The 5 Ps of Relational Evangelism

Joe Drennon, my high school wrestling coach, gave the same motivational speech before each practice session: "As you practice today, men, remember the 5 Ps: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance."

In the same way that one becomes a champion wrestler by carefully following the 5 Ps, Christian disciples experience growth in their relationship with God and one another by practicing the 5 Ps of relational evangelism.

Ironically, effective evangelism is not so much a matter of programs or practices as it is an invitation into a community of God's love. Jesus' strategy for sharing the gospel was simple: "Love one another." The early church carried out Jesus' command through a web of healthy relationships characterized by the 5 Ps: Person, Pastor, Partner, Protégé, and Prospect.

PERSON
Whether dealing with a synagogue ruler, a little child, or a leper, Jesus treated each one as an important person with unique gifts. All evangelism begins by valuing folks as people of great worth.

PASTOR
Long before the title of pastor came to be used to refer to clergy, Jesus repeatedly used the image of a shepherd caring for sheep to point to the importance of pastoral guidance and teaching in making disciples. Every person needs a pastor — a mature Christian who may be laity or clergy — to mentor, teach, and nurture her or him on the journey of faith.

PARTNER
Peter had a partner in his brother, Andrew, who introduced him to Jesus. Upon his dramatic conversion, Paul found a partner in Barnabas, who vouched for him before skeptical church elders. Every disciple needs a partner for friendship, for the sharing of burdens, and for encouragement.

PROTÉGÉ
The surest way to grow in faith is to take responsibility for someone else's development as a disciple. Paul adopted protégés in every place he established a church. He poured his life into Priscilla, Titus, and Timothy. The ultimate measure of Christian faith is the way that we intentionally give away our lives by pouring ourselves into others.

PROSPECT
We usually think of prospects in terms of selling something to someone, but the Great Commission urges us to be prospecting for disciples. In the best sense of the word prospect, we are called to "see for" others the abundant life that God wills for them until they can see for themselves. Growing disciples are vigilant in seeing those around them who are ready and open to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

Contrary to concepts of evangelism popularized in the nineteenth century, Christian disciples are not lone rangers on a crusade to win others to Christ. In fact, vital discipleship grows out of "one anothering"; that is, out of taking part in a web of healthy relationships — the 5 Ps of relational evangelism.

Dr. Guy Brewer is theChaplain atSweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, Virginia.