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The Soul-Winning Church: Six Keys to Fostering a Genuine Evangelistic Culture
Discover how your church can be truly excited about evangelism and reach out effectively.Your church's sermons often include a call to evangelize. You've held evangelism training events. You give out invites to your Christmas and Easter services. So… where are all the new Christians? Is your church actually reaching the lost with the gospel?
For many of us, despite having the best intentions our churches struggle to reach out with the gospel effectively. J.A. Medders and Doug Logan, Jr. have decades of experience in leading churches and mentoring pastors, and here they outline six principles for cultivating a genuine evangelistic culture throughout your church.
Includes case studies from a variety of different cultures and contexts to give you practical ideas for implementing these six principles.
There are also free resources available, including a podcast series, that will help church leaders to implement the principles they learn in the book.
Foreword from Paul Tripp.
For many of us, despite having the best intentions our churches struggle to reach out with the gospel effectively. J.A. Medders and Doug Logan, Jr. have decades of experience in leading churches and mentoring pastors, and here they outline six principles for cultivating a genuine evangelistic culture throughout your church.
Includes case studies from a variety of different cultures and contexts to give you practical ideas for implementing these six principles.
There are also free resources available, including a podcast series, that will help church leaders to implement the principles they learn in the book.
Foreword from Paul Tripp.
160 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2024
22 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Medders
8 books60 followersJ.A. Medders is the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Church in Tomball, TX. He and Natalie have two kids, Ivy and Oliver. Jeff digs snobby coffee, books, and he is an uncertified grillmaster.
He blogs at www.jamedders.com and tweets from @mrmedders. Jeff’s first book, Gospel-Formed: Living a Grace-Addicted, Truth-Filled, Jesus-Exalting Life, is set to release this November from Kregel.
He blogs at www.jamedders.com and tweets from @mrmedders. Jeff’s first book, Gospel-Formed: Living a Grace-Addicted, Truth-Filled, Jesus-Exalting Life, is set to release this November from Kregel.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 1, 2025
Concise. Clear. Encouraging.
I think this book accomplished exactly what it meant to. It gives a gust of practical and gospel-centered wind into the sails of the reader to work towards a more evangelistically serious and fruitful church.
Most evangelism books I’ve seen are mostly about personal evangelism, but this book looks more into the church’s evangelistic pulse as a whole; thought it was a really helpful and necessary way to approach the topic.
I think this book accomplished exactly what it meant to. It gives a gust of practical and gospel-centered wind into the sails of the reader to work towards a more evangelistically serious and fruitful church.
Most evangelism books I’ve seen are mostly about personal evangelism, but this book looks more into the church’s evangelistic pulse as a whole; thought it was a really helpful and necessary way to approach the topic.
July 15, 2024
{Thank you to @thegoodbookcompanyusa for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.}
This book was absolutely phenomenal. I’ve already personally recommended The Soul-Winning Church many times since I finished it this week. This is a book you will definitely want a copy of when it releases!
This subject is so important. I’ve read several books on this topic, and this book is my favorite–even by far! Both of the author’s contributions were insightful and impactful. This book is so full of truth and food for thought.
If you are a pastor or a church-planter, a youth minister, or a children’s ministry leader–however you minister, this book is a must-read. However, I think that this book should be a must-read for all Believers! Every Christian is called to share the gospel and to be part of the Body of Christ (the Church.) This book has much for every Believer to consider and put into practice.
I loved this book’s emphasis on prayer.
So, so much goodness. I could write a lot about how great I think this book is, but I’ll just highly recommend it instead so that you can read The Soul-Winning Church yourself and implement what you learn in your local context.
Read this one!
This book was absolutely phenomenal. I’ve already personally recommended The Soul-Winning Church many times since I finished it this week. This is a book you will definitely want a copy of when it releases!
This subject is so important. I’ve read several books on this topic, and this book is my favorite–even by far! Both of the author’s contributions were insightful and impactful. This book is so full of truth and food for thought.
If you are a pastor or a church-planter, a youth minister, or a children’s ministry leader–however you minister, this book is a must-read. However, I think that this book should be a must-read for all Believers! Every Christian is called to share the gospel and to be part of the Body of Christ (the Church.) This book has much for every Believer to consider and put into practice.
I loved this book’s emphasis on prayer.
So, so much goodness. I could write a lot about how great I think this book is, but I’ll just highly recommend it instead so that you can read The Soul-Winning Church yourself and implement what you learn in your local context.
Read this one!
November 6, 2025
This is a book that is largely oriented at church leaders and practitioners; however, there is value for lay Christians to read it as well. Written in a straightforward and clear manner, the authors make a compelling case for why soul-winning is every Christian's responsibility and it's one that begins with knowing and living out the Gospel. Rather than relying on invitations to church or Christian events, evangelism is based on sharing the Good News on a personal level. It's a book that challenges Christians to move away from the attractional model to one where it's natural to be in relationship with non-Christians and to expect non-Christians to attend church given the opportunity.
I appreciate that this book is practical by exhorting church leaders to not make the assumption that all parishioners are saved and to make a culture of evangelism the norm by consistently sharing testimonies and training believers to know how to speak about Jesus. What makes this book stand out are the case studies provided of churches across the United States and the United Kingdom where the ideas are replicable and inspiring. If you have a heart for evangelism and seeing more people won for the kingdom of heaven, The Soul-Winning Church is a helpful resource filled with motivational and doable ways to engage in proclaiming Jesus Christ from the pulpit and the pews.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
I appreciate that this book is practical by exhorting church leaders to not make the assumption that all parishioners are saved and to make a culture of evangelism the norm by consistently sharing testimonies and training believers to know how to speak about Jesus. What makes this book stand out are the case studies provided of churches across the United States and the United Kingdom where the ideas are replicable and inspiring. If you have a heart for evangelism and seeing more people won for the kingdom of heaven, The Soul-Winning Church is a helpful resource filled with motivational and doable ways to engage in proclaiming Jesus Christ from the pulpit and the pews.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
June 27, 2025
This is one of those books I want to reread!
October 4, 2024
Much to think and pray about. Hoping for fruitful conversations with the people I've invited to read this with me!
May 2, 2025
Short and simple, yet hits on the weighty elements that move the dial when it comes to cultivating evangelistic culture in our churches. Especially enjoyed the examples of how churches have sought to live out the 6 elements in their own churches. Great to go through with your elders.
April 3, 2025
This practical guide to the topic emphasizes that, even though the church should “equipping the saints for the work of the ministry” (Eph. 4:12), this should include equipping the church members to fulfill the Great Commission as well (Matt. 28:18-20). Each short chapter focuses on a specific point of the process, represented (as in many sermons) with the same letter – Pray for Conversions , the Posture of an Evangelical Church Preparing for Conversions, Personal Evangelism, Preaching and Teaching for Evangelism, and a Process for New Converts.
Praying is the beginning of the process, identifying and modeling the heart of Jesus, noting that this is not a hopeless task, opportunities for evangelism abound, and this prayer should done earnestly. A culture of prayer should be cultivated in the church. The chapter closes with suggestions on growing the practice of prayer in the congregation.
The Posture chapter speaks of the importance of a holy church through focus on spiritual formation. Citing numerous scriptures to emphasize this issue, members should be gentle, patient, dependent, focusing on eternity in a bold and hospitable manner. Specific suggestions and examples are provided regarding the practice of hospitality as Christ-excited people (p. 62) who are ambitiously seeking God’s glory in the conversion of sinners.
Preparing for Conversions, becoming salt and light, promotes the zealousness of Christ in bringing the Gospel. Two specific dangers are emphasized here. The church should avoid treating showing mercy as an alternative to evangelism, and (what the authors see as the greater issue), ignoring the power of showing mercy to connect with the unsaved. Practical advice is given on developing a God-honoring reputation in the community in five steps (although the authors only numbered four: 1) Cultivate Prayerfulness, 2) Cultivate the People of God, 3) Cultivate a Plan, and 4) Get Going…and Be Patient. The chapter closes with Matthew 5:13-16, Let it shine (I guess this was the fifth step.
The chapter on Personal Evangelism stresses moving beyond a “maintenance” mode to a “missional” mode (p. 84), encouraging the church to avoid making evangelism just another activity in the church. Even as I appreciated the focus on the personal, one on one nature of evangelism in this chapter, I was somewhat taken aback by the phrase (used more than once) to be “telling people Jesus is awesome” (pp. 83, 87, 90, 93). Emphasizing the fact that many people are ready to hear from us (research from Lifeway is presented on p. 93), three barriers to taking action are offered and addressed: fear of rejection, lack of Bible knowledge, and missional laziness. Finally the authors (who seem to have an affinity for alliteration) suggest that developing personal evangelism in the church can be cultivated by modeling, mentioning, and molding individuals for evangelism.
Preaching and teaching focus on the realization that every congregation will include unregenerate individuals, even among those who mistakenly feel they are saved. Six powerful questions are provided on this topic for pastors and teachers: 1) Are we preaching to the non-Christians in the room?, 2) Are we preaching Christ every week?, 3) Are we preaching all of Christ’s person and work?, 4) Do our sermons call for a response?, 5) Are we consider backgrounds and barriers?, and 6) Are we breaching with urgency and authenticity? A final perspective on this practical chapter speaks to the use (or abuse) of breakout sessions to discuss evangelism among pastors and teachers.
The final chapter on the Process for new converts, emphasizes Jesus’ words on making disciples at the end of Matthew 28. Conversion is the beginning of the process. Referencing the book of Hebrews, the authors remind the reader that the church should offer “foundational spiritual milk” to new believers, weaning them to move” on to the “solid food of God” (p. 122). Noting the dangers of the influence of the world and those outside of the faith, emphasis should be paid to building up all members of the faith community with particular focus on new converts. Education and formation, celebration and discipleship should all be addressed in the growth of the church.
The Soul-Winning Church concludes with a graphic depiction of the six steps on page 135, challenging the church to evaluate where it is on each topic. In addition, numerous case studies are offered from diverse locations to demonstrate how individual congregations are addressing the goal of conversions. I found some of these quite informative while others seemed to be less applicable to our church and setting. Six questions are provided from the pastor of a church in Nevada in relation to this topic: 1) Define and defend language and concepts with simplicity and clarity, 2) The sermon must be human, 3) The preacher must be human, 4) Applications determine the extent of actual understanding, 5) Deal with opposition in the sermon, and 6) Set out a specific pathway of response to every sermon. In addition, another pastor of a church in Baltimore, MD suggests 1) Thinking through relevance, 2) Thinking through relatability, and 2) Thinking through radiance (unction).
Two appendices are also included in this rich resource, including A Liturgy for the Lost and Areas to Cover with New Believers.
In conclusion, the Soul-Winning Church has much to offer the church that seeks to honor and practice the Great Commission.
Praying is the beginning of the process, identifying and modeling the heart of Jesus, noting that this is not a hopeless task, opportunities for evangelism abound, and this prayer should done earnestly. A culture of prayer should be cultivated in the church. The chapter closes with suggestions on growing the practice of prayer in the congregation.
The Posture chapter speaks of the importance of a holy church through focus on spiritual formation. Citing numerous scriptures to emphasize this issue, members should be gentle, patient, dependent, focusing on eternity in a bold and hospitable manner. Specific suggestions and examples are provided regarding the practice of hospitality as Christ-excited people (p. 62) who are ambitiously seeking God’s glory in the conversion of sinners.
Preparing for Conversions, becoming salt and light, promotes the zealousness of Christ in bringing the Gospel. Two specific dangers are emphasized here. The church should avoid treating showing mercy as an alternative to evangelism, and (what the authors see as the greater issue), ignoring the power of showing mercy to connect with the unsaved. Practical advice is given on developing a God-honoring reputation in the community in five steps (although the authors only numbered four: 1) Cultivate Prayerfulness, 2) Cultivate the People of God, 3) Cultivate a Plan, and 4) Get Going…and Be Patient. The chapter closes with Matthew 5:13-16, Let it shine (I guess this was the fifth step.
The chapter on Personal Evangelism stresses moving beyond a “maintenance” mode to a “missional” mode (p. 84), encouraging the church to avoid making evangelism just another activity in the church. Even as I appreciated the focus on the personal, one on one nature of evangelism in this chapter, I was somewhat taken aback by the phrase (used more than once) to be “telling people Jesus is awesome” (pp. 83, 87, 90, 93). Emphasizing the fact that many people are ready to hear from us (research from Lifeway is presented on p. 93), three barriers to taking action are offered and addressed: fear of rejection, lack of Bible knowledge, and missional laziness. Finally the authors (who seem to have an affinity for alliteration) suggest that developing personal evangelism in the church can be cultivated by modeling, mentioning, and molding individuals for evangelism.
Preaching and teaching focus on the realization that every congregation will include unregenerate individuals, even among those who mistakenly feel they are saved. Six powerful questions are provided on this topic for pastors and teachers: 1) Are we preaching to the non-Christians in the room?, 2) Are we preaching Christ every week?, 3) Are we preaching all of Christ’s person and work?, 4) Do our sermons call for a response?, 5) Are we consider backgrounds and barriers?, and 6) Are we breaching with urgency and authenticity? A final perspective on this practical chapter speaks to the use (or abuse) of breakout sessions to discuss evangelism among pastors and teachers.
The final chapter on the Process for new converts, emphasizes Jesus’ words on making disciples at the end of Matthew 28. Conversion is the beginning of the process. Referencing the book of Hebrews, the authors remind the reader that the church should offer “foundational spiritual milk” to new believers, weaning them to move” on to the “solid food of God” (p. 122). Noting the dangers of the influence of the world and those outside of the faith, emphasis should be paid to building up all members of the faith community with particular focus on new converts. Education and formation, celebration and discipleship should all be addressed in the growth of the church.
The Soul-Winning Church concludes with a graphic depiction of the six steps on page 135, challenging the church to evaluate where it is on each topic. In addition, numerous case studies are offered from diverse locations to demonstrate how individual congregations are addressing the goal of conversions. I found some of these quite informative while others seemed to be less applicable to our church and setting. Six questions are provided from the pastor of a church in Nevada in relation to this topic: 1) Define and defend language and concepts with simplicity and clarity, 2) The sermon must be human, 3) The preacher must be human, 4) Applications determine the extent of actual understanding, 5) Deal with opposition in the sermon, and 6) Set out a specific pathway of response to every sermon. In addition, another pastor of a church in Baltimore, MD suggests 1) Thinking through relevance, 2) Thinking through relatability, and 2) Thinking through radiance (unction).
Two appendices are also included in this rich resource, including A Liturgy for the Lost and Areas to Cover with New Believers.
In conclusion, the Soul-Winning Church has much to offer the church that seeks to honor and practice the Great Commission.
May 12, 2025
Another book about evangelism in the local church? Yup.
And it’s fine. Is there anything groundbreaking in here? Nope. Anything that you won’t have heard a million times before if you’re in church ministry? Absolutely not.
But what I did really like about it was both its clarity and its brevity. If you want to lead a church that sees people putting their faith in Jesus for the first time then you need to:
- pray for it
- make the consequences of the gospel for the church family clear
- show practical love to your local community
- be engaged in personal evangelism
- preach for conversion
- and be ready for converts
My main takeaways from the book will be the gentle rebuke that we don’t specifically pray for a specific number of people to be saved, and that’s probably because we don’t believe it will really happen. I was also prompted to think about what the reputation is of my church in the local community. Is that a help or a hindrance.
At the very end of the book, there’s a helpful little chart that allows you to rate your church against these six different factors in making your church successful to sharing Jesus meaningfully.
I’ll use this book with my church leaders at some point. In ten years time will I still pick it up? Probably not. But right now, it’s a decent enough book about being an evangelistic church and that’s good enough.
And it’s fine. Is there anything groundbreaking in here? Nope. Anything that you won’t have heard a million times before if you’re in church ministry? Absolutely not.
But what I did really like about it was both its clarity and its brevity. If you want to lead a church that sees people putting their faith in Jesus for the first time then you need to:
- pray for it
- make the consequences of the gospel for the church family clear
- show practical love to your local community
- be engaged in personal evangelism
- preach for conversion
- and be ready for converts
My main takeaways from the book will be the gentle rebuke that we don’t specifically pray for a specific number of people to be saved, and that’s probably because we don’t believe it will really happen. I was also prompted to think about what the reputation is of my church in the local community. Is that a help or a hindrance.
At the very end of the book, there’s a helpful little chart that allows you to rate your church against these six different factors in making your church successful to sharing Jesus meaningfully.
I’ll use this book with my church leaders at some point. In ten years time will I still pick it up? Probably not. But right now, it’s a decent enough book about being an evangelistic church and that’s good enough.
January 19, 2026
★★★★☆
This is the book I recently used to teach on church growth.
I really enjoyed the overall message of the book. A few key highlights stood out to me:
1. Prayer is essential for church growth. Are we actually praying for unbelievers? Are we praying for our community? Do we care enough to bring these things before God?
2. We must view ourselves as missionaries. We are not just here to do our jobs and go home. We are called to share the Good News.
3. Fear of man plays a significant role in why we often fail to reach out to others.
My main critique is the emphasis on preaching primarily to the lost within the church service. At times, it felt like the argument leaned toward holding back deeper teaching for the sake of those who may be less mature, which I found unhelpful.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking seriously about evangelism or church growth.
This is the book I recently used to teach on church growth.
I really enjoyed the overall message of the book. A few key highlights stood out to me:
1. Prayer is essential for church growth. Are we actually praying for unbelievers? Are we praying for our community? Do we care enough to bring these things before God?
2. We must view ourselves as missionaries. We are not just here to do our jobs and go home. We are called to share the Good News.
3. Fear of man plays a significant role in why we often fail to reach out to others.
My main critique is the emphasis on preaching primarily to the lost within the church service. At times, it felt like the argument leaned toward holding back deeper teaching for the sake of those who may be less mature, which I found unhelpful.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking seriously about evangelism or church growth.
April 16, 2025
I would technically give it 3.5 stars. I think the authors really nailed the idea of evangelistic culture and how to grow the church in evangelism through discipleship rather than programs.
My only critique is this: some of the list they provided in some of the chapters are (IMO) ordered incorrectly/ordered backwards. An example is in chapter 3 or 4 they give a list of how to disciple your people to evangelism. One of the last parts of that list is “Christ-excited” the point being make them Christ excited. However I would argue this is the beginning of any evangelistic efforts rather than another part of a large list. This is a short example but I think they could have capitalized on their list by making them sequential rather than linear.
My only critique is this: some of the list they provided in some of the chapters are (IMO) ordered incorrectly/ordered backwards. An example is in chapter 3 or 4 they give a list of how to disciple your people to evangelism. One of the last parts of that list is “Christ-excited” the point being make them Christ excited. However I would argue this is the beginning of any evangelistic efforts rather than another part of a large list. This is a short example but I think they could have capitalized on their list by making them sequential rather than linear.
July 31, 2024
I enjoyed this straightforward, Christ-centered, hope-filled overview of cultivating an evangelistic culture in the local church. It's not exhaustive, but it is a great resource to get conversations started among a church's leaders. I plan to give this to multiple church staff members and leaders to consider and discuss how we can implement aspects where our church is lacking in our evangelistic culture.
June 20, 2025
The soul winning church is a book that took me a while to get into. It contains some important biblical ideas we can easily forget about as churches and poses helpful questions. The last couple of chapters really picked up and prodded and poked.
As usual there is contextualisation to do from the US to the UK. Would be worth elders reading this together and particularly doing the evaluation of their church in the conclusion.
As usual there is contextualisation to do from the US to the UK. Would be worth elders reading this together and particularly doing the evaluation of their church in the conclusion.
October 1, 2024
An incredibly challenging and humbling book that caused me to ask some healthy questions about how and why our church speaks about evangelism. It is clear, yet also concise. It is theological, yet also deeply practical. Would recommend to all pastors and leaders within the church looking to help their church reach the lost with the Gospel.
March 8, 2025
I sat down today to finish this, having sidelined it with busyness. To be honest, I partly read it to get it off my to-do list, and consign it back to the bookshelf and off my desk.
I have now finished the book, and it will not go back on my bookshelf. I intend to keep this on my desk, to be thumbed through and referred to until the spine decays and I need a new copy.
Absolutely excellent.
I have now finished the book, and it will not go back on my bookshelf. I intend to keep this on my desk, to be thumbed through and referred to until the spine decays and I need a new copy.
Absolutely excellent.
August 22, 2024
This book is primarily targeted towards church staff and ministry leaders, with six principles to cultivate a genuine evangelistic culture to reach the lost with the gospel. As an active church member who's involved in several word and evangelistic ministries, I have also found this book a tremendously helpful resource to reflect how I can play a part to make an eternal difference in the lives of those around me. I have been reminded to firstly be prayerful about the lost (by name!) and to examine whether my own holiness marks a difference to outsiders. My husband is one of our church staff and we've used this book to reflect on our own lives, review and consider the aspects we can work on to cultivate a church who's excited about winning the lost. Thank you for such a truthful and practical resource!
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2025
Nothing revolutionary in this book but not bad. Really enjoyed the section on loving your neighbor and city to create a bed for future evangelism. Feels like that’s not something that’s talked about much. Other than that, just a few good points here and there.
October 8, 2024
Very clear, helpful, and accessible. Excited to read this with our team.
November 17, 2024
My man, Jeff, has done it again. Great little book, full of encouraging and practical ways to help your church grow in evangelism.
February 3, 2025
Didn't think much of this... nothing wrong with it exactly, though I'd have some quibbles with their use and interpretation of Scripture. Mostly solid enough, but unexciting.
February 10, 2025
A great start for evangelistic churches
Medders and Logan give us a great start on how to become evangelistic churches. Very practical. Highly recommended. A good work.
Medders and Logan give us a great start on how to become evangelistic churches. Very practical. Highly recommended. A good work.
March 15, 2025
Just an outstandingly helpful book. I thoroughly recommend this for all in church leadership positions and many who are not church leaders.
April 8, 2025
This book would make a good book study for a church ministry team. Biblical theology with clear, practical applications.
November 5, 2025
Worthwhile read, especially for pastors, deacons, or other church servants.
September 5, 2024
A great starting point for church leadership in cultivating an evangelistic culture. Free helpful resources that go with the book on The Good Book Company website.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews