What do you think?
Rate this book
Unbinding the Gospel
The book that inspired the series, Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism, is a book for church leaders who want to know the truth about the state of evangelism. Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism is a book for church groups to study. It's a book for pastors who want the truth about the state of our churches. Reese presents a clear-spoken, hopeful vision for a future and gives us a way to get there-without gimmicky formulas, but hand-in-hand with God. Readers describe Unbinding the Gospel as "a powerpack," "witty," "realistic and hopeful," "humble and genuinely spiritual," "It's so fun and easy to read, but I've been thinking about these ideas all week!" Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism is based on a four-year research project on superb evangelism. Martha Grace Reese, author, pastor, and lawyer, interviewed more than 1,000 people in some of the most successful evangelistic congregations in the country.
210 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
11 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 26, 2014
Book summary: It's all about prayer.
August 23, 2007
Unbinding the Gospel is a very useful book in a field overfull with relatively theoretical books. It is fact filled, starting with a base in a solid survey of growing churches. But it gets to real issues of parish ministry and outreach. The survey asked the right questions about how to engineer any kind of growth in a more main-line culture and theology, in which, specifically, it is NOT asumed that eternal damnation is at stake.
Ms. Reese and her associates designed a telling survey. They discovered that only a small percentage of churches "so conceived and so dedicated" have experienced significant growth. That is the bad news. But then they delved into the culture, leadership, spirituality and experience of those churches. Very good news here!
Conclusions? The book is designed primarily to be read with a group in a parish. The conclusions reached are best implemented in small goups. Simply stated, the growth of these more open churches was related in each case to a sincere spirituality. The experience of God is paramount, and crosses theological and cultural boundaries. While it may be too simplistic to say that where there is real prayer, churches will grow, it is a clear conclusion that where there is no prayer -- where there is no experience of a living God, churches will wither. And virtually each of the interviewed leaders, while diverse in ministry style and tradition, rooted their ministires in prayer and spirituality.
These are stories of churches doing the possible: of committing to six months of prayer before launching any outreach program, of reaching out to a small rural and demographically static community, of actually growing a congregation!
Very encouraging and helpful work.
Ms. Reese and her associates designed a telling survey. They discovered that only a small percentage of churches "so conceived and so dedicated" have experienced significant growth. That is the bad news. But then they delved into the culture, leadership, spirituality and experience of those churches. Very good news here!
Conclusions? The book is designed primarily to be read with a group in a parish. The conclusions reached are best implemented in small goups. Simply stated, the growth of these more open churches was related in each case to a sincere spirituality. The experience of God is paramount, and crosses theological and cultural boundaries. While it may be too simplistic to say that where there is real prayer, churches will grow, it is a clear conclusion that where there is no prayer -- where there is no experience of a living God, churches will wither. And virtually each of the interviewed leaders, while diverse in ministry style and tradition, rooted their ministires in prayer and spirituality.
These are stories of churches doing the possible: of committing to six months of prayer before launching any outreach program, of reaching out to a small rural and demographically static community, of actually growing a congregation!
Very encouraging and helpful work.
September 7, 2016
I found the focus on prayer as the foundation for evangelism to be essential. I not only read the book but also led a small group of church leaders through the book. They are now leading groups of others.
June 8, 2025
Ok, now I know why I should evangelize, and I even know how, but I’m still skittish about it. (Sorry, God.) Give it a shot, though; it might help you more than it did me.
May 3, 2019
Based on a four-year study of hundreds of mainline Christian congregations, including 1,200 interviews with pastors, longtime members, and new Christians, Unbinding the Gospel reports they conclusively found “no rigid formula for success, no quick fix, no silver bullet.” Martha Grace Reese reports, “Our most important discovery is that a vivid relationship with God lies at the heart of real evangelism. People who share their faith love God and believe other people’s lives would be better if they were in a relationship with God too.”
The book grounds itself in the why of evangelism before getting near any means and methods. Then she moves into the stats including signs of hope which are then embodied in three stories of very different congregations doing this work well. Next she shares the research on what newcomers long for. Spoiler alert: transformed lives. This is also what the people already in church wish they had, if they have yet to experience it.
Finally, she moves into assessing how your church is already doing and how to approach making changes. Included are steps for pastors, lay persons in the congregation, and denominational leadership. The book finishes with a 40-day pattern for prayer, which can be done alone, but is best done with a prayer partner with check ins with a group.
Along the way, Reese gets real about how we don’t tend to really share what’s going in our lives with people we go to church with. She asks us to consider not if we could share with them, but if we do. Asked to share what a great church is like, she says they can be totally different from each other and all be great, then adds, “One thing is certain, though” people know it when they see it. Visitors can feel it when they step across the threshold.” One marker that is common is, “What happens in church does not stay in church.”
There is much more to this wise book, but you will do better to discover it for yourself. What I know as one who has started a church from scratch is that what she is describing is real. It is difficult. It is possible. This book does better than most at pointing the way for mainline churches.
The book grounds itself in the why of evangelism before getting near any means and methods. Then she moves into the stats including signs of hope which are then embodied in three stories of very different congregations doing this work well. Next she shares the research on what newcomers long for. Spoiler alert: transformed lives. This is also what the people already in church wish they had, if they have yet to experience it.
Finally, she moves into assessing how your church is already doing and how to approach making changes. Included are steps for pastors, lay persons in the congregation, and denominational leadership. The book finishes with a 40-day pattern for prayer, which can be done alone, but is best done with a prayer partner with check ins with a group.
Along the way, Reese gets real about how we don’t tend to really share what’s going in our lives with people we go to church with. She asks us to consider not if we could share with them, but if we do. Asked to share what a great church is like, she says they can be totally different from each other and all be great, then adds, “One thing is certain, though” people know it when they see it. Visitors can feel it when they step across the threshold.” One marker that is common is, “What happens in church does not stay in church.”
There is much more to this wise book, but you will do better to discover it for yourself. What I know as one who has started a church from scratch is that what she is describing is real. It is difficult. It is possible. This book does better than most at pointing the way for mainline churches.
April 3, 2018
Would you want to pick up a book that someone has remarked about it like this, “Our church LOVES this book--we can do evangelism if this is what it is”? Reese wants you to learn about evangelism, aka. Faith Sharing. Part one teaches about why evangelize and how the Church is doing. Part two shows examples from churches successful in evangelism for you to analyze what can be possible for you. Part three helps you to move toward those possibilities and what God has in mind for you and your church. Part four is a 40-day prayer journal hopefully you can share with your Unbinding the Gospel prayer group on a weekly basis. Don’t miss how to break the curse right away in chapter one!
January 29, 2021
Unbind the Gospel is an excellent book that explains the why and how of evangelism. It describes a process that leads to a culture of evangelism. It is very focused on building a culture of prayer in the church, which is likely why it has been successful in so many churches. It should probably be required reading, studying, and implenting in every church.
June 12, 2019
I read this as part of a class at church. It was typical of church literature for mass consumption and not particularly interesting. The best part of the reading was the class discussion.
June 5, 2020
Particularly impressed with Chapter 4 which provides examples of the power of prayer. Looking forward to the prayer journey included with the book.
July 27, 2012
Read this book for a class in seminary. I agree with the positive ratings given by others. Reese's writing reflects scholarship, practice and an understanding of the Christian spiritual life and traditions. If you're looking for "10 steps to revitalize your church", or "how to win your town to Jesus in 30 days," this isn't your book. This book is aimed at transforming a congregation to understanding that evangelism is not one program among several. Instead Reese seeks to help the church understand that evangelism is the very heart of God and therefore undergirds and permeates all that the church is and does.
Most of the feedback I've heard from fellow pastors who have implemented the series has been really positive. I'm prayerfully considering implementing the full series in the congregation I currently serve which is a several month long process involving the books Unbinding Your Heart and Unbinding Your Church in addition to this book. If we do use the series, I'll write more.
Most of the feedback I've heard from fellow pastors who have implemented the series has been really positive. I'm prayerfully considering implementing the full series in the congregation I currently serve which is a several month long process involving the books Unbinding Your Heart and Unbinding Your Church in addition to this book. If we do use the series, I'll write more.
February 8, 2018
I read this book as part of an Evangelism initiative at my wife's church. Designed for group reading and discussion, I found it moderately challenging on its own, but fairly engaging when brought back to discuss with others.
There are some excellent points to be investigated, and the opportunity to hear others' opinions adds layers a simple read cannot. The authors bring forth examples which can be examined by most any denomination or biblical view. It has a distinct Christian perspective, but with some minor reworking, examples and insights can be packaged for pretty much any faith.
The initial stories and examples, should you read the book on your own, may be somewhat simplistic and shallow, but taking them to the next level with others makes the book much more applicable and alive.
I strongly suggest this book for reading in a group through your faith community. Discussing these concepts, using this book or another in a group setting, is a great gift to those with whom you journey.
There are some excellent points to be investigated, and the opportunity to hear others' opinions adds layers a simple read cannot. The authors bring forth examples which can be examined by most any denomination or biblical view. It has a distinct Christian perspective, but with some minor reworking, examples and insights can be packaged for pretty much any faith.
The initial stories and examples, should you read the book on your own, may be somewhat simplistic and shallow, but taking them to the next level with others makes the book much more applicable and alive.
I strongly suggest this book for reading in a group through your faith community. Discussing these concepts, using this book or another in a group setting, is a great gift to those with whom you journey.
February 10, 2015
First off, I am not a fan of the word "evangelism" because of all the negative connotations I have of it. However, this book, and discussions prompted in part by this book, taught me to embrace the word again and to consider that so much ministry of the church can be called "evangelism" that we've simply abused and misunderstood the word. This book is very accessible, but it seems well grounded theologically. It is the first book in a series, and I hope the rest are good. I found this book to be a helpful group study book, but if read by itself (apart from any other books in the series) it isn't anything truly remarkable or groundbreaking. However, the series as a whole looks promising, so it could be that the books are designed to draw readers and group study participants in to deeper, more challenging and detailed work later on.
February 28, 2008
I thought this book was really interested and definitely worth reading. I seemed like the author has some different theological ideas from me, but her book was written more generally so that a variety of churches can use it. Reading made me feel good about the things I already do to share my faith with others, but it also made me see where I could do more. I really liked the questions that it asked, my favorite being "How has being Christian made a difference in my life?" I definitely am going to ignore certain parts of the book that don't fit with my life, but I also got a lot out of reading the book.
August 27, 2009
The author explores evangelism from the lens of mainline protestant churches. For many readers who have not thought much about how churches attract new members, you will find it eye-opening. Strongly grounded in faith, prayer and scripture, this book offers something for most readers. You will find many treasures as well as things you disagree with. This book is structured as an eight-week study course for church leaders. Considering what the book attempts to do, I think it is the best available.
March 24, 2012
I've just heard the rantings of a Christian celebrity church leader saying the Denver Broncos would be well served if Peyton Manning gets injured. Being associated with such nonsense is the stuff of the barriers facing anyone interested in legitimate sharing of Christian faith with integrity. Reese offers the tools and motivation to overcome the inertia which comes from such fear.If folks want "real" faith dealing with "real" life issues and "real" questions of growing, deepening and sharing the Christian faith, Reese's book and its content are a wise investment!
November 14, 2020
Written in a down-to-earth tone, Martha Grace Reese emphasizes prayer as the main tool of evangelism and getting to know God, and making God known to others. I especially liked her insight on church dynamics, conflict and relationships within the life of a given congregation given in Section 3. Also, handy were specific uses of her book in group study. Looking forward to the 6 week prayer guide that comes at it's conclusion.
January 7, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Clear and engaging language used to express the culmination of research and practice. (A classic Theory to Practice to Theory to Practice model.) Deeply grounded in the work of God in the world and the transformative power of prayer.
I would love to engage in the small group process and to see where all it might lead. However, given that we're in the middle of an Ending Well process that is producing amazing fruit, now is not the time.
I would love to engage in the small group process and to see where all it might lead. However, given that we're in the middle of an Ending Well process that is producing amazing fruit, now is not the time.
July 20, 2011
ASTOUNDINGLY helpful book -- examining the vital nature of talking about faith among thoughtful, intelligent persons and not leaving the acts of evangelism to high-profile "kooks." This book considers evangelism from a mainline perspective -- one which often remains silent in the realm of sharing life-giving conversation about God.
May 22, 2011
A group of men in my church studied this book over the course of several Saturdays. While it may not have all the answers for every church in terms of developing an evangelism 'program' or direction, the thought-provoking ideas and examples are based on statistical study and have given us a starting point in our minds to create a fresh approach for our church to "go and make disciples."
February 3, 2012
This is an important book that calls on Mainline Protestants to recover or reclaim evangelism. We have avoided sharing our stories of faith in fear that it will offend. But this needn't be necessary. We needn't offend to tell our stories. Based on strong research, this is a book all Mainline churches need to explore.
June 29, 2015
I've used this book with two different congregations now, and it is a superb resource to start the conversation, in a mainline church, about evangelism, and also feeds into church growth, discipleship, prayer, and a lot of other topics. It does all of this with accessible language, anecdotes, supporting research, and an eye toward being a practical resource rather than merely a theoretical one.
April 20, 2008
I attended a lecture she gave, and it seemed everyone there had read it and loved it. Personally she was a joy to be in the same room with. Then I attended a study course where we went through it a chapter a week. Really eye opening stuff.
Read
August 3, 2011very well-researched and thought out look at evangelism in modern mainline churches. Practical advice for moving forward for church leaders and congregations to re-engage in the church's primary mission to share the gospel and lead people into significant relationship with God.
December 10, 2012
We did this as part of an action team/ bible study at church. I found it had lots of great ideas, areas of introspection, ways the church can reach out, and what to expect from the efforts and results. This is a worthwhile study for anyone, any church, with a desire to share faith.
January 21, 2014
Interesting read that helped me to look at evangelism in a totally different way. I have shared a lot of the things I read in this book with others and I encourage people to pick it up. An easy read that challenges us to think about how we share our faith with others.
January 27, 2009
I've barely read into this book and already God is using it to change my perspective and open me up to new blessings!!!!!
Read
March 20, 2009Reese provides insights and anecdotes about evangelism and congregation vitalization across Christian denominational lines.
April 14, 2013
Some great information for churches serious about evangelism. My congregation really has begun thinking outside of themselves since undertaking this study.
December 13, 2012
Good read; however, it is somewhat guilty of homogenizing the contextual applications of the "unbinding".
May 3, 2013
I do love this book. I think it is trans formative for churches that take it on. I wish it had more how to for those new to faith sharing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews