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A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions
In this concise and informative book, former missionary Scott Hildreth delves into the heart of Christian evangelism and missions, drawing inspiration from the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:16–20. With a focus on practical insights and biblical principles, this guide equips believers to actively participate in both local conversations about Jesus and the global mission of sharing the gospel. Readers discover that obedience to Jesus’s command is not optional—it’s our privilege and responsibility, knowing that His presence accompanies us to the very end of the age.
- GenresEvangelism
160 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 25, 2026
When I started reading this, I was skeptical of yet another missions book. After reading the book, I can say that the beginning was strong, the middle had some issues, and the ending provided a strong finish.
There was a lot that I liked about the book.
The "bicycle analogy" in the intro was really good. Basically, the gospel is the back wheel, propelling missions forward. The front wheel is the medium for proclaiming the gospel, such as medical missions, disaster relief, etc. Both wheels are needed for the bike to function as intended.
This book really met me where I was in my spiritual walk. I want to share my faith but struggle with the "how." The author empathized with that and even shared his story of how he experienced the same thing. (Unfortunately, there was no real answer for the "how" other than to just do it.)
The book also provided a good reminder that the Holy Spirit is always with us in evangelism.
Missions requires targeted effort. The author used the analogy of covering a pancake versus a waffle with maple syrup. We have to focus on filling each distinct part (or "square") of the world with the gospel.
As for the drawbacks, there were only a few.
The main thrust of the book was just going through the Great Commission. This is fine, but the exegesis for the verse could have easily been covered in a single chapter. In fact, the last chapter in the book (about us personally being a part of the Great Commission) is what should have been the main focus for the book.
The author didn't really do a good job describing the other religions. He wanted to examine 5 main religions using multiple criteria but picked and chose which religions he wanted to analyze and which criteria he wanted for the analysis. (I can't really fault him for this, but he also should have analyzed atheism/agnosticism as a religion; in the West, this is probably the biggest "religion" we have to deal with.) He also didn't go into how witnessing could be done to people in those religions. That would have been much more helpful.
All in all, this was a fine missions book, but I don't think I learned or heard anything new.
There was a lot that I liked about the book.
The "bicycle analogy" in the intro was really good. Basically, the gospel is the back wheel, propelling missions forward. The front wheel is the medium for proclaiming the gospel, such as medical missions, disaster relief, etc. Both wheels are needed for the bike to function as intended.
This book really met me where I was in my spiritual walk. I want to share my faith but struggle with the "how." The author empathized with that and even shared his story of how he experienced the same thing. (Unfortunately, there was no real answer for the "how" other than to just do it.)
The book also provided a good reminder that the Holy Spirit is always with us in evangelism.
Missions requires targeted effort. The author used the analogy of covering a pancake versus a waffle with maple syrup. We have to focus on filling each distinct part (or "square") of the world with the gospel.
As for the drawbacks, there were only a few.
The main thrust of the book was just going through the Great Commission. This is fine, but the exegesis for the verse could have easily been covered in a single chapter. In fact, the last chapter in the book (about us personally being a part of the Great Commission) is what should have been the main focus for the book.
The author didn't really do a good job describing the other religions. He wanted to examine 5 main religions using multiple criteria but picked and chose which religions he wanted to analyze and which criteria he wanted for the analysis. (I can't really fault him for this, but he also should have analyzed atheism/agnosticism as a religion; in the West, this is probably the biggest "religion" we have to deal with.) He also didn't go into how witnessing could be done to people in those religions. That would have been much more helpful.
All in all, this was a fine missions book, but I don't think I learned or heard anything new.
September 22, 2025
Great primer on evangelism and missions. Quick afternoon read
April 13, 2026
I enjoyed this book. Below are some of my personal takeaways from this book.
When William Carey was presenting his case for Missions before a group of pastors, and elderly pastor named John Ryland Sr. stood up and said, “"Young man, sit down; when God pleases to convert the heathen he will do so without your aid or mine.” Many of us would never other those words, but we are guilty of living a lie, unconcerned of those without Christ.
Missions is much more than an activity of the church, it is an attribute of God.
As it has been said, you should not ask God why you should go, rather ask him why you should stay.
One may ask if he/she is really responsible for the entire world. No, but we are responsible for the obedience to His command.
CS Lewis said that Jesus is either a liar, lunatic, or Lord. If He is Lord, then we must respond in obedience instead of negotiation.
It is a mistake to believe the Great Commission is an afterthought of Jesus, as if He remembered to say it right before He ascended to Heaven. This was His central message and theme throughout His ministry on earth!
The Gospel is not just for those in Christian-influenced nations, it is for all people in all nations.
One of the great lies we believe in our western world is that religion is private. No other religion believes or practices this. God never commanded you to be quiet about your belief in Him.
Our best praying will move us into our best action.
When William Carey was presenting his case for Missions before a group of pastors, and elderly pastor named John Ryland Sr. stood up and said, “"Young man, sit down; when God pleases to convert the heathen he will do so without your aid or mine.” Many of us would never other those words, but we are guilty of living a lie, unconcerned of those without Christ.
Missions is much more than an activity of the church, it is an attribute of God.
As it has been said, you should not ask God why you should go, rather ask him why you should stay.
One may ask if he/she is really responsible for the entire world. No, but we are responsible for the obedience to His command.
CS Lewis said that Jesus is either a liar, lunatic, or Lord. If He is Lord, then we must respond in obedience instead of negotiation.
It is a mistake to believe the Great Commission is an afterthought of Jesus, as if He remembered to say it right before He ascended to Heaven. This was His central message and theme throughout His ministry on earth!
The Gospel is not just for those in Christian-influenced nations, it is for all people in all nations.
One of the great lies we believe in our western world is that religion is private. No other religion believes or practices this. God never commanded you to be quiet about your belief in Him.
Our best praying will move us into our best action.
June 2, 2026
Love, love, love!
This is truly a short guide to missions and evangelism, but it contains all the essential pieces.
It begins with convicting truths that make it clear: yes, the author is talking to you. He helps readers understand their role in the Great Commission and what obedience looks like in everyday life.
From there, he provides insight into the spiritual needs of the world and why missions and evangelism matter.
He closes with clear, practical steps that readers can immediately begin applying.
One thing I especially appreciated was the opening analogy of this section: the Bible is like a recipe from God. You wouldn’t leave out an ingredient and expect the recipe to turn out as intended. In the same way, if God has given us instructions for following Him, why would we choose to ignore one of His commands? - That would be a recipe for diaster, right?
Throughout the book, the author uses memorable illustrations and vivid imagery to drive home his points. So if you’re curious how waffles relate to the Great Commission and the world as a mission field—but pancakes 🥞 don’t—you should definitely give this a read!
Be ready to have some actionable steps at the end!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly a short guide to missions and evangelism, but it contains all the essential pieces.
It begins with convicting truths that make it clear: yes, the author is talking to you. He helps readers understand their role in the Great Commission and what obedience looks like in everyday life.
From there, he provides insight into the spiritual needs of the world and why missions and evangelism matter.
He closes with clear, practical steps that readers can immediately begin applying.
One thing I especially appreciated was the opening analogy of this section: the Bible is like a recipe from God. You wouldn’t leave out an ingredient and expect the recipe to turn out as intended. In the same way, if God has given us instructions for following Him, why would we choose to ignore one of His commands? - That would be a recipe for diaster, right?
Throughout the book, the author uses memorable illustrations and vivid imagery to drive home his points. So if you’re curious how waffles relate to the Great Commission and the world as a mission field—but pancakes 🥞 don’t—you should definitely give this a read!
Be ready to have some actionable steps at the end!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 31, 2025
Challenging and exhorting book, as Dr. Hildreth challenges readers, to consider the why, who, how, and where the Great Commission is to be lived out as followers of Jesus. How are you living on mission? Read this, pray, and be open and obedient to where God would put your ‘yes’ on the map.
December 9, 2025
Great, short, challenging book that asks hard questions and gives good direction for all believers.
January 16, 2026
pls I need the book evangelism and mission
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews