Questioning Evangelism

by Randy Newman     |     Book Summary


Author: Randy Newman
Publisher: Kregel
Date: 2004
Pages: 267

Book Summary of Union With Christ by Rankin Wilbourne


Many Christians are intimidated by the idea of sharing their faith with non-Christian family, friends, coworkers, and classmates. They worry that they'll say something wrong and lead someone astray, and they fear that someone will ask a question they aren't able to answer. Many have had the experience of evangelistic conversations turning into arguments and, in turn, straining relationships. Others have simply been overwhelmed at the prospect of memorizing massive amounts of information in an evangelistic training program. 

For Christians who are intimidated by and overwhelmed with the task of evangelism, take heart! Most basically, evangelism involves three simple skills:

  1. "Declaring the gospel." (p. 14)
  2. "Defending the gospel." (p. 14)
  3. "Dialoguing the gospel." (p. 14)

The third skill, dialoguing the gospel, is key for those who are intimidated by and overwhelmed with the task of evangelism. Rather than having all the answers and saying all the right things, Christians need to learn how to ask questions and listen to answers. The author of Questioning Evangelism is "not calling into question the validity of evangelism. [He's] calling Christians to use questions in the venture of evangelism" (p. 14).





Questioning Evangelism

by Randy Newman

[ Book Summary ]



Book Summary of Union With Christ by Rankin Wilbourne

Author Randy Newman
Publisher Kregel
Date 2004
Pages 267


Overview:

Many Christians are intimidated by the idea of sharing their faith with non-Christian family, friends, coworkers, and classmates. They worry that they'll say something wrong and lead someone astray, and they fear that someone will ask a question they aren't able to answer. Many have had the experience of evangelistic conversations turning into arguments and, in turn, straining relationships. Others have simply been overwhelmed at the prospect of memorizing massive amounts of information in an evangelistic training program. 

For Christians who are intimidated by and overwhelmed with the task of evangelism, take heart! Most basically, evangelism involves three simple skills:

  1. "Declaring the gospel." (p. 14)
  2. "Defending the gospel." (p. 14)
  3. "Dialoguing the gospel." (p. 14)

The third skill, dialoguing the gospel, is key for those who are intimidated by and overwhelmed with the task of evangelism. Rather than having all the answers and saying all the right things, Christians need to learn how to ask questions and listen to answers. The author of Questioning Evangelism is "not calling into question the validity of evangelism. [He's] calling Christians to use questions in the venture of evangelism" (p. 14).