Evangelistic preaching: Proclaiming the gospel to non-Christians who are listening

by Roger Carswell

Clear, faithful proclamation of the gospel is needed more than ever, but the pressures of the age are often causing us to stay silent and withdraw. Roger defines biblical, evangelistic preaching as proclaiming the gospel, to non Christians, who are listening. He then helpfully, unpacks this and walks us through the Bible principles of sharing the good news. This is far from being just a theory book. With stories and examples, Roger applies what the Bible says, helps us think through how it will impact our preparation, prayers and preaching and excites us for what God can do through His word. If you're a seasoned preacher or just starting out, this book is for you. It will help you think through both your message and method, how truth can be clearly communicated and manifested in love.

Genres: Evangelism, Christian

ebook

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

From Library of Congress Authorities:
"Isleham.com WWW site, viewed January 6, 2022 (Roger Carswell was born in Leeds [England] ; lives in Horsforth ; a Christian ; worked as a teacher for several years ; now a full-time travelling evangelist)"

Reviews

[Mundy Carroll · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know why - but I think I expected a book which was more practical; more of an actual 'how-to' guide to evangelistic preaching. While there was definitely practical advice within the book - I think I'd class it more as a "wake-up call" to preachers to preach evangelistically.

While not the best book on preaching which I have read recently, I appreciated a number of things in this book:
The author unapologetically reminding preachers of the great gospel which we need to be sharing...sometimes we get so caught up in the "practical" side of things (just think of what I was expecting), that we lose sight of the greatness of the gospel, and the world's need for it. Overall - this was encouraging.

A couple of things stood out for me in the following chapters:

Chapter 2: the concept of love underlying the preaching of a sermon. I fear that this is sometimes the easiest thing to forget, because we get caught up in seeking to convey information, teach and compel – without remembering the people we are preaching to/for. I valued this correction, and encouragement.

Chapter 3: Contained a number of helpful quotes and directives. Of particular value was the call for us to read, to train our minds – and a great bit of text from Sir Joshua Reynolds on the mind as a barren soil which needs to be continually fertilized and enriched (at 54% in Kindle edition)

In chapter 4 he helpfully points out that while evangelism courses are useful, we should not rely only on those – but to think of those who know no Christian friends who’d invite them to CE who also need some other way to hear the gospel.

It's a quick book to read, with many helpful quotes and thoughts in it.

[Peter Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, short review of the need and the urgency of evangelistic preaching. I think it could have been developed a bit more in each chapter, but I benefitted greatly from the heart and soul of a fellow preacher and evangelist. May the Lord spur others along in the work of evangelistic preaching through this book. If you are looking for a more in-depth dive into the subject, you may want to look to Spurgeon or Lloyd-Jones, which are commended by Carswell in the book. All in all, a good shot in the arm for preachers and Christians alike.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief introduction to biblical principles for evangelistic preaching, undergirded by Carswell's decades of wisdom, experience and study. An important reminder for preachers of any age of the need for such preaching, the need to undertake such preaching with love, and the need to expectantly depend on God for the outcome. People expecting something more practical might be disappointed, and a slightly less thin book would have given us a fuller opportunity to pick Carswell's brains on the topic. Even so, people who think they might be disappointed by reading this should probably read it anyway.

[Michael Ots · Rating 3 out of 5]

A refreshing and encouraging read. This short book is great for anyone who is or aspires to be a preacher of the gospel. Full of anecdotes and illustrations it challenges you to be creative, persuasive and expectant in your evangelistic preaching. It's not an exhaustive text book on sermon preparation and there's a lot more that could be said on this subject but lots of helpful stuff that will encourage and inspire.

[Alun Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and well shaped. No silver bullet stuff but lots of biblical encouragement and challenge. Thankfully not a text book, but a pleasant reminder for preachers and an especially helpful little book for those who may have a calling to word ministry. Engaging and enjoyable. Recommended.