Transforming Evangelism

by David Gortner, James Lemler (Series Editor)

An exploration of the Christian mission of Evangelism in the context of the Episcopal faith. At once “travel guide” and vision for the future, the Transformation series is good news for the Episcopal Church at a time of fast and furious demographic and social change. Series contributors - recognized experts in their fields - analyze our present plight, point to the seeds of change already at work transforming the church, and outline a positive new way forward. What kinds of churches are most ready for transformation? What are the essential tools? What will give us strength, direction, and purpose to the journey? Each volume of the series How can Episcopalians reclaim evangelism primarily as an enriching spiritual practice? How soon will we recognize that our traditional hands-off approach has led to a crisis of evangelism with our own children? How can we learn to practice evangelism in an multicultural and multifaith society ? and to what purpose? What styles and practices of spirituality do most to enrich our sense of evangelical calling? These are some of the questions David Gortner asks in this book on evangelism for clergy and congregational discussion. He delivers both good and bad news about Episcopalians and evangelism, and provides models and spiritual practices to feed the growing hunger in our churches for good news.

Genres: Evangelism

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[A.L. Stumo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the very best books in this series. This book challenges the reader appropriately, it makes you question how your parish works and how you work as a Christian while giving you info on how to do better.

Gortner writes well and is very persuasive.

[Jason Gaboury · Rating 2 out of 5]

A meaningful book for Episcopalians who are interested in reclaiming evangelism as spiritual practice. Its glaring weakness is a lack of theological content in the evangel itself. It succeeds at reclaiming the practice of evangelism as a viable and plausible practice while failing to assert a theological or missiological basis solid enough to sustain it.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Gortner frames evangelism as "a natural expression of gratitude for God's goodness" that is a spiritual practice, which he places alongside prayer, study, and acts of compassion. The book is both practical and inspiring, offering a fresh way for Christians to be the Body of Christ in our communities.

As he writes near the end of Transforming Evangelism, "Evangelism is every Christian's response to God. It does not require verbal gymnastics, flawless theological knowledge, great acts of philanthropy, or seamless strategies for incorporating new members. It requires you to listen to others, attentive to signs of God's presence."

[Jaci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Required reading. Mainline churches today are losing members. Gortner sees evangelism in the 21st century as a return to pilgrimage/journey on a personal level.