Books on Evangelism

Good News & Good Works: A Theology for the Whole Gospel by Ronald J. Sider (Baker). One of our favorite books! This is a serious call and a helpful guide to thinking about wholistic outreach, evangelism with words and deeds, all seen as a joyous witness to the Kingdom of God. Yes!

Lost in America: How You and Your Church Can Impact the World Next Door by Tom Clegg & Warren Bird (Group). This is one of the clearest and most compelling books on evangelism I’ve read in years! With suggested movies to watch, tons of striking stories and examples, it is a delight to read. Three sections explore changes, choices and challenges. Excellent & highly recom-mended for individuals, small groups or church committees. You won’t put it down unchanged.

Out of the Saltshaker and Into the World by Becky Pippert (IVP). Perhaps my favorite book on evangelism, Becky insists on a “friendship” approach. This is a true classic, with great Bible study, breath-taking stories and delightfully humane care. A must-read! Make sure your church library has it (and that folks know about it!).

Conspiracy of Kindness by Steve Sjogren (Servant). The author invites churches to ministries of kindness—free car washes and the like—done simply in the name of Christ. No guilt, low stress, low risk and high grace. Great stories (this stuff really works!) that are truly inspiring.

How to Reach Secular People by George Hunter (Abingdon). An excellent study of cultural shifts, how secularization has influenced us all and creative ways to share the gospel effectively in our current context. A very, very insightful little book. Jam-packed with information, ideas, and very practical suggestions. Highly regarded.

The Heart of Evangelism by Jerram Barrs (Crossway). What a resource! Just about the best biblical and theological study, as well as immensely helpful advice about honest, faith-sharing efforts amongst our secularized neighbors. Thoughtful and wise.

More Ready Than You Realize: Evangelism as Dance in the Postmodern Matrix by Brian McLaren (Zondervan). Largely an extended dialogue with a non-Christian e-mail partner, this is one of the very best books which takes postmodern seekers seriously. McLaren eventually crafts a gospel presentation to relate to his friend’s deep longings and serious questions, sharing Christ honestly, creatively and forthrightly. Brilliant, sincere and exciting. Wow!

The Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels (Zondervan). With Hybel’s typical clarity, innovation, biblical faithfulness and passion, he guides readers towards greater motivation and offers practical help in being a relationally-sensitive friend willing to share the good news of God’s love. One of the best—quite clear and useful.

Speaking of Jesus by Mack Stiles (IVP). Loaded with stories, lessons learned, biblical insights and practical tips, this maybe the best handbook for those seriously engaged in faith-sharing. A fun read, this really provides very concrete and detailed ideas.

Biblical Perspectives on Evangelism: Living in a Three-Storied Universe by Walter Brueggemann (Abingdon). This deeply nuanced and often ponderous biblical scholar is always worth reading...slowly. So read him here on evangelism, but be prepared to be immersed in a close and yet open reading of Scripture. He suggests that evangelism includes inviting outsiders in; calling jaded members of the faith community back to fidelity; and passing faith on to a new generation of the young.

Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them by Thom Rainers (Zondervan). The author, Dean of the Billy Graham School of Evangelism, has done considerable research among the “previously unchurched” and here presents his extraordinary findings. Shows what drew people to church. One reviewer has written, “It’s pastoral malpractice to ignore this book!”

Building a Contagious Church: Revolutionizing the Way We Do and View Evangelism by Mark Mittelberg (Zondervan). Who wouldn’t want a church to be passionate about effective evangelism? This is a marvelous invitation to—and a practical guide for training in—new ways to share God’s great news. Get it for your outreach committee!

The Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending Church in North America edited by Darrell Gruder (Eerdmans). Although the most scholarly book on this list, it is one of the most significant. Edited by a professor of evangelism at a Presbyterian seminary, this is a brilliant, serious and deeply theological work inviting new perspectives on the calling of the church in our own secularized culture. This is nearly brilliant and has been called pioneering. It is surely worth a careful study.

Churches That Make a Difference: Reaching Your Community With Good News and Good Works by Ron Sider, Phil Olson & Heidi Rolland (Baker). This is a call to wholistic mission and a wonderful, wonderful presentation of the best examples of such outreach (mostly in the Philadelphia area). It documents those churches doing the very best job of evangelism and social outreach and describes principles nearly any church can apply. Few churches really combine effective ministry in this wholistic way and this book will help us bring immense credibility and integrity to our efforts.

God for the World—Church for the World: The Mission of the Church in Today’s World by Shirley Guthrie (Witherspoon Press). A great, six-session, interactive study guide prepared by the PC(USA), discussing Reformed views of mission and evangelization.

August 2002