with Christ
• filled with unbelief

This list of failure could describe each one of us. A lack of effective evangelism comes from a lack of discipleship on our part. We must learn once again what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.