Nudge: Awakening Each Other to the God Who's Already There

by Leonard Sweet

Evangelism is about reaching out to others. Really? You think? Brace yourself. In Nudge, author Leonard Sweet sets out to revolutionize our understanding of evangelism. He defines evangelism as “nudge” – awakening each other to the God who is already there. Sweet’s revolution promises to affect your encounters with others, as well as shaking the very roots of your own faith. So brace yourself.

Genres: Christian, Evangelism, Theology, Christian Living, Christianity, Religion, Ebooks

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Leonard I. Sweet is an author, preacher, scholar, and ordained United Methodist clergyman currently serving as the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew Theological School, in Madison, New Jersey; and a Visiting Distinguished Professor at George Fox University in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Hope · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book with its premise of natural ways to share one's faith, but couldn't get past some of the fluff. Sweet writes, "I begin every day with my "Bugs Bunny" ritual, but instead of asking "What's up, Doc?" I drink my coffee and ask, "What's up, God?"

[Jacob Coldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept is beneficial

Despite needing an editor to help reduce the amount of distractions that seem to pop up, if you persist in reading you'll mine out some really big and helpful points. Perhaps because the idea is so easily ignored by our culture, the author thought it was vital to look at the same idea in so many ways.

[Andy Ziesemer]

I recently finished reading "Nudge" by Leanord Sweet. This book was given to me by a friend who recommended it for me based upon the work that we do in evangelism.

The most impactful concept that stood out from the first half of the book was the idea that as people on mission, we often think or act as though we are packing up Jesus into a backpack to take him someplace He has yet been. How far from the truth this idea is in actuality, as we are not "bringing" Jesus anyplace he has yet to be. We have an omniscient God, who invites us to be a part of his plan for humanity and eternity. We are instead people who should be "nudging" others towards what God is doing presently in their life, helping them to see and realize who Jesus is, and why it matters to them.

The latter half of the book is spent examining sensory elements that we have, and how they play out in our life on mission. Sight, hearing, touch, etc. He explores where the Bible talks about these human elements and how they can or do play a part in the work of evangelism.

Honestly, the book was a bit of a process for me to get through, and felt incredibly slow moving in parts. However, upon it's completion I was glad it got added it to my reading list. I enjoyed my time in it's pages, and I recommend it for people who may be looking for a new perspective on missional methods.

[Nate Worthington · Rating 3 out of 5]

We try so hard (sometimes too hard even) to evangelize in our world that we push people away from Jesus. Through semiotics, Leonard Sweet's Nudge pushes us to do that instead. Nudge people to Jesus. He breaks down semiotics (sign reading) and helps one to use his or her five senses to nudge people to a God who isn't distant or invisible or political. God is at our fingertips and can be felt. He is on the tip of our tongue but not just to be spoken about but to be tasted. He is close enough to be seen, he is able to be heard in the midst of all the noise and his aroma is intoxicating.

Final Review: Borrow It

[Adam L Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pay attention! Wake up! God is everywhere. Do you see Him? He is speaking. Do you hear Him? He has a message for you to tell. It’s the Gospel. Or as the author puts it...nudging. Have you nudged someone lately? Have to you tried to wake up someone from their stupor or sleep? Have you tried to nudge them awake? God wants you to.

[Tim Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is another great read by Leonard Sweet. He discusses how Jesus brings us to him by “Nudges” and not through beatings. Turning your life over the Christ typically isn’t an overnight transformation, but people responding to little “nudges” throughout their life. Sweet encourages us to be a part of those nudges in other peoples lives.

[Annalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh take on Christian disciplines using the senses of paying attention, watching and bearing witness, pausing and listening, being present, picture the kingdom, ponder with touch, promise with smell

[Jason Bollinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book so much. Len always challenges the status quo and rethinking evangelism has been long overdue. This book covers a lot of ground and also has a lot of practical applications. Looking forward to nudging as a part of my regular rhythms.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Concept was good, and it included good insides, but way too much fluff. Had a hard time finishing it.

[Carlene Benne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical instruction book for evangelism. The author digresses from his main points far too often. I think it was too difficult to glean ideas from this book.

[Jeff Bjorgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Sweet is notoriously scattered (I purchased the book based off of John Stackhouse's unique critique-including recommendation published in the book, where he states, "It sometimes, and maddeningly, oversimplifies and underexplains."), I really enjoyed reading "Nudge". The basic premise of evangelism-as-paying-attention (nudging people towards what God is up to) may sound at first a bit fluffy and, to some, a cop-out of the hard work of "real kingdom work" (like preaching to your neighbours and handing out tracts). However, Sweet's description of how we pay attention through the use of our senses is profoundly practical and appealing when it comes to a "how-to" model of evangelism.

He argues that people of faith should know where to find Jesus through their senses, God-given functions that help us discern the God-signs (semiotics) in the world. Blending a Celtic perspective on Spiritual awareness (Pause, Presence, Picture, Ponder, Promise) with the 5 senses (Hear, Taste, See, Touch, Smell), he suggests that "there is always more and there is always meaning", and this applies particularly to people. We see this in what Sweet calls the 5 "God-guarantees": (1) Human beings are created in the image of God. (2) God is already present in that person's life in the form of some burning bush. (3) The best things about that person are blessings from God. (4) The worst things about that person are arenas for redemption. (5) People are hungry for encouragement and love. Sweet is suggesting that we use semiotics to help bring attention to the God-guarantees in people's lives.

I find it hard to get through a Sweet book without underlining something. He must be a voracious reader, and must have an impeccable memory, or a great system of remembering concepts and ideas. What he puts into a single page (again, what often feels like random bits of information leaving you wondering what his thesis is) is more a work of art than a linear argument. There are stories after stories that are unique to him, there are illustrations that span the centuries, and it will take you a good 1/2 hour just to read through all the interesting tidbits in his notes found at the back of the book. Footnotes are Sweet's best friends. You get the sense that he's always got more to say on, well, pretty much everything. Which I think would make him a very interesting person to chat with over a cup of coffee.

[Christy Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nudge by Leonard Sweet is an extraordinarily intelligent and completely out-of-the-box thinking about evangelism. Sweet, a well known author and pastor, wants readers to awaken to the world of nudges, the ones we receive from God and others and the ones we can give to others to teach them about God. Evangelism has acquired a bad name occasionally because it often becomes one person out-talking the other and trying to force ideas down their throat. Nudge completely turns traditional evangelism on its head, by encouraging people to listen far more often than speak, to pay attention to what makes other people smile and hurt and use that knowledge to gently nudge with a love for God. Rather than the traditional view of evangelism that wants Christians to begin by telling their own testimony and talk about what God is doing in their life, Sweet wants them to find out how God is working in the nonbeliever's life and work from there. This is truly a book to be devoured, because the terrific wisdom must be ingested to be understood. While I read this book every night, I kept a pen and notebook at my elbow, because I was constantly writing down thoughts and quotes that rang so true, I wanted to tuck them permanently into my heart. Sweet's discussions about the five sense and how God speaks to us through them are extraordinary and will resonate with readers long after the book is finished. I'm passing this book on to my husband, and when he's through, I will probably read it again. It's really that good.

[Reinhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful meander through the Sweet school of discipleship. Reading this books makes you wish you could hang with Leonard and pick up the scraps of wisdom he continually throws off. And he has such a pleasant, optimistic manner you gotta think he's a riot to have beers with.

The content is similar to a number of other Sweet books. He argues convincingly that Christianity and Christians should be more real and more pleasant. The You-Catch-More-Flies-With-Honey school of discipleship. He is (mildly) critical of the "spread fear, sell hope" style of Christianity..

It's much deeper than being friendly. He builds on the case he set out in "The Gospel According to Starbucks" that Christian experience needs to be EPIC: Experiential, Participatory. Image Rich, Connective.

In many way, this kind of dirt-under-the-fingernail-from-gardeing living is sorely missing in our lives. Sensuous, Aesthetic, Rich, the whole thing makes you want to put your hands on the tender green leaves sprouting from the coffee brown loam of people's lives. Kind of like abundant living - green growing everywhere. He has a way of making the spiritual palpably real - which, it seem, is our commission.

Leonard Sweet walks the tightrope of life loves it - and he make you want to get on the rope with him.

Read this book along with a couple of his others - you won't regret it.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Sweet is a true wordsmith and this determines who does and does not enjoy his reading. I was at first afraid to read "Nudge" as the preface discussed the importance of Evangelism. I get chills just thinking about Evangelism, probably because I equate it to the early 1980s and old ladies passing out tracts at restaurants. However, Sweet brilliantly draws the reader into true desire for evangelism with the understanding that God is out there, at work, inviting his loved ones to join Him. Sweet goes through each of the 5 senses to teach the reader how to use the senses to experience God around him, to pay attention and thereby invite others to experience God at work. This book is chocked full of poetry, lyrics and anything else Sweet can use to entice the reader to be wooed by the person of Christ still very alive today in our world. This is no "how to" book, however. It's a feast of the eyes (and ears, nose, fingers, etc) for the believer who wants to actually believe that God is more active in their lives than they'd experience at first glance. Personally, this book transformed the way that I practice psychotherapy. I was thrilled, and continue to be thrilled, to see sense the nudge of the Spirit all around me and to invite others into His presence.

[Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't quite the book I was hoping for. I wanted something practical for encouraging people toward Jesus and how to do that.

What I got was far more theoretical. I wasn't sure if the author was attributing everything that ever happened as a sign from God, cheapening the real thing. Also if felt rather dangerous and the topic of false signs was barely acknowledged. I know scriptures of the enemy disguised as an angel of light that should be mentioned.

I really like the concept of "nudging" others toward Jesus and what that looks like. Instead I got alot about smelling Jesus. "Nudge" started to become a cliche and catch phrase and a little distasteful.

I know there's really good stuff in this book and some things really resonated with me. The author has some great analogies and collected brilliant statistics. But toward the 2nd half of the book I was starving for something practical.

I would love another writer who follows this philosophy to process this info into something for us ordinary guys who just want to do the stuff.

[Wyndy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nudge is about using your instincts to evangelize. Instead of pushing hard learn to recognize the signs of Jesus being everywhere and in everyone. Use those signs to make people aware that they already have Jesus, they just need to acknowledge it. I found the book very difficult to read, I'm not sure, but I think the construction of the sentences were off. At first I thought perhaps it was written as a textbook but since reading it again, I believe it's the use of incomplete language. The book is worth reading for it's different approach to evangelism but be prepared to reread in order to understand it better.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we give God
Our full attention
And not mention
Our long list of needs
Just sit at His feet
And pay heed
We discover
The lover of our souls
Has His eyes upon us
As He smiles upon us
Singing songs over us with joy
Our God who formed us
Is for us
Transforms us
When we spend time with Christ
All we need
Is found when we seek
God first
He feeds us, our thirst
He attends to
As streams of life-giving
Goodness and mercy
With fullness to us overflow
---
http://cinderellasang.blogspot.ca/201...

[Mar · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had potential, but it wasn't fulfilled for me. Sweet explores how people need to get in tune with their five senses in order to be in tune with God and His working in the world, and in order to "Nudge" others in the direction of recognising God exists and is present and we can "sense" Him if we're paying attention.

However, the writing style and Sweet's attempts to be "witty" and metaphorical detracted from his points for me.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. Honestly. The author's heart is in the right place, and it started off well. About halfway through, I realized I don't have any idea what he's talking about, and I cut my losses. Maybe I'm just too literal a person to get his use of metaphors and odd ethereal concepts, but I couldn't get a hold of this book. Nudge it back on the shelf in the bookstore.

[John Malsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thaler/Sunstein – if you are interested in public policy and the human condition than this book is a must read. Against Milton Freidman and free markets of the University of Chicago has long stood for in economics. They now realize that most peopled need a nudge to do the right thing that will help them in the long run.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intelligent and challenging viewpoint of evangelism that Christians who are looking for outside the box approach that they may never have considered - showing or nudging people to see how God is working in their lives rather than sharing how God is moving in yours. Recommended. Ninth book I read of Frank Violas top 100.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonard Sweet did it again. He helped me to revive an old way of thinking that was dying and breathe new life into it. Len made a way for all of us to know we can still be the gospel, even with all our shortcomings.

[David Mullens]

I enjoyed this book, especially the discussion on attention and being fully present. I know some will take issue with some of the book, but I believe Sweet is on the right track culturally. God is all around us...we need to wake up to his presence.

[Tamra LeValley · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the best and easy to understand book that helps a person "nudge" others without overstepping any invisible lines that we all have. It not only helps one understand what a church today needs but gives you specified "instructions" or "steps" to help you proceed.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet nails the essence of what it looks like to read the signs of the spirit around us. Excellent, practical book on living life with full attention and fully aware of Gods presence in our day to day lives and how that affects our ability to share God with others...

[J. Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book from a philosophical standpoint. The concept of living and interacting with all our senses is important. Our relationship with Christ with each other needs to be deeper and more participatory. I think that is what Sweet advocates in this idea of nudge evangelism. Good read.

[Margaret Chind]

*Thanks to TBBMedia for providing a copy for review through FIRST Wild Card Tours.*

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book!

[Cheryl]

I'm only on chapter two, but thus far, I *highly* recommend this book!

[Ilsun · Rating 5 out of 5]

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