Introduction to Evangelism

by Alvin L. Reid

'The evangelistic mandate', says Alvin Reid, 'is central to the mission of the church in any age'. In this important new book, Reid traces the essence of evangelism -- its history and character -- teaching Christians how to preach the Gospel effectively. Using methods built upon biblical, historical, and theological foundations, this exhaustive guide integrates doctrinal issues with practical matters of methodology, while developing the personal spirituality of those who seek to carry out the Great Commission. By recognizing the timeless aspects of the evangelistic task and adapting them to today's needs and the needs of the future, Reid gives Christians the tools they need to spread the Word with assurance at the dawn of the new millennium.

Genres: Evangelism, Christian, Theology

362 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

About the author

DR. ALVIN L. REID, best known for his student-given nickname “Doc,” has been a professor for over 20 years, over 17 of them spent at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

He has written over a dozen books, most on subjects like evangelism, spiritual awakenings, missional Christianity, and student ministry, and has taught young leaders on four continents and on scores of college campuses from the University of North Carolina to Harvard.

Reviews

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no way as a class that we can finish this three part book but for those of us in Seminary needing a entry to what Evangelism is and for the Kingdom of God it is a wonderful start. Easy reading material and excellent body of work.

[Kent Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid divides his book into three parts: What we must know, how we must live, and what we must do. Reid spells out why we must evangelize urgently, regularly, obediently, purposefully, and confidently. Evangelism is important to God. The most formidable weapon for storming the gates of hell is the message of the cross paired with a changed life. When comparing the sermons from Acts 2, 3, 7, and 13, these six themes: Jesus fulfilled messianic prophecy, Jesus did good deed and performed miracles, Jesus was crucified, Jesus has been raised and exalted, Christ will return as Judge, Repent, believe, and be baptized. Are we living by fate or faith? Evangelism must stay closely tied to good theology to be effective. For evangelism to become a spiritual discipline, the Christian must build within his or her character: integrity, humility, passion, purity, conviction, priorities, and attitude. Don’t miss the five guidelines to help you avoid emotional confrontation without compromising the gospel as well as the steps for dealing with objections (pp 228-232). Learning how to convert objections to questions is awesome. This book also pulls on much of the wisdom from several of the books in this annotated list. This book would serve well to outline a class on evangelism.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy reading material. Points out some very key yet overlooked ideas and principles to winning souls to Christ. In pursuing and accomplishing the Will of God, "that all men might be saved". This book will aid in clarity in knowing what evangelism should and should not consist of. The scripture really is final authority in representing Christ to the unsaved as well as encouraging the saved.

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its easy to understand and the concepts flow. The class I took this book with was rather easy. Its a straight forward approach to this topic.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reid walks through evanglesim in three parts. He has his book setup in the same way. Exccellnet book