The Flywheel in Disciplemaking is Evangelism
But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 ESV
The purpose of a flywheel is to store kinetic energy and release it to smooth out power delivery. In a disciplemaking ministry the flywheel is evangelism – taking the gospel to the lost. Seeing people come to faith in Christ creates great momentum in the rest of the disciplemaking process and attracts those who are practitioners rather than philosophers.
In personal discipling, focus early with those you help on developing a heart for the lost, praying for the lost, becoming skilled in sharing their salvation story, and in sharing the gospel. This is especially true if you are beginning to disciple someone who has a Christian background. Focusing on evangelism will quickly separate those who want fellowship with other believers but are not interested in laboring in the harvest.
An emphasis on reaching the lost will help set a tone for others who are attracted. They quickly see that foundational to being a disciple is engaging with lost people and helping them move towards a relationship with Christ. Thus, they begin to get a rudimentary understanding of discipleship and that it is more than just a relationship with Jesus. It is missional, because God is missional by nature, and it involves helping people know Christ and make Him known.
Recognize that our adversary will actively oppose any initiative towards the lost. You are a threat to his kingdom. If he can prevent you from coming to faith, he will diligently work to stop you from sharing it with the lost. Don’t be surprised when you face difficulties in evangelism. Expect it. And do the work of an evangelist to create the flywheel momentum of evangelism in your life and in the lives of those you disciple.
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 