The Attraction of Discipleship

Dallas Willard isn't the only one who I hear suggesting that the emphasis in evangelism ought not be the making of converts, but rather the making of disciples. Although I think that this trend in thinking is more consistent with scripture, I wonder in what ways this idea of following Christ might appeal to a non-believer.

In one sense, the obvious cultural attitude that rejects any sort of constraint on one's human desires, seems to be at odds with Jesus' call to take up one's cross. Yet I can see how the simplicity of following a person may be highly attactive to some individuals. In a society in which evangelicals seem to be more and more identified by their political persuasions than their Christ-like lifestyles, perhaps this trend in thought shows promise of our needed shift of identity. Becoming a disciple of a man who blessed his enemies, and walked the second mile might be more appealing and more consistent with scripture.