Reimagining Evangelism

Sometimes talking about Jesus with your friends can feel like trying to close a deal on a sales call, pushing something on people they may not really want. But what if you thought of it more like inviting them on a spiritual journey? Imagine being free to be yourself and free for the Spirit to work in you. Imagine that it doesn't depend on you a...

A seven-session study guide that corresponds to the Reimagining Evangelism DVD.

This ground-breaking book proposes a major paradigm shift in our understanding of evangelism. Rather than trying to close on a deal, pushing something on people that they may not really want, we should rather invite friends to go on a spiritual journey where their doubts and questions are taken seriously. Collaborating with the Holy Spirit, and rooted in meaningful community life, we can share stories that are life-changing.

"For God so love the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." --John 3:16 "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in ? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them [or sharing their faith]?" --Romans 10:14 Relational evangelism, therefore, focuses on cultivating and building relationships with non-Christians and unbelieving neighbors with the intent of winning them to Christ. Different types of evangelistic methods have been used in past generations. However, in today's culture of individualism and isolationism, relational evangelism provides the best approach to bring people to Christ. The truth of the matter is that people normally pay no attention to strangers; however, they open up once they become comfortable with you through a relationship that has developed over time. The clock is fast ticking. Christ Jesus is on his way! Soldiers of Christ, let's get the world saved and be ready for him appearing!

In today’s multi-cultural and multi-religious world, evangelism is often viewed as scandalous, not only by those who are opposed to anything religious, but also by many Christians. In this book, Elmer Thiessen provides a response to those who find most or even all Christian evangelism objectionable. He does this through a careful analysis of what the Bible says about the ethics of evangelism. Based on this inductive study, mainly of the New Testament, Thiessen proposes thirty guidelines for ethical evangelism. Part II examines some specific contexts that pose unique challenges for doing evangelism ethically—evangelism of children, evangelism within a professional context like the secular academy, evangelism within the context of humanitarian aid, and finally the problem of proselytism, understood in the special and narrow sense of sheep-stealing.

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. Invitation 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 evangelist: Having compassion as the motivation for evangelism Understanding the good news of Jesus Christ Seeing lost people as persons God loves Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit Paving the way for new believers to share their faith eagerly with others

Now completely rewritten, updated and expanded for a new generation of small group leaders, this IVP classic contains everything you need to know about small groups: starting with a strong biblical and strategic foundation; building in 4 key components--community, nurture, worship and outreach; guiding the group through its life stages; creating good communication; handling conflict in the group; encouraging members to "own" the group; planning group meetings; and developing leadership skills.And besides warm, wise counsel, Small Group Leaders' Handbook includes a resource section that's overflowing with great ideas: ice breakers, application steps, community-building projects, outreach tips and much more!Whether you are starting a new group, working to get a group back on track, or introducing a small group program as part of church or parachurch ministry, here is your ticket to effective foundations, training and practice.