Joseph Attoh 
Generally, follow-up is an action taken after an earlier event, conversation, meeting, treatment, or request to check on progress, get updates, or ensure something has been completed. In Christendom, it is the feedback tool for soul winners that creates an avenue for further discussion about the status of the soul who has received the word of God. Follow-up helps build a strong relationship with the person who received the message. It is embedded in the Great Commission, yet we have omitted it and focused only on the soul‑winning aspect of the Great Commission (in other words, the preaching of the gospel).
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18–20, NLT)
Jesus’ instructions were for us to make disciples, not limited to soul winning alone. We must understand that without follow‑up, our evangelistic effort is not completed. Many of the people we preach to will attend church if we follow them to their homes, workplaces, schools, etc. Churches record low turnout because we usually do not follow‑up with new converts. We mostly invite new converts to church for fellowship, but we fail to visit them repeatedly to show how serious we are and to demonstrate the love of Christ.
Sometimes I become very alarmed when huge numbers of souls won are reported in our churches. I strongly believe some of these people have been won multiple times but never joined any church because no one accompanied them or ensured they remained in the church. Once they respond to the altar call, they are counted and reported without ascertaining their status or spiritual state. I am not saying we should discontinue our normal way of recording souls won, but my point is that some souls are being won repeatedly because of ineffective follow‑up. It is possible that the total number of “souls won” reported by a church, district, or denomination over a period may exceed current membership because of this weakness.
Most churches have strong financial, prayer, Bible study, music, outreach, youth, and children’s teams, but lack—or have very weak—follow‑up teams. It is even difficult for some churches to follow‑up on those who walk into the church on their first visit.
The early church took follow‑up seriously; it was part of the reason the early church began to grow and multiply. Consider these scripture passages as reference:
“Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24–25, NLT)
“After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned again to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.” (Acts 14:21–22, NLT)
“After some time Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us return to every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how the disciples are doing.’ So they traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia to strengthen the churches there.” (Acts 15:36, 41, NLT)
These scriptures point to the need to fellowship together as believers and show how the early church was particular about returning to new converts to encourage them. Follow‑up is not intended only for those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and personal Savior; it is a way of showing love and affection to all, including those who rejected the gospel. I know of instances where people accepted Jesus Christ because the person who won them for the Lord persisted in reaching out to them.
THE IMPACTS OF FOLLOW‑UP IN EVANGELISM
1. Reaffirmation of the gospel: Follow‑up creates an opportunity for the soul winner to restate the gospel and for the convert to ask questions about the new faith. It is possible the convert did not fully understand the gospel at the point of accepting Christ. Follow‑up helps both parties be certain about the convert’s state and decide the next steps.
2. Water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism: Depending on the outcome of the first point, the soul winner can explain water baptism and its significance, whether the convert has been baptized or not. Many people receive water baptism without understanding its meaning. This discussion should not be limited to new‑convert classes, since some converts may miss parts of the teaching. Follow‑up also creates the opportunity to explain Holy Spirit baptism, a frequently misunderstood phenomenon.
3. Discipleship: The scriptures (Acts 14:21–22; 15:36, 41) show believers were strengthened and encouraged. Discipleship is the intentional, methodical grooming of an individual into the likeness of Christ. Follow‑up helps nurture new believers who cannot yet attend church regularly.
4. Leadership development: Follow‑up identifies and develops leadership qualities. That is why some people rise quickly to leadership positions even though they have not been in the church for long. Follow‑up allows for quality time with the new convert, which is an excellent platform to build the person with kingdom values and principles. Some people do well as leaders when nurtured in their own environment; follow‑up helps them grow until they can be assigned responsibilities outside that environment. “You have heard me teach many things… Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
5. Avenue for meeting social needs: Follow‑up opens the door to the convert’s heart; they become willing to share their struggles with the expectation of help because the soul winner has shown Christ’s love. The soul winner then becomes aware of the convert’s situation and can make provision for that. I remember a new convert saying, “Ɔdɔ wɔ mu ampa” — meaning “indeed there is love in it” — when we followed up at his house (Elder Noah Osei).
IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE ABOUT FOLLOW‑UP
1. The first follow‑up should occur within 48 hours and should continue until the convert’s position is determined and their status is established.
2. Identify close relatives of the convert so the love of Christ can be extended to them and they can be contacted when needed.
3. Make efforts to facilitate water baptism and church attendance for the convert.
4. Identify the convert’s needs (material, emotional, spiritual) and make appropriate interventions.
5. Exercise care to avoid causing offence.
Written by Elder Frank Nkrumah Mafri (Asenemaso District)
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