Why Leading Souls to Christ Trumps Just Leading Them to Church

It’s a common desire among believers: to see our loved ones, friends, and even strangers experience the transformative power of faith. Often, our immediate thought is, “I need to get them to church!” While the church is undeniably vital for growth and fellowship, is simply getting someone through the doors the ultimate goal? The Scriptures, and even great evangelists like Charles Spurgeon, suggest a deeper, more urgent priority: leading someone to Christ Himself.

The Great Commission: Make Disciples, Not Just Attendees

Jesus’s final command to His disciples wasn’t to fill pews, but to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). The emphasis here is on making disciples, individuals who follow Jesus, learn from Him, and live according to His teachings. While the local church plays a critical role in discipling, it’s a means to an end, not the end itself.

Consider also Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Our primary calling is to share the good news of Jesus Christ. If someone hears the gospel, understands it, and responds to it, they have encountered Christ. The church then becomes the place where they can grow and be nurtured in that newfound faith.

Every Christian, Every Sphere of Influence

You might be thinking, “But I’m not an evangelist!” It’s true that not everyone has the specific spiritual gift of evangelism (Ephesians 4:11). However, every Christian is called to be a witness. (Acts 1:8) tells us, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Our “Jerusalem” begins with those in our immediate sphere: family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

We may not have a biblical “formula” for leading someone to Christ, but we are called to be prepared. “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). This means being grounded in biblical truths, knowing the core message of the gospel, and being ready to share our personal testimony of how Christ has changed our lives.

More Than an Invitation: Cultivating a Life of Faith

Imagine someone comes to church with you, perhaps out of curiosity or politeness. They might enjoy the music, appreciate the sermon, and even feel a sense of community. But if they haven’t personally encountered Jesus Christ and committed their lives to Him, are they truly “saved”? The answer, biblically speaking, is no. Faith comes through hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).

This is where the distinction becomes crucial. Leading someone to Christ involves explaining the gospel – humanity’s sin, God’s love, Jesus’s sacrifice, and the call to repentance and faith. It’s about helping them understand what it means to surrender their lives to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Furthermore, our responsibility doesn’t end once someone makes a decision for Christ. We are called to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). This means walking alongside new believers, being a friend, answering their questions, and showing them what it looks like to live out Christian principles in daily life. This is discipleship in action – a process far more involved than simply getting them to Sunday service.

The Urgency of the Gospel

Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers,” once provocatively stated that if we truly believed Jesus was the only way to eternal life, we should have an “utmost desire” to see others follow Him. If we grasp the gravity of eternal life and eternal separation from God, our hearts should ache with a holy urgency to share the only solution: Jesus Christ.

So, while the church is a glorious and indispensable gift from God, let us never elevate it above the very One it exists to glorify. Our ultimate mission is to introduce souls to Jesus, nurture them in their faith, and empower them to become disciples themselves. When we prioritize leading someone to Christ, the church gains not just an attendee, but a transformed life ready to live out their purpose in God’s kingdom.

What are your thoughts? How do you prioritize leading people to Christ in your own life? Share your experiences in the comments below!