Beyond the Altar Call: Discipling as an Evangelist

You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain…  John 15:16 (NASB)

“So, what’s next?”  It is a question I often ask myself as I descend from pulpits across the country.  As an evangelist, I’ve been privileged to share the gospel in many settings, both inside church walls and beyond where I’ve witnessed the transforming power of God’s Word. However, one question continues to guide my calling: Once a life has been changed, what responsibility am I to contribute in nurturing their spiritual growth?

Too often, evangelists are seen only as bold proclaimers of the gospel, declaring the good news and calling people to faith in Christ. But Scripture reveals a deeper responsibility–evangelists are also called to make disciples. My desire is not to be remembered as someone who “blows in and blows out,” leaving confusion for pastors to fix. I am called to partner with the church and its leaders. Ephesians 4:11–12 reminds us that evangelists, along with apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers, are given “for the equipping of the saints… for the building up of the body of Christ.”

The altar is not the finish line; it’s the starting point. My mission does not end when someone responds to the call of salvation; it continues with discipleship. This means walking alongside new believers as they grow in Christ, encouraging, mentoring, and teaching them. As they mature, they begin to multiply their faith by investing in others.

Even after the service ends and I’ve returned home, my responsibility does not end. It’s important that they know I still care beyond the altar call. At times, this may mean following up with a phone call, answering their questions, or praying with someone until they gain the confidence to pray on their own.

Jesus said in John 15:8, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” True fruit is not short-lived; it is cultivated through lifelong discipleship. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) makes it clear: evangelists are not only called to preach the gospel, but to help raise up faithful followers of Jesus Christ.  The goal is not just decisions, but disciples.

Janice A. Hill is an Ordained Minister in the Church of God, an itinerant evangelist, and a renowned gospel recording artist of three projects to her credit. Her third project, My Best Praise, is soon to be released. She holds a Master of Arts in Church Ministries from Pentecostal Theological Seminary (PTS), and is deeply committed to proclaiming the gospel through both preaching and song.

Janice ministers passionately with her husband, Dr. Kenneth L. Hill, who serves as Director of African Descent Ministries and Education and Director of the Center for African Descent Studies (CADS) at the Church of God International Offices. They reside in Cleveland, TN, and are the proud parents of two amazing children and six delightful grandchildren.