Seven-Day Practical Faith Blog: How Practical Faith Makes Disciples

As I was applying to exhibit at a church marketing conference, I came across a question I had never had to directly answer before.

"How will your display and materials contribute to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?"

But I had an answer. Here is what I wrote:

I firmly believe that when we put faith into practice, we will show Christ to the world and make disciples in the process: through our love; through our acts of service; through evangelism; and through displaying a warm heart and good life that is appealing to those who are lost or curious. To that end, everything I do, whether blogs, book, videos, or podcasts, is about how to take Sunday into the rest of the week, developing our faith, and walking the walk as holy examples.

It's a good question for each of us. I want to start unpacking my statement by saying a myriad of methods exist for us to make disciples of Christ. As examples:

• My friend "Cheri" is comfortable (and gifted) at standing on a corner, handing out religious pamphlets, and engaging the unchurched in conversations about Jesus.

• "Tony" is skilled at debating atheists in online forums for hours and persuading them of the existence of God.

• I know of a man, "Buddy," who came to Christ simply by working side by side with Christians during hurricane relief efforts and wanting to become a Christian when he saw what they were like.

In each case, Christians put their faith into practice and won souls in the process. They engaged people who weren't following Jesus. They were a Bible to others who have never read one.

Sometimes, all we need to do is walk the walk every day and in every way, and it is enough. My high school friend "Andy" was resistant to invitations to attend church with me. But after four years of doing life together as friends, Andy told me how he had watched me and learned what a Christian was as I encountered the same problems and temptations he faced. It honestly scared me to fully grasp how I was representing Jesus every day in front of Andy. Years later, Andy gave his life to Christ and has displayed his faith through service projects benefiting many.

We put faith into practice because it makes us better disciples and grows our love for and relationship with God. But never underestimate how we are walking evangelists through everything we do, transforming the world by (hopefully) leaving fresh disciples in our wake.

Wanting to improve on how you put your faith into practice? Please visit CecilTaylorMinistries.com to get a thorough look at the books, video studies, podcasts, and other tools we offer to build your seven-day practical faith.