Taking Men Alive: Evangelism on the Front Lines

by Jim Wilson

Coming from decades of faithful witnessing as a pastor, a U.S. Navy officer, and a door-to-door evangelist, Taking Men Alive shares Jim Wilson's extensive wisdom on evangelism. Jim's insights have been gleaned from a huge variety of personal interactions and straightforward (yet surprising) exegesis of biblical accounts of evangelism.

Entertaining and intensely practical, Taking Men Alive is an inspiring evangelistic meditation and powerful handbook for determining what spiritual state your neighbor is in and how you should approach taking his heart for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Genres: Evangelism, Theology

148 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2015

About the author

Jim Wilson has worked as a pastor and director of Community Christian Ministries (Moscow, Idaho) for over forty years. Before that, he served in the Navy as an officer for nine years and then with Officer's Christian Fellowship for another twelve years. Jim has authored a number of books, including How to Be Free from Bitterness, and is well-known for his practical Bible teaching on relationships and evangelism. He was married to his wife, Bessie, from 1952 until her death in 2010, and is the father of four, grandfather of fifteen (one of whom is in heaven), and great-grandfather of twenty-five and counting.

Reviews

[Ezra Youngren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Boots on the ground practicality + copious amounts of bible verses make for a great combo.

Also love that he said almost word for word one of my points for senior thesis, that was a fun surprise

[Kara Naselli · Rating 5 out of 5]

“when you find yourself shouting, know that you have just told everyone listening that you are unsure of your beliefs.”
This book fundamentally changed how I think about evangelism. I used to think it was a gift only some people had, or even a not-so-very effective strategy that paled in comparison to simply living a godly life. But Jim Wilson has demonstrated that that is not so. Evangelism is something that all Christians should and can do, and Wilson has provided excellent advice about how to do it. Additionally, I really appreciated the sheer amount of verses that Wilson quoted (I would like to see that more in the Moscow crowd) and all the conversion stories. This really works.
I highly recommend this to any Christian.

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, concise and encouraging. I especially appreciated the plow, plant, harvest paradigm in evangelism.

[Jacob Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another great presentation of evangelism by Jim Wilson. His thoughtful opinions combined with his real world experiences and interactions are very insightful.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less of a how-to manual (not counting all the great stories), and more of a description of the mental framework which makes evangelism seem possible. Definitely spoke very directly to a weak point of mine, and I'm grateful for it.

[Shaina Herrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. God is telling the greatest story! I wish I had read this book years ago.

[WPProctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few days ago I heard that Jim Wilson had gone to be with the LORD. I thought of this book. In Taking Men Alive, Jim gives insight on opening men’s eyes, turning them from darkness to light, and turning them from the power of Satan to God. In this God, by His Spirit, promises forgiveness of sin and an everlasting inheritance. Because He is good, God gives us a part in this glorious work. I would like to be better at this. This is the second time I’ve read this book I think I’ll read it again, soon.

[Emma R. Pilcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calvinistically(is that even a word?) provocative at times, but otherwise fantastic. Loved the practicality of this book!

[Adam S Cawrse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wealth of practical guidance was laid out for effective evangelism and I thoroughly enjoyed the accounts of witnessing. There are many treasures in this book. My only reservation was the heavy emphasis on the skill of the evangelist and his/her ability seemingly determining the result of conversion. I didn't like the concept of NOT sharing the gospel because the hearer's eyes were not yet open. It left me wondering where the author stood in his belief of God's sovereignty over salvation (though I do recall he wrote it was the work of the Holy Spirit). Ultimately, it was a solid read and it sounds as though God used JW in a mighty way for His Kingdom.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really challenged my thinking in terms of how best to approach people in order to evangelize and make disciples and the way that conversion takes place. Jim is a man who has spent his lifetime in the trenches of ministry and has a lot of wisdom to impart. If you can get past the standard evangelical glosses its great stuff.

[Ian Hammond · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little idiosyncratic in his exegesis and application but winsome, cheerful, and practical. Jim's strength, from what I read, is leading people across the bridge into faith, whereas, most of us, in the Reformed world, are good at building the bridge but terrible at inviting/helping people cross it (to steal an analogy from another minister).

[Jerome Bushnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on Evangelism I have ever read. Be a servant, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, speak the Truth, be sensitive to those around you, walk in the Light. Highly recommended.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical truth and instruction for reaching the lost. Top notch.

[Jake Litwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book on evangelism.

[Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really helpful book. Tons of Biblical support, along with engaging stories of real life evangelism on the front lines.

[Sam Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought provoking. Everyone should read this book.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian should read this book.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[Caleb M. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and convicting.

[Jason Garwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good.