Evangelism is difficult. Face it; most people just aren't interested in hearing about Jesus. They are quite satisfied with their lives, quite content with their beliefs, and see no need to change. So how can you get them interested in the gospel? In this readable and accessible book, evangelist Nick Pollard shows how to break through the barrier of disinterest. He shows why Jesus can and should make a difference for the people you know. And he shows how you can interest them in learning more about Jesus. Along the way, Pollard examines why people think the way they do and provides help for better understanding and challenging non-Christian worldviews. He also answers sketpics' tough questions, offers practical methods for explaining the gospel, and gives suggestions for leading others in their first steps to faith in Christ. Evangelism may never be easy. But Nick Pollard's imaginative approach, infectious enthusiasm and field-tested advice will make it slightly less difficult.
While I definitely benefited from reading this book, it also seems a bit out of date now. Don't hear me wrong, many of the principles will never be out of date, but rather these principles seem to be more prevalent in society today than perhaps they were in the 90s. To that end, more nuanced explanations would help connect the dots in an age where both rationality and irrationality are embraced.
Nevertheless, it was a quick read and I'd suggest it to others interested in sharpening their minds and being equipped for reason-based dialogues.
The Key work in the Book: positive deconstruction. We all have a particular worldview that we stem from. Therefore, the author proposes that one could reach others by understanding their root philosophy by using a three-point strategy: stating the root worldview, analysing and searching for its positive aspects, and pointing out its errors. A reminder that Christians have a call to invite others to christ. However, this call is not to be acted out forcefully.
clear, fresh approach offers much to those trained in "witnessing" or evangelism before year 2000, and very great help for engaging with people on meaningful level on meaningful issues - solid foundation of orthodox Christian theology and bible-based reasoning for evidential apologetics
Nick's novel made me climb through an air vent of my local pharmacy and steal all the xanax. Then I ended up masturbating in front of my church in a blackout holding his book. I think this book should be banned. Thank you.
A great beginners book on Evangelism in a non-formulaic way. Pollard has introduced a few concepts on how to reach people for Christ in a way I hadn't thought of before.
Great book, if you are looking to refresh your mind on evangelism or be countercultural for the gospel this book will propel you to share Jesus in a world that wants nothing to do with Him.
Enjoying this - its easy to read, doesn't give formulas or pat presentations. It's more about understanding the gospel, understanding people, and letting God guide you.
I'm reading it because a friend who also works at DU recommended it as helpful for thinking through simple ways to talk about Jesus to people at work who view/call themselves as 'social contructionists' (i.e. there is no TRUTH - it's all just what people take as 'accepted truth').
It points out that: - evangelism isn't about hitting people over the head with God nor about getting the facts across in one conversation - more often its about helping people think through what they believe and - helping people question their own understanding of the world (Often it takes people a long time before they are any near ready to talk directly about God or Jesus and that's OK becasue God is patient and kind and so should we be) - being willing as a Christian to question what I believe as well however uncomfortable that may make me at times.
It's also been very helpful for me in thinking through more of life in the Spirit. It's not about that though its implicit. (People have given me strange looks when, in coversation, I've said I've it useful for this purpose - as in 'How did you get that from that????' But then, making connections others can't readily see is what I do for a living, so i can live with being strange).
The author has showed examples to ordinary Christians of how to talk about faith in Christ today, in public to non- Christians. I know how touch it's to Christians to face with difficult questions from friends, family and the people around you. This is written in perspective showed from our own culture today. What did make an impact in this book when I read it, was how easily we accept the faith in our society to say that anything is legal, even if the lie and the truth counteracts each other. He also writes about how faith and science is not so far away from each other. It's good to read this book, if you're struggling with questions.