Invitation to Evangelism: Sharing the Gospel with Compassion and Conviction

by Timothy K Beougher

Essential guidance for a lifestyle of sharing God’s good news with a lost world.

What exactly does it mean to “evangelize” in a Christian sense? And how is such “evangelizing” supposed to be done? Longtime pastor, evangelist, and professor of evangelism Timothy K. Beougher answers these questions and more from theological, historical, and practical perspectives. Beougher demonstrates God’s goodness in evangelism through relatable anecdotes, Bible teaching, and encouraging instruction. Invitation to Evangelism welcomes believers into the experience of stepping out in faith of behalf of people God loves.

Most Christians know that they should be sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with nonbelievers, and most also know they aren’t witnessing very well, or even at all. They need help internalizing the content of gospel proclamation and identifying the best way to go about making evangelism a natural part of their lives. Introduction to Evangelism guides readers through the essential issues of the gospel message, evangelism methods, and witnessing models so they are ready and excited to move out in faith as everyday evangelists.

Beougher’s biblical, theological, historical, and practical teaching revolves around following essential aspects of being an

Genres: Evangelism, Christian, Theology, Christian Living

432 pages, Hardcover

Published August 24, 2021

Reviews

[Will Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book fails to give Christians a biblical foundation upon which to build their understanding and practices of personal evangelism. Too often Beougher assumes whatever point he is trying to prove, leaving the reader with statements akin to, "This is true because it is true." Eisegesis in this book is legion, hence it very much seems that the author's personal theology of evangelism affects how he interprets his Bible, not that the Bible informs his theology of personal evangelism. This book stands as a microcosm of 1950s-2000s evangelism fads and trends and biblical interpretations. A mere 3 years after its publication, much of its content is already quite dated, reflecting the fact that most Christians do not live in the culturally Christian world that Beougher still finds himself in.

A theologically grounded, mature Christian evangelist may find some practical use in this book. A Christian looking to build their understanding of evangelism upon a biblical foundation should find some other work.

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, well-structured, but nothing extraordinary. I definitely benefited from some chapters more than others. Certainly a good introduction to evangelism, but for those more versed in the subject I would not necessarily recommend reading the entire book.

[Ethan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very accessible book with clear explanations, helpful anecdotes, and practical suggestions for why and how Christians should share the gospel.

[Chase Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for Dr. Beougher’s evangelism class. This book not just covers the sharing of the gospel, but also many helpful tips related to discipleship and the church. The benefit of this book is that if you read this book then you get to here much of what Dr. Beoughers says in class. Making it a timeless piece that I can continually come back to if I want to remember something from the class. Dr. Beougher has a heart for evangelism and it is very evident through the writing of this book. Can’t give it anything less than 5 stars or else he’ll find me and fail me 🤣

[Holland Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I’ll admit it, the cover does look very boring. But this book is simply phenomenal. There were so many convictions that I have garnered after reading this. I am determined to make sharing the Gospel a more active part of my life. I will definitely be using this book as a resource for teaching others how to best and why we must evangelize.

“It is as if Jesus is challenging his listeners to put everything in the world on one side of a balance scale and put a human soul on the other side. The weight of that soul would throw all the items on the other side up in the air as if they were lighter than feathers.” (Mark 8:36)

[Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the author’s structure and it had some helpful tips for when you encounter different obstacles when sharing the gospel.

This is a good introduction to evangelism.

[Kenneth G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully practical, clear, and encouraging. Would recommend to anyone interested in growing in their evangelism.

[Mark E. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5.
Not perfect by any means but this is the most helpful book on evangelism I’ve read

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Super practical, biblically based, and so convicting. A must read for every Christian, but especially for Christians wanting to learn more about what Evangelism is, how to practically share the gospel with people, or even how to deal with challenges when sharing the gospel.

[Chris Guest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on evangelism!
The book has 3 parts:
1. Preparing for Evangelism
2. Practicing Evangelism
3: Preserving Evangelism

[Peyton Mansfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great overview of evangelism that genuinely made evangelism feel more doable for me.

The book covers everyrhing from definitions, to history, to methods, to special groups, and even other resources — all in individual and church settings. My favorite parts were the personal stories where God just made evangelism work, because I am naturally skeptical of my abilities and opportunities. And while not every attempt will be successful, I feel more inclined to make the most of the moment in faith that something can happen.

My only critique of the book is that is could have been 50 pages shorter. The book didn't feel too long, it wasn't a drag, but he definitely repeated some points more than necessary. Most notably, while prayer is core for ministry, it felt like every other chapter had a subheading on prayer, and they all said the same thing. But ultimately, this is a small critique.

I liked this book.

[Ben Emberley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of good advice including tips about specific methods of evangelism. Often the same key principles (e.g., the necessity of prayer) are applied to many different scenarios/methods, causing the book to get a little long and repetitive for a single readthrough. However, I think as a reference for help on specific topics (like witnessing to family members or the use of tracts) this book is useful. Has some good content for discussion groups to take the principles and advice and seek to apply them.

[Jake Auton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book! Beougher presents a great case for evangelism and provides some of the best practical advice I have ever encountered. At times, this work served as an argument on behalf of evangelism, but it was mainly one of the more books I have ever read. Beougher made the process seem so simple and possible when it has felt impossible at times. The organization and writing were easy to follow and understand. This is one of my favorite books from my two seminary semesters.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to make of this book when I started it, but it took me by surprise again and again. Beougher covers the essentials of evangelism and carries that through to discipleship and spiritual growth/maturity seamlessly. Elements of this book both motivated and convicted me in equal measure.

[Pig Rieke · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Invitation to Evangelism, Tim Beougher provides a manual for evangelism that covers everything from a theology of the subject to practical tools for conversation. The book is full of edifying examples and sage wisdom. While the work is not groundbreaking, it is edifying and instructive for any Christian looking to grow in their motivation to evangelize and ability to proclaim Christ.

[James Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on evangelism. if you are looking for good anecdotes and stories, this is the best book for them. I really enjoyed the stories and illustrations. I found them encouraging and convicting. As a pastor, I plan to use some of them in preaching.

I actually believe the end section dealing with discipleship is some of the strongest sections in the book.

[Mara Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful for growing your understanding of what evangelism is, having a vision for believers should practice it, and practically what it looks like. Lots of biblical references and examples for evangelism and disciples, as well as historically what evangelism has looked like (for better or worse). Nothing super groundbreaking but helpful and concise none the less!

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and wholistic discussion on evangelism for Evangelical Christians. Lots of good advice and examines the topic from many angles with many practical examples of ways to practice evangelism well, with clarity, persistence and compassion.

[Benjamin Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. Not much to write home about.

[Chase Bartlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright, very simplistic and straight to the point. Would be a good book for someone that does not know about evangelism.

[Lauren Paffenroth · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone, read this.

[Dyllan Avery-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book.

[Charlie Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not super deep, but helpful theologically and more so practically in evangelism.

[Esther Wermer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay book, but it was too repetitive, and the author includes some stories that unchariblely depict people at their worst.

[Caroline McGill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Academic, but helpful and approachable nuts and bolts overview of evangelism.

[Clinton Crumley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some helpful tips in evangelism, it also felt like this book should have been written for the 80’s. There was some practical tips that just don’t seem doable in 2023.

[Rebecca Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4.5 stars]

[Justis Richards]

Read for class

[Blaine Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatest book I have read on the topic of evangelism.

[ECORN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good, helpful ideas in this book. The first half especially. Although, many of the evangelistic methods seemed to be geared toward a specific demographic and personality type of evangelist.