Decisions or Disciples? A Study in Evangelism Effectiveness in Taiwan

Much cross-cultural evangelism is marked by aggressive zeal with limited results not commensurate with the energy expended. Evangelism is too often a one-way monologue that seeks decisions rather than disciples. This approach is based on a faulty biblical understanding of evangelism that also violates basic cross-cultural communication principles. This Taiwan study, based on extensive field interviews with recent “converts,” shows that lasting conversions are more likely when evangelism is viewed as a process rather than as a specific action. The more thorough this process, the more permanent the results.