Living Proof: Sharing the Gospel Naturally

by Jim Petersen, Jerusha Clark

Jim Petersen shares what he’s learned from over 25 years of working with the unchurched. He shows that, although many people don’t want to hear about our faith, they will talk about their own felt needs―needs that can only be met in Christ.

Learn how to develop relationships with the unreached, model the Christian message, and eventually present the Bible’s claims in a non-threatening manner.

Genres: Evangelism, Christianity, Faith, Theology, Nonfiction, Christian Living

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1988

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

[Tristan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Petersen makes effective and regular evangelism seem so within reach. By simplifying the task to helping the nonChristian answer the two questions, “According to the Bible who is Jesus?” and “what does He want of me?”, Petersen removes the worry of also needing to know the answer to every apologetic question and argue the authority of the scripture. The former potential worry, Petersen argues, is out of sequence and doesn’t need to be dealt with until what the Bible claims about Jesus is understood. Petersen says the Christian also doesn’t need to argue for the authority of scripture because that is the job of the Holy Spirit. As long as the nonChristian understands what the Bible claims about Jesus, this is sufficient for the Spirit to work.

I also greatly valued Petersen’s emphasis on the believer’s responsibility to affirm the gospel with their life. It is my goal to begin a study on the person of Jesus using John as my guide with a group of nonChristians by the end of 2021. I seriously would put this in the category of must-read for every Christian. This intensely practical book has seriously emboldened me to be a more effective and regular witness.

[mpsiple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and straightforward. Peterson reminds the reader that the "successful evangelistic encounters" in the NT are almost always preceded by untold years of preparation (e.g. when Philips meets the Ethiopian eunuch, he's *already* reading Isaiah ...). On the one hand, this means that we shouldn't expect that "real" evangelism is ushering all the non-believers we meet into the kingdom. On the other hand, it actually broadens our scope, so that every encounter we have is an opportunity to play a part in a (potentially very) long process of someone coming to faith.

Peterson is not exactly Reformed, but I really appreciated his insistence that the Word and Spirit do all the work. With that in mind, his aim is always that non-believers would come into contact with Scripture.

Lots of good, practical thoughts on evangelism (particularly in our skeptical age).

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

For personal level evangelism I don't think it gets better. I took my time reading it and enjoyed the fact that it did more than just make me think, it made me re-evaluate every preconceived notion I've had about evangelism.
The author admits in the end that the book raises many questions, but they are all on related subjects, the topic this book set out to address was thoroughly done and didn't leave me scratching my head and reaching for another book to supplement the lack.
I appreciated the tips for application, there was even an appendix included in the back as an outline for a study. A very practical book.
I grew a little concerned reading it though, wondering if laypeople in the Churches across America would dare to lift a finger. But I was also hopeful, just imagine what an impact could be made if everyone was involved.
Probably the best quality was that the author had no qualms about saying certain evangelistic tactics weren't working and then went on to clarify with real life examples and suggest changes that have actually worked! Nothings worse than pretending something is working when it obviously is not.

a great read, come to it open and with brain engaged!

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book on relational evangelism which discussed making Christ the center of spiritual conversation. Also discussed getting nonbelievers into God’s Word allowing the Spirit to transform.

[Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book contained some excellent Biblical points about evangelism, but is a little outdated. The books seemed to be relevant to the 1980s and 1990s.

If someone is interested in a more updated version, w recommend the 12 principles by CBMC, which includes interviews by Jim Petersen. This series is better than this book and covers similar topics. Here is the link: https://www.cbmc.com/evangelism

[Lizzie Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about practical evangelism! It starts a bit slow but has great things to say in terms of the different "methods" of sharing the gospel. I particularly liked the parts describing our role as believers in helping people make "mini decisions" toward Jesus.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our second book by this author in our adult ladies Sunday School class. Great insights and challenges to get more involved with people in your circles and areas of influence. Praying for Holy Spirit's guidance and nudges to show us more.

[Micah Lugg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although written in the 1980's, this book inspires believers to be a living witness to Christ, not just participate in witnessing activities. If written today, it would probably have "missional" somewhere in the title, but being a few decades removed from the current evangelical climate helps the book have a more enduring value. Although not handling any passage too deeply, he roots his conclusions in Scripture. He also gives lots of practical advice and anecdotes from his 25 years on the mission field.

The walk-away for me is this: be a Christian who lives distinctively Christian in all areas of life, who loves all people God brings in his path, and who loves Christ and wants to tell others about him.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A realistic and common- sense discussion on what it truly means to share your faith. Every church that is struggling under the weight of perennially baby Christians who never move into maturity, should make this required reading.

[Karl · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good book, presents a fair overview of the current state of evangelism and some recommendations that actually answer his critiqued flaws, something many authors do not do. Bravo.

[Danielle Mori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, practical advice. Definitely something I'll look back at frequently.

[Laurajean Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Josh Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. It was a slow start, but had such a great development of how to share the Gospel! Really loved this author's experience and insight into fulfilling the Great Commission.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear straightforward guide to sharing your faith. Especially useful if you've already had negative experiences to see where you might have gone wrong.