Introduction
Since its first publication in 1963, The Master Plan of Evangelism has become a classic in Christian ministry. Coleman’s purpose is simple yet bold: to examine Jesus’ own strategy for evangelism, then show how believers can replicate it in everyday life.
Rather than offering trendy techniques or marketing gimmicks, Coleman returns to Scripture to model discipleship and evangelism. The result is both challenging and deeply practical.
Key Features & What Makes This Book Stand Out
| Feature | Description & Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Christ-centered model | Coleman doesn’t add layers of theory. He looks at how Jesus actually called, trained, and sent His disciples—making disciples the heart of evangelism. |
| Eight guiding principles | He distills Jesus’ approach into eight principles: Selection, Association, Consecration, Impartation, Demonstration, Delegation, Supervision, Reproduction. |
| Concise & accessible | The 2010 Revell edition runs about 160 pages. It avoids unnecessarily complex terminology and is suited for both new believers and veteran ministers. |
| Foreword & endorsements | Includes a foreword by Billy Graham, adding credibility and connecting the work to the wider evangelical world. |
| Scripture-based illustrations | Coleman emphasizes Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” as foundational. |
| Timeless relevancy | Though originally published in the 1960s, Coleman’s framework remains widely applied in churches and mission training today. |
John 8:31–32 – “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Study Series & Companion Materials
The impact of The Master Plan of Evangelism goes beyond the core text. Over the years, various study guides, discipleship curricula, and group discussion versions have appeared.
- Some editions include a built-in study guide or group questions to help church groups walk through each chapter together.
- A combined edition titled The Master Plan of Evangelism and Discipleship: Two Books in One merges evangelistic strategy with deeper discipleship teaching.
- The digital Logos edition connects to Bible study tools, making verse lookups and note sharing easier.
These companion tools make the book more usable in small groups, mentorship, or self-study settings.
Versions, Editions & Formats
| Version / Edition | Key Differences & Notes |
|---|---|
| Original / early printings | The earliest 1963 edition is harder to find; early reprints had fewer updates. |
| 30th Anniversary / annotated edition | Released in 1993 with added notes and minor commentary. |
| Repackaged Edition (2006) | Updated cover design and minor format adjustments. |
| 2nd Edition | Baker/Revell 2010 edition (160 pages) remains the most popular printing. |
| Digital / Logos Edition | Available in Bible software with integrated study aids. |
| Combined (Evangelism + Discipleship) | Combines both books into one complete study volume. |
| International / translations | Translated into multiple languages with identical structure. |
Depending on which edition you pick, page count and formatting may vary slightly. The 2010 paperback edition includes 160 pages.
Strengths & Limitations: A Balanced View
Strengths
- Practical and reproducible — it gives not just insight but actionable steps for discipleship.
- Scripturally grounded — built solidly on the Gospels.
- Useful for all experience levels — new believers, pastors, and mission workers alike.
- Scalable — can be applied to one-on-one ministry or church-wide outreach.
Limitations
- Minimal cultural adaptation; may need contextual updates for modern settings.
- Focuses more on practice than theology; not a deep doctrinal study.
- Lacks academic footnotes and references for deeper study.
- Limited discussion of complex group dynamics or church politics.
Real-Life Example
Imagine a small rural church wanting to revive evangelism. A pastor uses Coleman’s model:
- Selection: He chooses three committed believers instead of trying to mobilize everyone at once.
- Association: He spends regular time with them—praying, walking through Scripture, and sharing life.
- Consecration & Impartation: He encourages holiness and imparts spiritual wisdom.
- Demonstration: He invites them to observe how he shares Christ.
- Delegation & Supervision: He gives them small tasks and meets for accountability.
- Reproduction: He encourages them to repeat the process with others.
Over two years, those three multiply into nine, and the church begins to grow—not through programs, but through Christlike discipleship.
Biblical Foundations & Verses
John 8:31–32 – “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Matthew 28:19–20 – “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.”
John 17:20–21 – “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one.”
These verses remind us that evangelism is not a program but a calling rooted in Jesus’ final command.
