The Unexpected Adventure: Taking Everyday Risks to Talk with People about Jesus

by Lee Strobel, Mark Mittelberg

Well-known evangelists Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg have teamed up to bring you a 42-day devotional-style series of adventures in sharing the gospel. Through their own stories—ranging from the laugh aloud funny to the discouraging to the uncanny—Strobel and Mittelberg will motivate you to make the Great Commission a way of everyday living. These are just a few of the many stories told. The two trade off, giving examples of the many and unexpected ways they've seen God show up and work in the lives of those who dare to speak his name. Filled with practical guidance, inspiration and transparency, The Unexpected Adventure addresses everything from the emotional challenges of evangelism to the spiritual joy that comes from putting your trust in Christ and talking about it. Perfect for readers who don't need another "evangelism playbook" but instead want transparent, real-life stories of the risks people take to talk about Jesus.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Evangelism, Christianity, Faith, Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Lee Patrick Strobel is an American Christian author and a former investigative journalist. He has written several books, including four that received ECPA Christian Book Awards (1994, 1999, 2001, 2005)[2] and a series which addresses challenges to the veracity of Christianity. He also hosted a television program called Faith Under Fire on PAX TV and runs a video apologetics web site.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was an unexpected adventure. I kind of bought it on a whim, and hoped it would be okay. But it was much more than 'okay'. It was interesting, inspiring, uplifting, entertaining, encouraging, and practical. Every chapter tells a story of witnessing for Christ in some way, followed by an explanation of the principle used and encouragement for trying it out with the people we interact with. I appreciated the fact that although Mark and Lee tell lots of 'success' stories with evangelism, they also share those that were apparent failures. It's encouraging to know that even people experienced in witnessing make mistakes, get discouraged, and don't always have 'success'.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I plan to re-read it when I feel at a loss of how to reach and share God's love with others, or need some inspiration to keep going. If you're wanting to be a bolder witness for Christ, expand your witnessing skills, or like reading exciting (and entertaining) stories about spiritual conversations, I recommend this book.

[Jenny Mullin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It is inspiring to read the many different ways to share the gospel, but the authors also encouraged me to think about how powerful God is! He’s in control, and I don’t have to bear the burden of sharing perfectly. Also, God truly loves and cares about everyone. It was a good reminder.

The book consisted of 42 short stories about sharing the gospel. Each story was interesting, and I liked that I could read one or two a night since they were short.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I partly read, partly skimmed this one. It was encouraging to read of so many accounts of instances in which the authors faithfully shared the gospel with others. I like how they think of evangelism as an "unexpected adventure."

[Tim Baumgartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

There has not been a book by Lee Strobel I have not liked [The Case for Faith, The Case for Miracles, The Case for Hope, etc.]. This one was no different. It includes 42 stories that alternated between Lee Strobel, and fellow evangelist Mark Mittelberg of how they experienced continual unexpected adventures living the Christian life. There are lots of people who think following Jesus is boring. But they MIGHT have gotten comfortable or are unsure of how to be connected to our Creator. This gives practical insights and different ways in how God used them to accomplish His purposes. I found it VERY encouraging to be reminded of how God is doing various things in people from ALL KINDS of backgrounds. Let's be like Isaiah 6:5, "Here I am Lord, send me!"

[Patrick S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really want to start out this review by saying "Don't read this book!" because it is so well done that it accomplishes what it was set out to do - inspire Christians to share their faith with others. This is a collection of about 40 different stories each with a different real scenario that Strobel and Mittelberg had. Some are entertaining, some are emotional, some are thought provoking, and some are just downright good. If you need a kick in the pants to fulfill the command Jesus gave of the Great Commission then I would highly suggest this book. If you're fine just where you're at - then "Don't read this book!" Final Grade - A

[Diane Busch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook read by the authors - well narrated.
They share some amazing stories of sharing their faith with others and how God may work to bring about change in others and acceptance of Christ. They are knowledgeable and bold for Christ. And some of the stories of how God has used them, sometimes planting a seed that doesn’t bear fruit for years. So inspiring to us that we may not always see results but we must continue to share the good news and ask for opportunities to do so. And ask for Holy Spirit guiding as to what to say and when. Each section (Day 1, Day 2, etc) ends with a challenge.
This is for the Christian audience. It is very inspiring and challenging.
Well written.

[Jill Holler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book about the power of sharing one's faith. The authors' give their own personal stories about the effects of sharing Jesus with others, and they inspire us to do the same. The Christian life is truly an adventure when we let our purposes lie in the hands of God. Get ready to be inspired to share your faith and join this adventure!

[Kent Kessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

42 days of devotional chapters about the adventures in purposely seeking to lead someone to Christ. Each day has a story, and principle, a challenge, and a Scriptural encouragement. Good for a Church staff to go through together before launching a 42-day Evangelism Adventure in your church. You don’t want to miss reading Day-17, The Cowboy Who Almost Shot Me.

[Heather Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pep rally for faith! Get out there and share the greatest thing in your life... Jesus! To everyone everywhere!

[Manette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this read by both authors. Excellent and easy to listen to.

First, a reader must understand that Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg are writing to a Christian audience who desires to share their faith. The do a great job giving practical tips, encouragement, and Biblical principles.

Each chapter alternates between Mark and Lee sharing a brief story. The stories are enjoyable, uplifting, and always conclude with their presentation of the Gospel with someone. Sometimes the person chooses to surrender to Jesus and other times it is unknown.

I appreciate that they shared times they made mistakes and what they learned. In this they remind us that ultimately it is God who changes hearts. This is a great book that I may read again when in need of fresh prompting and encouragement to share my faith with those God puts in my sphere of influence.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book, especially the stories of the various encounters that Mark and Lee relate. I think it’s a practical book because at the end of each of these stories there are some action principles and little coaching notes about how you might go about sharing the gospel in similar situations. It came through clearly that in order to reenact or have similar adventures as they do it’s very important to be on fire with the Holy Spirit and/or have reference material with you.
I think it’s good they remove the idea that only those in clerical garb are responsible for sharing Jesus with others. I hope this book inspires others to be more open about their faith. This book pairs well with Barry Meguire’s book Ignite your Life.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best evangelism-focused books I've read in a long time. I found it convicting without resorting to a "guilt trip" tone. The first-person examples were inspiring, yet relatable enough that I could see similar situations in my own life (rather than inducing the feeling that "Great anecdote, but I could never replicate it.") I found the end of the chapters particularly helpful: action principles to try to apply what the chapter talked about to my own life, and with Scripture as the "finale" to every chapter to keep the perspective focused on what God says about this topic.

[Steve Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg offer 42 brief and encouraging stories of evangelism. Most of the stories are about their successes and failures in sharing the gospel with others, but they also share some stories about how others have reached out. The stories reveal that God uses all personality types and people from all walks of life to get his message out. I recommend this book for those who think that they just can't do evangelism and perhaps feel guilty about not doing it.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that these were first hand accounts from both authors as they shared their faith with others. There are 42 "adventures," alternating been Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg. Some are amusing, some challenging, all are thought-provoking. And a few (like the man who was tiling an office floor--read the book to discover what I mean) are mind-blowing. This is written mostly for a Christian audience, but I think anyone would find the various accounts and life experiences intriguing.

[Kay Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book a few times. Its purpose is to inspire people to take risks in talking to random people in their lives about Jesus. It does accomplish that purpose, although many of the stories present difficulties for those of us who are introverted or may not have such monumental opportunities to interact with acquaintances or even strangers. Still, I will no doubt read it again for encouragement in those everyday encounters as they arise.

[Elekanyani P Mavhungu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be inspired to walk with the Lord in seeking the lost. And it is also relevant to those who have questions about the authenticity of the Kingdom of God. Jesus spoke to the Jews that if they can't believe in Him they can look up to His works. This book relates stories of works done by kingdom citizens and these works are signs of what someone can experience by becoming a citizen of Heaven.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational stories to encourage sharing faith and not being worried about hard questions. Seemed repetitive after a while but the overall message was convicting. Appreciated the resources and notes.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book worked very well - a strong 4 star. Two good authors, 42 chapters. Some better than others, but very readable all the way, inspiring to take more risks, although not exactly where I am at, at the moment. A lot of good stuff here nonetheless.

[Andrea D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Designed to read a small story with relevant advice and scripture daily for 6 weeks. There is a lot of good stuff in there.

[Aaron Hixson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tons of great reminders. These are challenging guys that inspire me to think more about this area of my life.

[Rejith Varghese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read on the adventure bit in sharing the Gospel.

[Will Massie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Both motivating and convicting. Lord may I no longer be silent but give testimony to your saving grace as You give me opportunity!

[Mike Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and audiobook. Unique impactful everyday stories about life and sharing faith. There is a biblical foundation and scripture for each story/example of sharing your faith with others.

[Asha McDd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tries to encourage you to talk to others about the Lord it may be what they need to finally give their lives to him; it speaks of witnessing like and adventure

[Errika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and encouraging! So many stories told that are fun to read

[Cat DeArville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories. Very engaging

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about all the adventures that Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg had talking to a variety of people. It's awesome to see God's word spreading and affecting people in such powerful ways. The book definitely makes you want to go out and start talking about Jesus! It also lends itself well to suggesting other books to read from both of these authors. I have been personally inspired by this book and I hope the motivation that it has given me will last.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book as a daily devotional. The authors set out their stories on how they spoke to people about their faith and the joy they recieved in doing so. Speaking about your faith to people whose reactions are unkown is a difficult thing to do. Looking at it from the eternal prespective really shows you that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Still not easy.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book as part of a class I was taking at church. It has interesting stories and was an easy read. Co-authored by a former atheist-turned Christian. It seemed very familiar from the get-go, which is no surprise really. I have read many books by Lee Strobel, and years ago partook in a class "How to Become a Contagious Christian", also written by Strobel.

[Quinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit, it made me feel a bit guilty for not sharing my faith as much as I should.
The book was quite good. Full of stories of people hearing about Christ.
It also discusses a debate they set up between a high profile Atheist and a Christian (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=...) I'm hoping to watch the debate at some point.
Anyway, I would recommend the book.