Engaged

Has done evangelism or discipleship within the past year.

“I helped someone else know Jesus a little better."

People in the Engaged stage typically came to their faith after being raised in Christianity or after being evangelized by someone else. They usually have strong orthodox Christian beliefs. Nearly all have done evangelism at some point, and most continue to do it today to some degree.

What people in Engaged say

“It’s [Christianity] my compass and Jesus has set the example. Many times I struggle, but He has given me the direction to follow, which is Him.”

“The practice of my faith has varied with different stages of my life. For instance, in university, I was more involved with student groups and evangelising on campus. The spiritual disciplines I practiced and how I read my bible also differed.”

“Trying to follow God’s plan totally affects my life in terms of what I want and why I want that. Also, I’m confident knowing he’s taking care of me. In a practical way, I pray every day, I go to the church when I have the chance, and I try reading and worshiping every day.”

“I believe in preaching and sharing faith in ways that reflect and align with my personality, it isn’t my personality to preach or do to door to door activities so I would be uncomfortable with the idea and would not feel it is authentic or God speaking through me.”

“I try my best to live out the teachings of the Lord. It changed because of certain things that happened in my life that made me realize there is a God guiding me all throughout my journey.”

“Finding the right people who shares the same goals may be a challenge but I do enjoy when it happens.”

“I’m reluctant to class [people I mentor] as always being less mature than myself. As members of a body, I need the ‘weaker’ member as much as they need me, so it is always for mutual edification. I’m not currently ‘mentoring’ but I attend a bible study where in a sense we teach and mentor each other. Sometimes I teach, and sometimes I am taught.”

“Sharing my faith and testimony with others and help them to follow the path of light. … It made my life more meaningful and helping others gave me happiness.”

“I would love to share the gospel with people but I’m not very gifted at doing so. I pray for God to work in those around me and also desire an open door to do so well.”

At-a-glance

Nearly all have done evangelism at some point, and most continue to do it today both proactively and reactively.
Typically have experienced some positive outcomes from their evangelism.
Most have at least tried discipleship.

Insights & attributes

Evangelism Style

More free-flowing evangelism, which is entirely informal and usually spontaneous.

Positive Experience

Have typically had at least some positive experience with evangelism, or received a positive outcome from it.

Christian Community

Was involved in Christian community during their most significant period of growth. This was generally not an immersive Christian community though, like a Christian college.

Discipleship

Discipleship style is similar to evangelism style. Typically didn't start with discipleship until they had already experienced some growth in their faith. Were motivated to start with discipleship at least partially by the influence of other people.

Started Early

Typically started doing evangelism after only learning the basics of it. Did not need more than that to get started. Typically shared first with their family or friends.

Dechurched

A little less than 20% of Engaged Christians are also de-churched. They are either intentionally de-churched or no longer attending church due to circumstances outside their control.

Where and why people move

Lack of Fruit or Interest

Can slip back into Grounded after seeing a lack of positive fruit in evangelism or after losing genuine interest in doing evangelism.

Busyness or Trials

May move back to Grounded after facing trials or when they have too many other responsibilities or activities to manage.

Movement to Multiplying

Someone in Engaged needs to be doing discipleship and have at least one disciple who has discipled someone else in order to move to Multiplying.

Sustainability

A person in Engaged is (often) doing evangelism already, but they could face challenges in moving toward Multiplying, especially if they live in a place without many Christians. So, for them, it’s more about continuing what they are already doing, but in a sustainable way. This could include avoiding burnout and discouragement and/or not tying their evangelism to a church/community activity that might end.

Pray that their lives will be lived out a deep motivation to love Jesus and follow him—even when it is hard and fruit does not come quickly.
Pray that they grow in their sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and their willingness to obey his leading in their lives and in their relationships.
Pray that they do not get distracted prioritizing their lives around worldly values and expectations.
Pray that God would encourage them to continue doing the things that only a small percentage of believers do.
Pray that if they desire to disciple others, that God would put people into their path to disciple. Especially in places where there are very few Christians.

People in this stage are typically already a part of a community. As a humble learner, ask more about their community and discern if there are any ways you can help them in their current community, rather than trying to move them out of that community in to a different one.
Sometimes these people may feel lonely doing evangelism and discipleship even in their community. Be careful not to take them away from their own community, but think about ways how they can be encouraged by others who also are actively involved in the Great Commission.
Think about why they are not in the Multiplying group - is it a lack of motivation? Skill? Opportunity? Lack of positive responses in evangelism? Depending on the reason, make your plan according to their needs to help them move forward.

Be aware of the temptation to try and motivate them to do evangelism and discipleship in order to please you or other Christians rather than out of a love for Jesus.
Do not minimize their questions or concerns around taking the initiative in ministry. Look for ways to help them grow in their faith as they take courageous steps.
It can be tempting to use their new steps of faith in ministry as a public story to be celebrated. This can unintentionally communicate that they are valued for what they do and for outward appearances more than for who they are in Christ and what God is doing in and through them.
Many of these people started doing evangelism with only minimal training. Be encouraged, that people can start sharing their faith with people they care about even after only learning the basics.
Find ways to share about evangelism or discipleship experiences you are having. Many were encouraged by people around them, so they will likely be encouraged by your real-time influence and stories.

Experiments, Tactics & Studies

Solutions and resources that have been created or used to better understand or reach this audience.
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