Unlikely Converts: Improbable Stories of Faith and What They Teach Us About Evangelism

by Randy Newman

Rely on the unstoppable power of the gospel, not your own words

Most Christians have people in their lives who they're sure will never come to faith. Whether they're too committed to their sinful ways, too angry at God, or too quick to shut down any mention of the saving grace of Jesus, these long shots don't seem worth approaching.

But some of the most unlikely converts have the strongest faith stories, and they can be a source of incredible encouragement for Christians who are trying to evangelize those around them. Randy Newman knows firsthand the discomfort that comes with sharing the gospel. He's been tongue-tied and timid too. But the truth is, we don't need to sound like the brilliant, charismatic, legendary evangelists.

In this book, Randy shares surprising conversion stories straight from those who took the long way around to Christianity. He considers current cultural trends that make evangelism more difficult today. Then with his characteristic upbeat style, he offers practical ways, and even exact wording, to proclaim the gospel and includes a plan of action.

In the end, Unlikely Converts encourages us to remember that while the Great Commission requires us to share the good news, it does not require perfection, only confidence in the message.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christian Living, Spirituality, Evangelism

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2019

Reviews

[Dianne Danielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many encouraging conversion stories. It helps me to remember that what the Bible offers is truly good news, and God is so creative in how He changes peoples' hearts. Newman uses different adjectives to describe the way that people come to faith in Jesus, and he shares so many diverse stories. A great book that will embolden your witness.

[Alex Etheridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Unlikely Converts" was practical, insightful, and had a lot of good examples of engaging our current, very secular culture. It was uncompromising in proclaiming Jesus, but also really freeing in trusting God with the more than likely gradual process of evangelism.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those wanting to grow in evangelism and specifically in the context of campus ministry I recommend this book. Newman separates the book in two helpful halves: 1. How people come to faith and 2. How Christians can proclaim good news. Oftentimes, evangelism can be 1-dimensional resulting in frustration for both the hearer and proclaimer. However testimonies come in all different shapes and sizes, as does the way the gospel is shared. This book will reaffirm many principles Christians are familiar with and challenge assumptions we have about how God changes hearts.

[Kymari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a while to get through but really practical application. Knowledgeable without being too wordy.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never has a book challenged my preconceived notions about evangelism so much. Randy Newman speaks from an unprecedented wealth of experience when it comes to sharing the gospel with others, and his stories are nothing short of addicting. It’s an absolute delight to hear all the ways that God can work, and these stories have expanded my faith when it comes to what he can and will do with my feeble efforts and prayers.

Docked only one star because the pace slows a good deal towards the end of the book, and I struggled to finish it. I genuinely think it’s just because there aren’t as many stories at the end, but there’s incredibly valuable content all the way through.

[Frank Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book, which is filled with real stories and honest reflections from the author. Having had the privilege to converse with the author over a weekend, it was lovely to see his engaging personality reflected in his writing. I especially appreciated the undercurrent of humour throughout the book, such as when he tells us that he has filed a book on evangelism under fiction, since that book suggests that one do evangelism without fear. Thus, the chapter – Fearfully, was my favourite in the book.

[Antonio Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written and makes you feel like evangelism is easy and non threatening.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

So encouraging!!!

[Amy Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly inspiring. Full of encouraging testimonies and a faithful way to integrate our faith with our caring conversations. I love the emphasis on listening.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very encouraging.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book. The personal testimonies are engaging and Randy Newman offers very practical steps for talking about the Gospel. Must read.

[Bryan Edenfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful and very encouraging!

[Joe Schweitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Brandon Siwula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical read!

[Anna-grace Juskalian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Encouraging examples of faith and initiating with others.