Stay Salt: The World Has Changed: Our Message Must Not

by Rebecca Manley Pippert, Ravi Zacharias

Helps Christians to share their faith in today's world confidently and effectively.

The world has changed in so many ways, and many of us no longer feel confident when it comes to evangelism, especially with the rise of hostility towards Christian points of view. Keeping quiet is becoming our default position. Yet the world has not changed in one way—it still needs Jesus.

Renowned evangelist Becky Pippert draws on decades of conversations about Christianity around the world to call and equip ordinary Christians to share Jesus through their ordinary day-to-day conversations. She shows that by leaning on our extraordinary God, such conversations can, and often do, have extraordinary results. They will transform hearts, transform society, and transform the world!

Weaving Bible teaching with compelling stories, Stay Salt is the next generation "Out of the Saltshaker" for this new era. It will give readers the confidence share Jesus like Jesus—relevantly, thoughtfully, and effectively.

Genres: Christian, Evangelism, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2020

About the author

Rebecca Manley Pippert regularly speaks on spiritual renewal, evangelism and character formation for church conferences, at schools and colleges and in pastoral training seminars. Becky has written several books on evangelism and Christian living, including the best-selling Out of the Saltshaker. and the LiveGrowKnow DVD curriculum. She and her husband Dick divide their time between Belfast, Northern Ireland and Michigan, USA.

Reviews

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great book to read with someone else! Have loved my Monday book club hour with Anna, and the consistent reminder of this book to pray for opportunities every day.

[Matty Lavelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book would be a bit like one of those films that was bigged up so much it couldn't live up to its expectations but it was truly excellent (had me in tears at the end) a must read to help us live and speak for Jesus today

[Peter Dray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on evangelism. It's touching, funny, an easy read and manages to be engaging without sacrificing theological depth.

Those who've taken part in Becky's evangelism training sessions will recognise many themes re-emerging in Section 1 - especially the emphasis on relying on the Spirit whilst celebrating our humanity and weakness. Section 2 looks at the major acts of salvation history - creation, fall, the cross, resurrection and renewal of the universe - and suggests touching points that allow us speak of them in a way that demonstrates that the gospel truly is good news. Section 3 is the most practical section of the book, with a strong emphasis on asking questions, using the Bible in evangelism and the value of relationships.

I found it slightly frustrating that Becky only ever spoke of the task of evangelism in quite individualistic terms when the normal pattern of Scripture is that it is a corporate activity. But Becky's genius is that she makes ordinary Christians think that they too have a part to play - and I hope many are compelled to do so having read this book.

[Sandra Vel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sharing you faith with others is not always easy. Pippert style focuses more on building connections (approach others with empathy, genuine curiosity, and a willingness to listen) and inviting people to explore faith at their own pace, rather than giving definitive proofs.

However, I found myself wishing for more direct answers to some of the big questions people often ask about Christianity. Pippert’s responses leaned toward encouraging exploration rather than providing clear, definitive answers. For readers who want straightforward explanations to these challenging questions, Stay Salt might feel a bit incomplete.

Overall, Stay Salt is a great resource for those looking to engage in spiritual conversations. Just be prepared that if you’re seeking direct answers to tough theological issues, you might be left wanting more.

[Christian Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pippert helpfully provides a resource on evangelism that is about more than just doing evangelism. Her personal story is inspiring and exhortation as it calls Christian to be obedient to the call to evangelize. The additional discussion questions are worth the read as they make this a great book for evangelism. A great personal read and one worth going through with an individual.

[Cassi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up because talking about my Christian faith with people who aren’t Christians is an area of weakness for me. My tendency is to be fearful of rejection or of approaching the topic in a way that is stilted and therefore (I worry) ineffective. And yet, as Rebecca herself says, “There will always be something easier and more popular to do than share the gospel. But there will never be anything more necessary to do than share the gospel.”

I like how she broke this into three sections:

1) The Means (God is the one who seeks and saves the lost; salvation is accomplished by the Lord through our faithful yet imperfect efforts; walking in the Spirit and depending on His power frees us because we recognize the results of our efforts are up to Him)

2) The Message (the gospel is the greatest story ever told and speaks to our deepest needs; understanding the gospel message inside and out should increase our confidence in articulating it without watering it down; there are foundational elements to the gospel, yet there are myriad approaches to sharing it)

3) The Method (understanding and overcoming our struggles with sharing the gospel; we can’t expect success in our evangelism if we don’t genuinely love and compassionately listen to the people with whom we are sharing; practical suggestions for nudging conversations towards eternal matters)

For me, this was helpful and thought-provoking.

Note: I realize that this book is endorsed by Ravi Zacharias, and he is quoted a few times throughout. I understand that might be a stumbling block for some. However, it would be difficult for me to argue that his name being attached to this book renders it useless or ineffective. I don’t think his contributions are foundational to the structure or content of the book, and therefore I personally am not bothered by it.

[Jeff Ke]

Rebecca Manley Pippert has written an accessible and easy to digest book on a topic that I find particularly hard.

The book goes through the means, message and method for evangelising. Central to what Pippert says is that the gospel remains relevant in a post-Christian western world, therefore evangelism remains necessary. She goes through the heart posture Christians should approach evangelism, what we should be preaching and how we can do it effectively.

While most of the book was very digestible, I think my personal main takeaways were mainly from the introduction and the last few chapters. Specifically, at the centre of my personal evangelism is being captured by and reflecting the goodness of the gospel in my own life; and evangelism is most effective when it's done with the perspective that the evangelis-ee is a valuable person who I'm seeking to get to know and bless with the gospel.

[Alex Gaidai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on evangelism I ever read. So relevant, refreshing and personal. It’s intellectual and practical, addressing most of the questions, and issues with the standard model of evangelism. Surprisingly deep and spot on with theology, the littlest of details. If you’re familiar with C.S Lewis’s, Tim Kellers’s, and Newbiggin’s, G.K. Chesterton’s and other classical writers, you’ll find that the author is well read, and has a ton of personal experience that’s is just awesome. She does mention Ravi Zacharias a handful of times, but the book was written in 2020.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the all-time best books I've read on evangelism and personal love of others.

I would definitely see myself rereading this book.

Such an inspiring and uplifting book.

Highly recommend reading this.

4.9/5

[Ane Hølmkær Mejdahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virkelig en dejlig bog! Giver mig lyst til at dele evangeliet, men uden at give mig dårlig samvittighed - kæmpe anbefaling!

[Jeshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book which for various reasons I was prejudiced against, but which thoroughly proved my rash judgements wrong.
It is biblical throughout, giving a helpful outlook on how we can evangelise.
It did not weaken into the "preach the gospel, if necessary use words" attitude but also didn't suggest that we just randomly shout "repent and believe" to every person we meet.
Although there was at least a whole chapter (and actually mentioned throughout the book) about how it is the Holy Spirit who convicts hearts ultimately, sometimes there did seem to be an emphasis on our works and sidelining the Holy Spirit doing all the works of grace.
I'd recommend to any believer who wants to evangelise (i.e. should be every believer)
The gospel is highlighted beautifully (taking up a third of the book), so I'd definitely recommend to give to people who perhaps you're uncertain about their faith.

[Garrett Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on evangelism I've read. I think the main message is fairly simple, put God at the center of your evangelism. This seems like an incredibly obvious message, but we Christians have somehow de-emphasized God's role in our evangelism. Pippert does a great job reminding readers of the central message of the gospel, as well as that God is the heavy lifter in evangelism, we are not. That should make us all the more excited to share the gospel, as well as relieved that it is not our own skill that is the deciding factor on whether someone comes to Christ.

This book is NOT a formulaic guide to save the soul. There are no 6 steps to save or anything like that. Instead, she details practical ways of having good conversations with different kinds of people, and relies on guidance from the Holy Spirit to do the rest. Overall, made me more excited and ready to talk to others about Faith than I ever have been!

[Imogen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d read and benefited lots from ‘Out of the Saltshaker’ when I last read it (not sure when exactly but at least ten years ago).

(Fun fact: author of this book once told me that my wellies were nice at Forum, UCCF’s conference, in 2012, when I was an undergrad student. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that! Sadly, said wellies have not stood the test of time and are in landfill somewhere!)

I’d been meaning to read ‘Stay Salt’ for a while, but I’m glad I finally have. It’s so helpful whilst at the same time inspiring and comforting.

I read this as a free e-book I got for my birthday from the Good Book Company, and I’m definitely going to try and get a hard copy I can refer to later.

[Daunavan Buyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily the best book on evangelism I have ever read. From how she is able to tie the meta narrative of the Bible into different ways to speak into the lives of the spiritual curious, to the amazing stories of how God has been at work in peoples lives as evangelists step out in obedience… it’s great. Takes a lot of the stigma and fear out of the word evangelism which is also really important.

[3Sunbeams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book nudges and motivates in sharing the good news with others through Pipperts personal stories and Scripture, but also gives practical advice in how to recognize needs and speak to longings of the heart, how to handle objections and move gospel conversations forward through thoughtful, respectful questions. This book is highly recommended.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging and practical, this book will motivate you to speak about Jesus and help you do that in a personal way. A bit repetitive in a couple ways, but well worth reading to help you in your personal outreach.

[Tori Dayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent mix of encouraging, challenging, and extremely practical. Highly recommend either to read by yourself or to go through with a group!

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy listening to Rebecca teach on evangelism. Full of stories and scripture, this is an infectious read.
If (like me) you are a nervous Christian when it comes to sharing your faith - read this book.

[Kenny Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, highly readable intro for students/20-somethings to the necessity, joy, & possibilities of talking to people about Jesus.

[Emily Crutchley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be salt and light not salty and lit

[Dan Mingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent! Evangelism isn’t done through method, but relationships. So many great comments in this book and it shows how anyone can be used in a moment to share the gospel.

[Kaela McCorkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth reading, friends. What a joy-inspiring, practically helpful, encouraging book to stir your love for God and sharing His gospel! Loved it.

[Emily Leininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, relevant, and inspiring. Pippert weaves in personal stories and practical guidance on sharing our faith in today's world. Loved it.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for small group study. Very good.

[Rachel Bill]

This book was so helpful and encouraging. I especially liked part three which was very practical.

[Andy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ask lots of questions when starting the gospel presentation. Show yourself to be friendly.

[Braxton Schieler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the most hopeful book on evangelism I have read. I particularly like it because it challenges us to become enamored with the gospel story and to decrease in our reliance on our own power. If evangelism falls on me, I'm not likely to do it--that's why it's so important that it doesn't ultimately fall on me! Also, understanding that one-size-fits all models for evangelism are cop-outs is not only important but actually helpful in evangelism. The tools we have are not gospel tracts but the love of Christ, which reaches to the individual story. The many examples in this book are encouraging and helpful guides for how to actually speak the gospel to the individual (though I wish there was a bit more practical wisdom on how to actually discern what people's needs are; I've found that it's harder in practice than some of Pippert's personal stories as an experienced evangelist make it seem. I'm not asking for a magic bullet, but some more stories of things gone wrong to serve as training posts would be great.). This book brings urgency to the gospel message-we don't get to sit on our hands and leave the work to someone else. At the same time it is hopeful and equipping and it reminds us that sharing the gospel is easier than we believe and yet also deadly serious--an exciting adventure and a wonderful window into the stories that God is writing.

[Danny Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few authors can do what Pippert has done. Pippert published "out of the saltshaker and into the world" in 1979, shared the gospel for 40 years, and now publishes "Stay Salt." What a model of faithfulness, perseverance, and grit. I want to be like this woman.

And the book is, well, really good too. At the heart of her book is the understanding that evangelism is both easier and harder than we think it is. For those who think evangelism is complicated, for the elite, and terrifying, Pippert reassures us that no one is a professional evangelist. We will all get stumped, all make a fool of ourselves, and all sometimes do a bad job. But that's okay. Just keep speaking the gospel.

On the other hand, some people need to know that evangelism comes at a cost. We may be spurned by our coworkers, we may be laughed at, there are places that we may even be killed. But that's also okay. Just keep speaking the gospel.

Pippert's book is a good blend of humor and earnestness, theology and practice, stories and principles. Would definitely recommend.

[Josh Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book about evangelism. Not only is it full of encouragement for the person who's intimidated by evangelism, but it also provides really practical steps for people to take in engaging those around them.

Pippert has a range of stories of God working through her and her husband that brought me to tears. Quite literally I was reading this book in a restaurant alone and started crying.

What I think is best about Stay Salt is the nuance it provides in encouragement for all Christians to be part of the Great Commission AND the nuance and wisdom in approaching people differently depending on how they respond to your question. Pippert encourages believers to be good listeners, to be good friends, and to engage the head or the heart when appropriate, which is different than most apologetic approaches that emphasize on or the other. I would encourage anyone interested in evangelism to read Stay Salt.

[Pat O'Keeffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is almost certainly nothing new or revolutionary in this book. The title kind of gives that away! For the point of this book is not to tell us to do anything new, but to continue doing what Christians have always been called to do: be salt and light in the world.

The real life examples in this book were moving, the outline of the gospel was simple but captivating, the description of difficulties we face in sharing our faith was realistic and honest, and most of all the hope and excitement that God is still at work in the world through us (!) was palpable.

I finished the book excited to embrace my weakness, depend on God's strength, and point others to Jesus and the treasure of the gospel.