The Master Plan of Evangelism

The Master Plan of Evangelism examines Jesus' method of building his ministry and spreading his message through the strategic selection and training of disciples. The book breaks down Jesus' approach into eight core principles that formed the foundation of his three-year ministry on earth. Coleman analyzes the Gospel accounts to demonstrate how Jesus focused intensively on training a small group of disciples rather than immediately pursuing mass evangelism. Through biblical examples, the text shows how this concentrated investment in few individuals created a multiplication effect that launched the early Christian church. Each chapter explores one key principle of Jesus' discipleship method, from selection to delegation, while providing practical applications for modern ministry contexts. The relationship between Jesus and his disciples serves as a model for how spiritual leaders can develop others. The book presents discipleship as both a replicable framework and a spiritual imperative, challenging readers to consider how Jesus' methods might transform current approaches to Christian outreach and leadership development.

Readers value the book's practical breakdown of Jesus's method of developing disciples through close mentoring relationships and intentional multiplication. Many note that it cuts through complex theology to focus on reproducible principles. Readers appreciate: - Biblical support for each principle - Short length and clear writing style - Focus on relationships over programs - Specific examples from Jesus's ministry Common criticisms: - Repetitive content - Dated writing style from 1963 - Limited discussion of modern applications - Too focused on one-on-one discipleship vs. group dynamics Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Sample review: "Coleman shows how Jesus invested deeply in a few rather than trying to personally disciple the masses. This challenged my tendency to prioritize crowd size over depth." - Goodreads reviewer Critical review: "Good principles but feels like it could have been a long article rather than a book. Many points are restated multiple times." - Amazon reviewer

Growing True Disciples by George Barna This research-based guide outlines methods for discipleship multiplication based on studies of churches with effective discipleship programs.

Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders The book presents biblical principles for leadership development through discipleship with examples from Moses, David, Paul, and other biblical figures.

The Lost Art of Disciple Making by LeRoy Eims This text provides a systematic approach to making disciples through personal relationships and mentoring based on the methods Jesus used with his disciples.

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The work examines Jesus' methodology of disciple-making through the lens of scripture interpretation and practical application in modern ministry contexts.

The Training of the Twelve by A.B. Bruce This classic text breaks down Jesus' three-year mentorship of his disciples into practical principles for modern discipleship and church leadership.

📘 Robert Coleman wrote The Master Plan of Evangelism in 1963, and it has since sold over 3.5 million copies and been translated into more than 100 languages. 🎓 The book's core principle—that Jesus' method of discipleship focused on deeply investing in a few people rather than spreading efforts thin—revolutionized many churches' approach to evangelism. 👥 Coleman developed the material while teaching at Asbury Theological Seminary, testing and refining his insights through practical application with his students before publishing. ⚡ Billy Graham, upon reading the book, immediately ordered 50 copies to distribute to his team and later wrote the foreword for subsequent editions. 🌟 While the book was initially rejected by several publishers who thought it too simple and basic, its straightforward approach became one of its greatest strengths and a key reason for its enduring influence.