Discipline of Witness

In Disciplines of a Godly Man, R. Kent Hughes masterfully explores the core principles of a godly life, and in Chapter 17, titled "The Discipline of Witness," he directs his focus on the indispensable practice of personal witnessing. Rooted in Scripture and pastoral experiences, Hughes' insights provide an inspiring and practical roadmap for believers to share their faith effectively. This chapter’s central message is clear: evangelism is not a lofty pursuit reserved for the exceptionally gifted but an accessible and vital discipline for every Christian. Through the lens of Andrew, the disciple, Hughes unpacks the extraordinary power of ordinary people in spreading the Gospel, offering practical steps to foster relational evangelism.

The Heart of Witness: Everyday Joy in Evangelism

Hughes begins the chapter by emphasizing that personal witness is foundational to Christianity. The Gospel is a message proclaimed from pulpits or platforms and a way of life expressed in everyday relationships. Hughes shares a poignant example from his ministry: the conversion story of Jim, a self-sufficient businessman who initially rejected Christianity. Jim’s eventual emotional surrender to Christ demonstrates the transformative power of personal evangelism. Hughes recalls the profound joy he experienced in witnessing Jim’s spiritual awakening, underscoring that the deepest joys in ministry are found not in grand events but in intimate, relational moments.

This theme of joy permeates the chapter. Hughes highlights how everyday interactions with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers provide opportunities for meaningful evangelism. Witnessing is not an obligation to be borne with reluctance but a privilege to be embraced with gladness. Through his personal experiences, Hughes reminds readers that sharing the Gospel is a source of joy for believers and a conduit for life-changing grace for others.

Apostle Andrew: The Unsung Hero of Evangelism

Hughes turns to the biblical example of Andrew, one of Christ’s first disciples, to illustrate the impact of ordinary individuals in evangelism. Andrew, often overshadowed by his brother Peter, exemplifies the idea that humility and faithfulness in small acts can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Known as "the first called," Andrew played a pivotal role in introducing others to Jesus. His selflessness, optimism, and relational approach highlight essential qualities for effective witnessing.

Hughes paints a vivid picture of Andrew’s legacy. Revered as the patron saint of nations like Scotland and Russia, Andrew’s influence extends far beyond his humble beginnings. Yet it is not his title or reputation that defines him but his heart for connecting others to Christ. Hughes emphasizes that Andrew’s evangelism was relational—he brought his brother Peter to Jesus. He later introduced the boy to the loaves and fish, facilitating feeding the 5,000. These acts were not dramatic sermons but simple, faithful steps that changed lives.

The Characteristics of an Evangelistic Heart

Hughes identifies five key attributes of Andrew’s evangelistic heart that can inspire and guide believers today:

#1 A Knowledgeable Heart

Andrew’s evangelistic passion flowed from his personal experience with Christ. Hughes asserts that the deeper one’s relationship with Jesus, the more compelling one's witness becomes. This principle is especially evident in new believers, who often enthusiastically share their faith. Hughes encourages Christians to continually cultivate intimacy with Christ, allowing their joy and conviction to overflow into their interactions with others.

#2 A Magnetized Heart

A magnetized heart is irresistibly drawn to Christ and, in turn, attracts others to Him. Andrew’s deep love for Jesus made him a natural evangelist, and his genuine enthusiasm inspired others to seek Christ. Hughes challenges readers to develop a similar magnetic quality by reflecting Christ’s love and grace in their daily lives.

#3 A Selfless Heart

Andrew’s humility and willingness to serve without seeking recognition are central to his effectiveness as a witness. Hughes emphasizes that true evangelism prioritizes the spiritual needs of others over personal accolades. By focusing on introducing others to Christ rather than drawing attention to themselves, believers can foster genuine relationships that create fertile ground for the Gospel.

#4 An Optimistic Heart

Andrew’s belief in Christ’s ability to use even the smallest offerings—like the boy’s loaves and fish—illustrates the power of optimism in evangelism. Hughes encourages believers to trust God’s provision and timing, knowing that even their modest efforts can yield miraculous results. This mindset inspires confidence and motivates action, reminding Christians that no act of faithfulness is too small to matter.

#5 An Expansive Heart

Andrew recognized the universality of Christ’s message, understanding that Jesus is the answer for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. Hughes calls believers to adopt an expansive heart that transcends cultural and social barriers, inviting all to experience Christ's love. This inclusive approach fosters community and shared purpose, making the Gospel accessible to diverse groups.

Relational Evangelism: The Power of Personal Connection

One of the most compelling insights in Hughes’ chapter is his emphasis on relational evangelism. Unlike proclamation preaching, which is effective only for a select few, relational evangelism is accessible to every believer. Research cited by Hughes reveals that 75 to 90% of people come to faith through the influence of friends or relatives, highlighting the profound impact of personal connections.

Hughes stresses relational evangelism is not about strategic manipulation but genuine love and care for others. Building trust through consistent kindness, shared experiences, and meaningful conversations creates opportunities for natural discussions about faith. Every relationship becomes a potential avenue for witnessing, whether with a family member, coworker, neighbor, or friend.

Practical Steps for Witnessing

To help believers apply the principles of relational evangelism, Hughes provides practical suggestions:

Identify Your Network

Begin by mapping out your existing relationships—family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. These are the people with whom you already have trust and rapport, making them natural starting points for sharing your faith.

Invest in Relationships

Foster deeper connections through shared activities, regular communication, and acts of kindness. Hughes emphasizes the importance of creating an environment of trust and openness where spiritual conversations can flow naturally.

Be Intentional

Look for opportunities to invite others into your home or social gatherings, creating spaces for meaningful dialogue. Prayerfully approach these interactions, asking God for wisdom and guidance in effectively sharing your faith.

Conclusion: The Extraordinary Power of Ordinary Witness

R. Kent Hughes’ chapter on "The Discipline of Witness" is a clarion call for ordinary Christians to embrace their role as everyday evangelists. Drawing on Andrew’s example and offering practical steps, Hughes equips believers to share their faith through simple, relational acts. The chapter reminds us that evangelism is not about grand gestures or polished sermons but about humble, faithful connections that reflect Christ's love.

As Hughes beautifully demonstrates, the greatest joys in ministry often come from these personal interactions. Whether it’s leading a friend to Christ, nurturing a family member’s faith, or planting seeds of the Gospel, each act of witness carries eternal significance. For believers willing to cultivate a knowledgeable, magnetized, selfless, optimistic, and expansive heart, the discipline of witness becomes a responsibility and a profound joy—a means of participating in God’s redemptive work in the world.

Let's consider some questions to deepen this discussion. Please pause on each question and have an answer for yourself.

But before answering questions, read Romans 8

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Question #1 How can cultivating the characteristics of Andrew’s heart—knowledgeable, magnetized, selfless, optimistic, and expansive—reshape our daily interactions and make evangelism feel more natural rather than forced?

This question encourages reflection on practical steps to integrate these traits into daily life, making relational evangelism more authentic and effective.

The essence of the Gospel isn’t about the knowledge we hold in our minds or the clever theological arguments we devise. It’s not about us at all. The Gospel centers around Christ Jesus, who is the Word made flesh. He lived a perfect life among us, teaching and encouraging us with the promise that His kingdom will come. Towards the end of His ministry, He faced a shameful and painful death on the cross, where He took upon Himself the eternal punishment meant for all of humanity. He endured hours of suffering before finally giving up His life. Yet, He didn’t stay in the grave; He resurrected, fulfilling all prophecies, and He promised to return to judge the living and the dead, bringing His kingdom and all of His people with Him.

This incredible good news saves someone like me—a lowly, nothing-good, rebellious, vile, and weak person. I see myself as a pile of nothingness, yet He chose me to be a part of His flock.

So let’s keep it real, fellow Christians: share the Gospel and your story with others.

Question #2 What are some specific ways we can intentionally build trust and deepen relationships with those in our networks to create opportunities for meaningful spiritual conversations?

This question prompts actionable thinking about fostering genuine connections as a foundation for sharing the Gospel.

Be there! Show up! Be a brother like in the book of James which says "But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation."

Question #3 In light of the chapter’s emphasis on relational evangelism, how can we overcome the fear of rejection or inadequacy that often hinders Christians from witnessing to others?

This question explores the emotional and psychological barriers to witnessing and how believers can overcome them through faith and God’s provision.

John Piper emphasizes a crucial truth: We cannot rely on our courage or strength when sharing the gospel. Instead, through God's strength, granted to us by the gospel, we can overcome our fears and witness effectively. In one of his articles, he urges us, “Don’t try to be strong in your strength. The gospel Will be there when you need it.”

We should let go of the fear of rejection, the anxiety of not knowing what to say, and any obstacles that may arise in sharing the gospel. Instead, we must lean on the strength and finished work of Christ. Trust in the gospel and the omnipotence and omniscience of our one true God.

Remember, this mission isn’t about you; it’s about Christ! We are called not to rely on our sufficiency but to rest in Christ's sufficiency. Depending on His strength, we can confidently step into our roles as witnesses, assured that He equips us for the tasks.

***The following content has been prepared using advanced artificial intelligence tools, such as (but not limited to) FirefliesAI 🤖, ChatGPT 💬, Perplexity 🧩, and Grammarly ✍️. These resources have facilitated the drafting, grammatical refinement, and fact-checking processes ✅. While AI generated and organized the content, Kevin Apolinar meticulously reviewed and edited all concepts, interpretations, and final decisions to ensure accuracy 🎯, relevance, and compliance with professional