The Master's Plan for Making Disciples: Every Christian an Effective Witness Through an Enabling Church

by Win Arn

Perfect book for evangelism-minded churches and small groups. Details nine church-centered principles for reaching others for Christ through networks of family and friends.

Genres: Discipleship, Evangelism, Church

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kent Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plan begins with what the Arns call, The Oikos Factor. Since 75-90% of people come to know Christ through family and friends, we should focus our attention on those closest to us. Those in our oikos are those whom we are already in relationships with and should be the most receptive. The Arn’s explore nine principles in maximizing our oikos relationships. They also walk us through seven steps for making disciples but extend their teaching to include how to develop a church-centered disciple making strategy. This book gives a good basis for evangelism-to-discipleship as a total focus for the Church as well as the individual. You will find help here. Some methods need to be adopted with caution for today.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Master’s Plan is quite thought-provoking. I highly recommend the book for church boards and other leadership groups. Reading and discussing with other leaders is the best way to derive benefit from the book and to bring others onboard. I will not say that this plan would not work for a single individual, because all believers in Jesus should obey his commands and care for others. However, certain concepts shared would only work within a group of believers. An important key is for several people to work together to implement the plan and watch it spread. As a well-known poet from over four centuries ago wrote, no man is an island. We must all work together.

[Bret Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book, with a lot of insightful information, but nothing that I didn't already know, or that doesn't seem to be common sense. Of course, being Common Sense does not necessarily mean that we either understand it or put it into common practice. This book is a very good reminder of how Human Relationships work, and how we can use them to our advantage in bringing people to Christ. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is seeking to deepen their evangelistic Ministry.

[Matt B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book on the importance of building meaningful relationships, and in those relationships sharing the love of Christ, and if the opportunity allows, specifically sharing your faith with them. Good insights and good information all around. I would recommend this book (even though I had to read it for school).

[Otis Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relational

Great book, really helps with relational ministry and focuses on people more so than systems. It really is helpful in helping you discern the people in which you have influence.

[Brian King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, as with Henrichsen's book, not enough practical, here is what you can do, strategy, this book suffers. Biblical basis is well founded, but lacks practical, usable material.

[MargaRAT]

I always had a difficult time translating my faith to others and I thought it made me a bad Christian. That is not true. The methods that I had been given were nothing more than sales pitches, with no grounding in love or friendship building. They were embarrassing for myself and to the poor victims who had to deal with my sorry attempt at "evangelism." Win Arn's perspective on evangelism is a much better approach. It is focused on love, empowerment and showing your faith to members of your circle naturally through relationship-building (family, friends, acquaintances) rather than cold-calling or knocking on doors.

Arn backs up their claim with numerous sources in the Bible, statistics, psychological evidence and personal anecdotes.

By far, one of the most important books I've read in my life in terms of spiritual development.