Powerful Evangelism for the Powerless

by C. John Miller

Jack Miller both challenges and inspires as he shows us how to overcome powerlessness in bearing witness for Christ. Miller talks about the the church's mission to evangelize, involving your church in evangelistic outreach, the marks of biblical boldness, the importance of prayer, and more. He also includes an outline for a 10-week evangelism training program with a focus on "frienship evangelism"—seeing evangelistic opportunities in connection to the people around you.

Genres: Evangelism, Christian Living, Theology

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very powerful book with some really poignant observations. The only downside, was that the author is extremely sensitive to hyper-Calvinism, and while hyper-Calvinism does exist, I do not find it to be as prevalent or worthy of in depth discussion as the author does.

[Zack · Rating 2 out of 5]

An easy book to read, though perhaps a bit eloquent at points. Strongest chapter is 7: “The Pastor Models Personal Witness.” Despite the one great chapter, the book gets low marks for lacking clear definitions and precise theological statements. The definition of evangelism shifts throughout the book, and the main problem that introduces the book is one of a society/culture in desperate need of transformation. Imprecision does not serve the earnest and effective evangelist, but only serves the causes of men who seek to make the church in their own image. I’m not saying that Jack Miller was wanting to fashion a church in his own image, only that theological imprecision serves such nefarious ends. I wouldn’t recommend the entire book, but I see value in certain sections (especially chapter 7 and the bit on hospitality).

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Some parts of it were very good, confronting weaknesses in the modern (Western) evangelical church. But in the second half of the book he started dipping more and more into programmed ideas, most of which were not very good.

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good nuggets, particularly about friendship evangelism. He became too formulaic at the end, and his presentation of the "New Life" struck me as starting at the wrong point (a sense of something missing vs. man's sinful condition and separation from God). Worth scanning.

[Ryan Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, solid theologically with several good nuggets of wisdom.

[mpsiple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that will actually make you want to share your faith.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is dated in some aspects but is brilliant nonetheless. I am a big Jack Miller fan. I cannot express my thankfulness for him, his ministry (Serge), and the impact he has made on my life.

[Drake Barnhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really hard to rate. Most of the chapters are golden, while others really fall short.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is written primarily to pastors, but they are not the only ones who can receive help from it. This brief book can be quite challenging to our complacency. And that is a good thing. Overall it is a good book. I am glad I read it and recommend it. As always, you can find things objectionable here and there. I dissented on more than one occasion when it came to some of the real practical methods, e.g. film meetings and such.

[Matt Kottman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Miller, gets to the heart of evangelism. I was really encouraged by this work as he highlights the resident powerlessness of our witness, and the empowering work of the Spirit making us witnesses. Miller does address practical aspects as well as unbiblical thought patterns in regards to evangelism, whilst also capitalizing on the Gospel.

[South Asia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good refresher on the need to share the Gospel with others. It gives the why and a good example of how.