Evangelism for Non-Evangelists: Sharing the Gospel Authentically

by Mark R. Teasdale

Evangelism . The very word makes palms sweat and images spin: buttonholing in a city park, knocking on neighborhood doors, being conscripted into evangelistic campaigns, to say nothing of that annoying religious neighbor or coworker. We have met the evangelists―and they are not us. If evangelism is the welcome door to faith, why does it grate open on rusting hinges? Mark Teasdale has met these challenges and more. They come in the shape of students in his evangelism class. In Evangelism for Non-Evangelists he sympathizes with the perceptions and discomfort we bring to evangelism. But he also opens up a nonthreatening space for us to weigh what we believe the evangel of evangelism―the good news!―to be. And he helps us navigate our way toward expressing the gospel in a manner true to what we believe, authentic to who we are, and attractive and even compelling to others. For pastors, seminarians, church leaders, and lay people, here is a refreshing, practical, and companionable look at evangelism. It might even chart a course toward your own authentic evangelism.

Genres: Theology, Evangelism, Nonfiction, Religion

150 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2016

Reviews

[Clayton Keenon · Rating 2 out of 5]

His desire to avoid committing to a specific theological vision kept the most of the book very high on the ladder of abstraction. You can't talk in any practical detail about how to really share your faith if you don't want to talk about specifics of what you believe.

The title suggested that this would offer practical help people who don't like/aren't good at talking about what their faith with others. Instead it was a more theoretical framework for how different Christian groups (whether conservative or liberal or otherwise) could recognize that lots of things they do could be called "evangelism." It was not very helpful, especially if you have convictions that evangelism must include a verbal proclamation of Jesus' death and resurrection for salvation. It could have been titled "Ecumenism for Non-Evangelists" or "Talking about Evangelism for Non-Evangelicals."

[Jane Burkett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a good framework for thinking about evangelism holistically. It also provides a process for developing the skills to become an evangelist, but I wish it had concrete examples of how someone might answer some of the questions. Since it's short and written at a lay level, this book could serve as the basis of a small group study. There are study questions available on the internet, as well as a free webinar by the author.

[Erin Grasse · Rating 1 out of 5]

The amount of Christian supersessionism crammed into this book is nauseating. I do not recommend it if you're looking for a critique of evangelism, and/or do not share its more traditional/orthodox theological premises.

[Casey Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid theological tool for telling on Christian evangelism. If you're looking for the quick and easy program to grow your church, look elsewhere. If you're looking for tools to think theologically, but practically, about Christian evangelism, this is your book.

[Michelle Bruin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical advice on how to deepen and strengthen outreach ministries.

[Brent Johnson]

I enjoyed the book, and was challenged to broaden my definition of evangelism and what is possible in the field. however, it is a book by an academic, for academics (thus the IVP Academic imprint) and for some reason many of these writers need to include a postscript or section on "what they did not learn at seminary", and what they wish they were taught. They are academics, working in the academy so go ahead and put their dreams for seminary education in effect. Don't moan about it in a postscript.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for people who really want to talk about their faith but don't even know where to start! Easy to read, easy to understand, it would be fabulous for a book group discussion/action plan. I'm hoping to get a book group going in my own church soon!