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Evangelism Handbook: Biblical, Spiritual, Intentional, Missional
In Matthew 5, Jesus calls believers the salt of the earth and light of the world. Indeed, we must reach out to tell others His story of sacrifice
and grace so glory is given to God throughout our communities and the entire planet.
Evangelism Handbook is a thorough guide to the daily ministry of sharing Christ. Writer and professor Alvin Reid is particularly concerned about how the Western Church is practicing evangelism-its failure to reach the hardcore unchurched and its trend of losing young people faster than it can win them.
With all of that in mind, Reid organizes his research and experience in effective modern evangelism into four clear and actionable categories: Biblical (with chapters on Jesus, Paul, and evangelism in Acts), Spiritual (the work of the Spirit, the power of prayer and other disciplines), Intentional (leadership, creativity, worship), and Missional (church planting, reaching the unchurched).
and grace so glory is given to God throughout our communities and the entire planet.
Evangelism Handbook is a thorough guide to the daily ministry of sharing Christ. Writer and professor Alvin Reid is particularly concerned about how the Western Church is practicing evangelism-its failure to reach the hardcore unchurched and its trend of losing young people faster than it can win them.
With all of that in mind, Reid organizes his research and experience in effective modern evangelism into four clear and actionable categories: Biblical (with chapters on Jesus, Paul, and evangelism in Acts), Spiritual (the work of the Spirit, the power of prayer and other disciplines), Intentional (leadership, creativity, worship), and Missional (church planting, reaching the unchurched).
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
35 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Alvin L. Reid
28 books10 followersDR. ALVIN L. REID, best known for his student-given nickname “Doc,” has been a professor for over 20 years, over 17 of them spent at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
He has written over a dozen books, most on subjects like evangelism, spiritual awakenings, missional Christianity, and student ministry, and has taught young leaders on four continents and on scores of college campuses from the University of North Carolina to Harvard.
He has written over a dozen books, most on subjects like evangelism, spiritual awakenings, missional Christianity, and student ministry, and has taught young leaders on four continents and on scores of college campuses from the University of North Carolina to Harvard.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 20, 2017
An excellent resource for exploring and digging deeper into evangelism in a classroom, personal, or group study environment. One of just a handful of books on this topic I would readily recommend (including Dr. Reid's other book "Sharing Jesus without Freaking Out").
August 9, 2020
I was intimidated by this book for the longest time, but once I got started I was glad to find biblical encouragement and motivation for sharing the gospel with others. If you are a Christian who desires to share your faith with others, this is for you. I would add, however, that this is a comprehensive overview of evangelism, featuring everything from church history to youth ministry. Other, briefer books have also been written on the subject, so if you’re wanting a quick read I would go with something else.
August 28, 2021
There are helpful parts contained in this book. However, questionable theology, erroneous history, and the author’s moral hypocrisy offset the good. On the last, God will take care of Reid in God’s usual loving and redemptive manner.
The theology is reformed through and through, but with an appreciation of other parts of the body of Christ. I found it amusing that Reid called inclusivism one of the greatest dangers to the church and then used an inclusivist, John Wesley, as a frequent example of evangelistic practice. His understanding of the Wesleyan tradition is limited. Reid doesn’t understand the structure of the Wesleyan revival and early Methodism. He entirely ignored class and band meetings which were the basis of the success of that revival. When he gives a taxonomy of evangelicalism, Reid doesn’t mention Wesleyan evangelicalism which likely is more extensive than any of the single evangelical traditions he does list.
There is persistent misogyny that seeps out of the text that I found troubling, even before I knew that he resigned from his university and church positions over moral failings in this same area.
While there is much good in this very comprehensive book, it is repetitive, often erroneous in its statements, lacks a bibliography, and is poorly structured. I cannot recommend the book.
The theology is reformed through and through, but with an appreciation of other parts of the body of Christ. I found it amusing that Reid called inclusivism one of the greatest dangers to the church and then used an inclusivist, John Wesley, as a frequent example of evangelistic practice. His understanding of the Wesleyan tradition is limited. Reid doesn’t understand the structure of the Wesleyan revival and early Methodism. He entirely ignored class and band meetings which were the basis of the success of that revival. When he gives a taxonomy of evangelicalism, Reid doesn’t mention Wesleyan evangelicalism which likely is more extensive than any of the single evangelical traditions he does list.
There is persistent misogyny that seeps out of the text that I found troubling, even before I knew that he resigned from his university and church positions over moral failings in this same area.
While there is much good in this very comprehensive book, it is repetitive, often erroneous in its statements, lacks a bibliography, and is poorly structured. I cannot recommend the book.
April 30, 2021
Exhaustive is an understatement. This book was difficult to get through, not because it was intellectually challenging, but because the author would make a point...then make it again about 5 more times, every chapter seemed to be this way. I'm giving 3 stars because the message was right, cut this book to about half and you've got a winner.
June 6, 2017
A very comprehensive book on the theology and methodology of evangelism. It is throughly Biblical and yet practical. I could see it used as a seminary text but also as a small group study in a church.
November 3, 2017
Reid presents a personal guide to evangelism in today's world. It is practical, informative, and challenging.
November 20, 2017
Simply amazing! Reid makes evangelism so simple- even for a scaredy-cat like me. So much awesome material packed in every single chapter.
February 3, 2021
While the content is okay and in theory effective, the author's life brings a sense of hypocrisy to the work.
April 24, 2024
Too dense. Book has too much fat. Should be more concise, slim.
December 17, 2012
“Biblical, Spiritual, Intentional, Missional!”
“In Matthew 5, Jesus calls believers the salt of the earth and light of the world. Indeed, we must reach out to tell others His story of sacrifice and grace so glory is given to God throughout our communities and the entire planet.
Evangelism Handbook is a thorough guide to the daily ministry of sharing Christ. Writer and professor Alvin Reid is particularly concerned about how the Western Church is practicing evangelism—its failure to reach the hardcore unchurched and its trend of losing young people faster than it can win them.
With all of that in mind, Reid organizes his research and experience in effective modern evangelism into four clear and actionable categories: Biblical (with chapters on Jesus, Paul, and evangelism in Acts), Spiritual (the work of the Spirit, the power of prayer and other disciplines), Intentional (leadership, creativity, worship), and Missional (church planting, reaching the unchurched)." (From the B&H Publishing Group Website) One of BaptistMessenger.com's Editor's Picks for 2009!
About the Author: Alvin Reid is associate dean of Proclamation Studies, professor of Evangelism, and Bailey Smith Chair of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
My Thoughts About the Book: The book EVANGELISM Handbook, is indeed “Biblical, Spiritual, Intentional, Missional,” Informational, Encouraging, and Edifying. The author neatly breaks the book down into four main parts, those being; Part 1 Biblical, Part 2 Spiritual Resources, Part 3 Intentional, and finally Part 4 Missional. He then effectively provides the reader Biblically Centered, helpful and practical insights that somehow relates to all four areas.
The book consists of 468 pages of material that includes a large amount of Scripture, numerous quotes from the writings of church leaders, and practical nuts and bolts, how you do evangelism when you are in the trenches information that anyone who does evangelism will surely find invaluable. I have to say that this book is to Evangelism what an auto repair manual is to the professional and lay mechanic – it is an essential resource and tool so that the evangelist can be fully equipped and most used of God in the Spirit-driven ministry of Evangelism. And two aspects of the ministry of Evangelism that author Reid covers is regarding the “Work of the Spirit” and the “Power of Prayer” bringing the supernaturalness of God into the work of evangelism. At the end of each chapter there are Questions for Consideration so the reader can stop and ponder what they have read and consider how to make what they have learned practical in their lives.
I can see why Evangelism Handbook was chosen as the BaptistMessener.Com’s Editor’s Pick in 2009. The book is worthy of such reward for all the wisdom it shares and help it provides for people who do the work of evangelism or want to do the work of an evangelist. Anyone and everyone who wants to be effective in winning souls for the Lord regardless of their position or ministry in the church needs to read this book and then do as it suggests. If that were to happen we would have Holy Spirit driven, holy, men and women, wholly committed to and being more successful in doing the Gospel Commissioned work of evangelism which in turn would lead to more souls being saved.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the B&H Publishing Group for reviewing the book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
“In Matthew 5, Jesus calls believers the salt of the earth and light of the world. Indeed, we must reach out to tell others His story of sacrifice and grace so glory is given to God throughout our communities and the entire planet.
Evangelism Handbook is a thorough guide to the daily ministry of sharing Christ. Writer and professor Alvin Reid is particularly concerned about how the Western Church is practicing evangelism—its failure to reach the hardcore unchurched and its trend of losing young people faster than it can win them.
With all of that in mind, Reid organizes his research and experience in effective modern evangelism into four clear and actionable categories: Biblical (with chapters on Jesus, Paul, and evangelism in Acts), Spiritual (the work of the Spirit, the power of prayer and other disciplines), Intentional (leadership, creativity, worship), and Missional (church planting, reaching the unchurched)." (From the B&H Publishing Group Website) One of BaptistMessenger.com's Editor's Picks for 2009!
About the Author: Alvin Reid is associate dean of Proclamation Studies, professor of Evangelism, and Bailey Smith Chair of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
My Thoughts About the Book: The book EVANGELISM Handbook, is indeed “Biblical, Spiritual, Intentional, Missional,” Informational, Encouraging, and Edifying. The author neatly breaks the book down into four main parts, those being; Part 1 Biblical, Part 2 Spiritual Resources, Part 3 Intentional, and finally Part 4 Missional. He then effectively provides the reader Biblically Centered, helpful and practical insights that somehow relates to all four areas.
The book consists of 468 pages of material that includes a large amount of Scripture, numerous quotes from the writings of church leaders, and practical nuts and bolts, how you do evangelism when you are in the trenches information that anyone who does evangelism will surely find invaluable. I have to say that this book is to Evangelism what an auto repair manual is to the professional and lay mechanic – it is an essential resource and tool so that the evangelist can be fully equipped and most used of God in the Spirit-driven ministry of Evangelism. And two aspects of the ministry of Evangelism that author Reid covers is regarding the “Work of the Spirit” and the “Power of Prayer” bringing the supernaturalness of God into the work of evangelism. At the end of each chapter there are Questions for Consideration so the reader can stop and ponder what they have read and consider how to make what they have learned practical in their lives.
I can see why Evangelism Handbook was chosen as the BaptistMessener.Com’s Editor’s Pick in 2009. The book is worthy of such reward for all the wisdom it shares and help it provides for people who do the work of evangelism or want to do the work of an evangelist. Anyone and everyone who wants to be effective in winning souls for the Lord regardless of their position or ministry in the church needs to read this book and then do as it suggests. If that were to happen we would have Holy Spirit driven, holy, men and women, wholly committed to and being more successful in doing the Gospel Commissioned work of evangelism which in turn would lead to more souls being saved.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the B&H Publishing Group for reviewing the book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
April 14, 2016
I think I have found what I will use as my premier resource for evangelism in church and personal ministry. This volume by Alvin Reid is at once a passionate call for evangelism and a practical guide to several aspects of it. A Foreward by Thom Rainer and an Afterword by Roy Fish tells you type of book this one is going to be. It did not disappoint.
I loved Part 1 that was nine chapters on why evangelism is so essentially Biblical. It was so well done and accurate. It had the flavor and fervor of the old writers of evangelism, yet it was fully up-to-date.
Part 2 was five chapters on a subject that is missing in many modern works on evangelism–spiritual resourses. Some works present evangelism in such a mechanical way that methods, they suggest, guarantee results. Reid explains the role of the Spirit and the need of real spirituality on our parts. He also explained the nedd of and use of a personal testimony.
The rest of the book is good counsel on how to carry out evangelism and how to be missional. There may have been a sentence or a quote here and there that I disagreed with, but this book is nothing short of a home run!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I loved Part 1 that was nine chapters on why evangelism is so essentially Biblical. It was so well done and accurate. It had the flavor and fervor of the old writers of evangelism, yet it was fully up-to-date.
Part 2 was five chapters on a subject that is missing in many modern works on evangelism–spiritual resourses. Some works present evangelism in such a mechanical way that methods, they suggest, guarantee results. Reid explains the role of the Spirit and the need of real spirituality on our parts. He also explained the nedd of and use of a personal testimony.
The rest of the book is good counsel on how to carry out evangelism and how to be missional. There may have been a sentence or a quote here and there that I disagreed with, but this book is nothing short of a home run!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 21, 2016
I thought this book was an excellent resource as a guidebook to evangelism. I especially appreciated the section on being intentional in evangelism. I think this would be a great resource for leaders in the church seeking to create a culture of evangelism in their church, as well as lay-people who want to grow in this area of their life. Evangelism is an essential ministry for all believers, so it is important to be well equipped. This book is an excellent starting point to equipping yourself and your church for an effective ministry of evangelism.
You can read my full thoughts on the book here: http://sydneyann.com/2016/09/20/evang...
Thanks to B&H Publishers for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest review!
You can read my full thoughts on the book here: http://sydneyann.com/2016/09/20/evang...
Thanks to B&H Publishers for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest review!
January 24, 2013
A far too exhaustive look at evangelism. While I believe evangelism is an essential part of one's faith, Reid goes into way too much detail. The best part is the practical ideas. Spends most of his time making a case that evangelism is the most important thing a Christian can do. Makes his point and then continues to make it over and over again.
September 9, 2015
Dr. Reid is one of my favorite teachers, writers, and people. When it comes to studying and teaching on evangelism and spiritual awakenings, Dr. Reid is well studying. Most importantly: he believes in the next generation! This is a must read!
March 9, 2011
Very thorough work on evangelism.
September 29, 2012
While I might disagree with the author's view of how God's salvation is applied to sinners, he had some great practical ideas for evangelism.
January 24, 2015
Too exhaustive in my opinion. Some chapters are better than others. Several good insights, however.
January 16, 2015
The book has a good content, but it has not bibliography list which might be useful for further researches on the given topic.
August 19, 2016
An accessible, simplified introduction into the nature and practice of evangelism.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews