The Insider: Bringing the Kingdom of God Into Your Everyday World

by Jim Petersen

Evangelism is not just for the gifted few; it's for all of us. In The Insider, Navigator authors Jim Petersen and Mike Shamy will give you the awareness and skills needed to share your faith and deepen your outreach to others.

Genres: Evangelism, Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Religion

240 pages, ebook

First published April 4, 2003

About the author

Jim Petersen has been on Navigator staff since 1958. He pioneered the Navigator ministry in Brazil. He is also the best-selling author of Living Proof, The Insider, and Church Without Walls.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really enjoyed this book, feels like one that I’d love to recommend to others. Feel like the hype surrounding this book is definitely justified. Not only does it articulate vision so well but has great tangible steps to walk that out in day to day life. I feel like it is easy to get stuck in the abstractness of “spiritual generations”, with simply explaining that vision, the biblical basis, the need for more laborers, etc. etc. but I appreciate how practical this book is. It feels like it’s written to encourage the everyday person which is the whole point! An insider is a regular everyday person with a busy life, someone who wants to share Jesus with others but doesn’t know how. I appreciated too that it is written so well, in simple everyday language. Overall, very encouraging read for me.

[Jodi Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We somehow find the idea of dropping everything to follow Jesus more romantic than that of our taking him back home with us. But as a rule, we are called to follow him back into our own communities."... Great book on sharing your faith in your specific context. Challenging too!

[Samara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took Scripture and astutely pointed out what I think many feel is missing in modern American churches and ministries but have trouble putting our fingers on. If we as believers are told to “go” to tell the good news, why are we structuring things where the main message is “come”? But knowing that these rhythms and places have strengths in gathering and supporting community, what would we even change?

I believe I can summarize the book by answering: “very little.” Not that nothing needs to change, but it’s really more a matter of simplification than adding more. Where are people living their day to day lives? How can we support each other in simply being friends with those around us, and sharing naturally and organically out of relationship and care for those people? Those are the questions this book encourages seeking applicable answers for. I especially found part three (life patterns…) helpful and I’m sure I’ll be referring back to it in the future.

A shortened restatement of my main takeaway:
The life patterns God asks me to live as an “insider” (not just acting faith out in church settings or when “on mission” but in my day to day life) are simple intentionally as they should point to HIS work and capability. If it feels like there’s a need for a certain skill set, we’re over complicating it.

A favorite quote (pg31):
According to Jesus, the kingdom of God is within certain people. It is not in our structures, nor in our organizations, nor in our sweeping strategies for world evangelization that we will see the kingdom. We observe it by watching its citizens who are sown among us like seeds in a field, seeds that have fallen into the ground, are dying, and generating new life; who are like salt on a plate of food flavoring the whole; or like a lighted window on a darkened hillside giving a point of reference to everyone around them. We see the kingdom by observing how certain people live their lives!

[Joni Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations in the book, especially the ones showing how different ages in history were formed, and how, as a Christ-follower, I don’t have to travel very far to be an influencer for Him. I just need to look to whatever relationships I have and be His ambassador to those who don’t know Him.
Freeing to know I don’t have to save people. My job is to present Christ in a personal way, and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
Very practical and well thought out.

[Regina Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

[Emil · Rating 3 out of 5]

The authors present a compelling vision of ministry in everyday life.

[Eilidh Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this throughout the year for work and have to re-read it again this year too (this is a staple in the Navigators). It took me a while to get into but enjoyed it more and more as it went on. Really helpful for my line of work in student ministry but would recommend all Christians to read!

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught my attention because it relates well to my new vocational assignment which starts in March 2013. This is one of the best approaches I have seen to sharing Jesus in a natural way, in keeping with the normal rhythms of life.

However, even though it's natural, actually living this way calls for a change of lifestyle, to being more outward-focused. It calls for sharing our lives, giving time, taking little initiatives, responding to and serving people.

I liked the chapter on conversing the faith. It is not necessary to create a flawless, persuasive presentation. Life the life, be involved with people, and let the faith come naturally into the conversation.

[Gabe · Rating 2 out of 5]

A baby step toward mature, gospel fueled evangelism and discipleship. The reader finishes with just enough to be dangerous, in a bad way, though many of the grounding principles are valuable, it is by no means the end-all book. No one should think after they have read this that they have 'figured it out'. Do not stop here; keep learning.

[Cynthia Kimola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for those who want to be part of the great commission but don't know how to. Not all of us are called to evangelism, to plant churches etc but we can play our part to spread the Gospel by living as insiders. An insider uses their circles to share Christ - their friends, family. Gives examples of how it can be done and success stories of those who've used this method.

[Rob Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 1 highlight: This was the whole plan the whole time / God is not involved in some emergency rescue operation or "plan B". From before the foundation of the world, He had planned what He is now carrying out.

[Jonathan Woodward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book about discerning your "call" in life. It's a great book to read along with someone else and discuss things together. One of my pastors read this with me once, and I will always recommend this book for others to read with their mentor/mentee.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for evangelism in the real world where you're living.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging. Helpful. Biblical. Relevant. Culturally sensitive. Empowering. Exciting.