A Book Review of

The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman

By Massimo Lorenzini

Bibliographical Information

Coleman, Robert E. The Master Plan of Evangelism. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Revell, 1993. 200pp.

Biographical Sketch of the Author

Robert E. Coleman is director of the School of World Mission and Evangelism and Professor of
Evangelism at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He also directs the
Institute of Evangelism at the Billy Graham Center in Wheaton, Illinois and serves as dean of the
International Schools of Evangelism.

A founding member of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, he is the author of
hundreds of articles and about twenty books. His books have been published in nearly ninety
languages with English editions alone nearing five million copies in print.

Summary of the Book’s Contents

Coleman begins his book with a preface titled “The Master and His Plan.” He begins his
discussion with the problem in evangelistic methods. He lists objective and relevance as the
crucial issues of our work. The question must be asked: Is it worth doing? And, does it get the
job done?

We must have a well thought through strategy for fulfilling the Great Commission. For this
Coleman offers his book as a study in principles. He follows Jesus’ method as the model for the
principles he sets forth in his book.
 Chapter one is titled “Selection.” Coleman begins with the observation that men were Jesus’
method. Jesus focused on training a few men who were willing to learn, without neglecting
ministering to the masses. Jesus concentrated on a few men because he knew that he needed
quality leaders to carry on the work of the kingdom in his absence.

Coleman observes that this is seldom the practice in churches today. He says most evangelistic
efforts are directed to the multitudes because of our emphasis on numbers of converts rather than
a genuine concern for the spiritual welfare of those that are reached. But we must begin to
intentionally disciple believers if we are to achieve lasting growth. This will be a slow, tedious,
and painful process that will probably go unnoticed by people at first, but the result will be
glorious.

Chapter two is titled “Association.” Coleman says that Jesus had a very informal teaching
method. The essence of his training program was just letting his disciples follow him, just to be
with him. They were able to observe, discuss, ask questions, and listen to Jesus’ teaching. His
method was himself. Coleman points out what our problem is today. He says that our methods of
preaching to the masses, occasional prayer meetings, and training classes cannot do the job. He
says that the example of Jesus would teach us that preparing leaders can be done only by persons
staying close to those whom they seek to lead. Coleman says the church has failed tragically at
this point because this type of training involves the sacrifice of personal indulgence. Coleman
says the church must have as its basis a personal guardian concern for those entrusted to its care.

Chapter three is titled “Consecration.” Jesus requires obedience of his followers. We must count
the cost and decide to take up our crosses. We cannot lead others if we ourselves have not first
learned to be a follower, and the one we follow is Jesus.

Chapter four is titled “Impartation.” In this chapter Coleman discusses the fact that Jesus gave
himself to his disciples in love. Jesus modeled a self-giving life. Coleman also discusses the role
of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, and that Jesus imparted knowledge and teaching to his
disciples that was not made available to those on the outside.

Coleman states that if we are to follow this example of Jesus it means that we cannot give away
something that we do not ourselves possess. We must possess the life and love of God if we are
to share it with others.

Chapter five is titled “Demonstration.” Jesus didn’t just tell his disciples how to live, he showed
them. He modeled prayer, using Scripture, soul winning, and teaching naturally. Jesus’ classes
were always in session. The eye is always a better pupil than the ear, and we do well to follow
his lead.

Chapter six is titled “Delegation.” Eventually Jesus began giving his disciples assignments. He
began sending them out to all the villages and cities to spread the gospel. This allowed them to
practice what they had been learning. This needs to be applied in our churches today. We must
give people opportunity to practice what we are training them to do.
Chapter seven is titled “Supervision.” Jesus kept check on his disciples. A sort of on the job
training. This must continue well on until after we know that the leader is capable of passing the
vision on to others he or she is training. Disciples must be brought to maturity, says Coleman.

Chapter eight is titled “Reproduction.” This is the most wonderful part of the process. Jesus’
disciples are to reproduce themselves. A church program cannot do this, only disciples can do
this. All Christians should be reproducing Christians. Coleman gives the analogy of the vine and
the branch and says a barren Christian is a contradiction.

Coleman says, “The test of any work of evangelism thus is not what is seen at the moment, or in
the conference report, but in the effectiveness with which the work continues to the next
generation (p. 103).” This is lasting fruit. This kind of fruit can evangelize the whole world.

Coleman ends his book with an epilogue titled “The Master and Your Plan.” We must evaluate
our life’s plan and if need be make some changes to allow the Master’s plan to become our plan.
Coleman says the methods will vary but we get our principles from the example of Jesus.
Coleman encourages the reader to work with a small group of people and train them using the
principles he has brought out from the life of Jesus.

Concluding Evaluation

I agreed with Coleman’s book and I genuinely appreciate his conclusions. I sadly wonder,
though, why a book that has had at least sixty-six printings (as of 1993) has not seemed to
influence the American church much. I have never seen so many endorsements on a book as
much as this one, yet who is actually practicing what it says? I still see, especially in my own
denomination (SBC), programs and literature as being promoted to accomplish discipleship, and
no talk, much less action, about discipleship as being something accomplished personally by
individuals, as Jesus modeled.

This is the model that I wish to follow, indeed have already begun, in my ministry. How I wish
that I had someone who would have discipled me when I became a believer, or even to do so
now. But regardless, I must be faithful to what God has called me to do.

I believe this book contains principles that can revolutionize our churches if we would
implement them. But this model requires Christians who really do seek first the kingdom of God.