Evangelism after Christendom: The Theology and Practice of Christian Witness

by Bryan P. Stone

Most people think of evangelism as something an individual does--one person talking to one or more other people about the gospel. Bryan Stone, however, argues that evangelism is the duty and call of the entire church as a body of witness. Evangelism after Christendom explores what it means to understand and put to work evangelism as a rich practice of the church, grounding evangelism in the stories of Israel, Jesus, and the Apostles. This thorough treatment is marked by an astute sensitivity to the ways in which Christian evangelism has in the past been practiced violently, intentionally or unintentionally. Pointing to exemplars both Protestant and Catholic, Stone shows pastors, professors, and students how evangelism can work nonviolently.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christianity, Evangelism, Church, Christian Non Fiction, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

The Rev. Dr. Bryan Stone was born in San Diego, California and is currently the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Boston University School of Theology. His background is in urban social ministry and faith-based non-profit development. He received his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Southern Methodist University.

Reviews

[Mike McNichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone describes evangelism in non-instrumental terms: It is the natural expression of Christian faith; it proclaims and demonstrates the reality of God's kingdom. But it is not, at its essence, instrumental. We would hope that people come to faith through the work of evangelism, but it stands on its own as good news. This book deeply challenged my thinking about evangelism.

[Alex Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is, without a doubt, the best book on evangelism I've read. It's a brilliant take on evangelism and it doesn't make me want to puke like so many other books on the topic.

That said, there's definitely an issue that must be addressed. Stone relies heavily on John Howard Yoder. I don't think this disqualifies the work, by any means, and I wouldn't hold Stone accountable for the actions of Yoder. But it's worth noting as you approach this book that Yoder's name is everywhere in it. Keep this in mind, should you choose to read this. It's difficult to come to grips with the great thoughts of Yoder and his horrible, horrible actions. I definitely felt a little "icky" every time his name appeared.

[John Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an individualist and so the idea that evangelism is based in the witness of the community is hard for me to come to terms with. However, Stone argues well, and his use of Alasdair MacIntyre's concept of virtue for what and how individuals and communities need to live and evangelize is exemplary.

Indeed, using MacIntyre's theory of virtue makes this book for me. That we Christians are to live as Christians through the practice of our faith, which makes us more virtuous as Christians; and that it is the practice that is the reward itself, nothing else, is 100% in line with my own theology--we do not believe in God or live good lives for the reward of heaven, or any other reward, we believe in God and live good lives because it is joyous to do so, and practicing our faith for the sake of the practice increases our joy in God. Evangelism is a natural outpouring of such virtue. That makes sense.

If nothing else, this book will get you thinking about what evangelism really is. For centuries we have labored with a misguided concept. After reading this, that almost certainly cannot be the case.

[Christa Bonnet · Rating 1 out of 5]

difficult read

I found this text a difficult read and not super helpful but it was a prescribed book that we had to work through.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably 99% of the books written on evangelism are popular treatments of the subject and generally lacking a decent biblical, theological, historical and cultural consideration of the topic. Over the years I've probably read 99 of those books but this is not one of those. This book is the 1% of books on evangelism. This is an in-depth consideration of evangelism on all the levels mentioned. It is thick with thought and for that reason can be a bit of a grind at points but I found the effort to be more than adequately rewarded. Along with William Abraham's, "The Logic of Evangelism" of several years ago, which is a much easier read, this is the best I've read on the subject. This book actually made me reflect on why there is not more written in depth on this topic. I've got my opinions. What do you think? The church is the poorer for it. I'd give this 4.5 stars if I could.

[Nancy Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for any church leaders who want a fresh understanding of what it means to be the Church and to witness to the reign of God in today's postmodern world.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

very thought provoking, drawing together many streams, with enough practical direction that the theology starts to take shape for everyday Christian community

[Tim Hingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

a bit of a challenging read. a good theological understanding of evangelism in a Christian world today.