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Unsilenced: How to Voice the Gospel
Are you afraid to share your faith in Jesus with unbelievers? When the opportunity presents itself, do you feel like you just don't know what to say? You are not alone. How to Voice the Gospel gives readers the knowledge and confidence to share the Gospel with anybody, at any time. Author James Boccardo has shared his faith in Jesus with Israeli soldiers in Israel, Ethiopians on the Fourth of July, and even the Yale golf team. Unsilenced reviews the Gospel, gives tips on starting conversations with friends or strangers, and examines the typical questions unbelievers always ask. It includes real-life stories where these questions come up-and how to answer them. There are examples of practical applications along the way, giving every Jesus follower the confidence they need to share the Gospel. If the people who claim to know Jesus don't tell the world about Him, who will?
188 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2010
56 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 31, 2015
I think I first heard of this book through J. Warner Wallace interviewing the author on his podcast. This was a really convicting book for me as I look back on all the excuses I've made over the years to NOT talk to anyone about my Savior. Why have I done that?? If what we believe is true, then why on earth wouldn't I be begging and pleading with everyone I meet to listen to the truth before it's too late, for none of know if the next minute is ours or not. Like Greg Koukl's book Tactics, this is more of a behind the scenes training aid for Christians, like my old army field manuals, but for evangelism. It's like prep material to read before you go into combat. It's kind of like being an E-1 private and getting partnered up with a platoon sergeant on his 5th tour of duty who knows what to do and what not to do: you better listen up. But instead of training you for combat, it's more like training for being an ambassador or diplomat. We're all ambassadors - so represent honestly and accurately.
Boccardo tells how he came to trust in Christ by reading a Bible on his own for several weeks, but was disappointed that all of his Christian friends had kept this truth to themselves and never shared it with him, even though it was no secret that he wasn't a Christian. He then spends a chapter on the "famous excuse list" that Christians use for not sharing with others. If you feel like he's beating you up a little with all of the "tough love" in this book, it's probably because, like me, you needed to hear the sobering truth, too. So get over it, cupcake, and take it for the constructive criticism it is. I know I don't like having my shortcomings pointed out to me, but James Boccardo's critique is legitimate; I've been one of "those" Christians he's talking about, and I'm grateful to him for pointing out my apathy and timidity. Speaking of timidity, I know I tend to think of "what if?" scenarios that leave me verbally paralyzed. A big part of the book is common objections you may be dreading, and answers for them. So that was a useful section. Overall, it was a quick read, but a good one.
Boccardo tells how he came to trust in Christ by reading a Bible on his own for several weeks, but was disappointed that all of his Christian friends had kept this truth to themselves and never shared it with him, even though it was no secret that he wasn't a Christian. He then spends a chapter on the "famous excuse list" that Christians use for not sharing with others. If you feel like he's beating you up a little with all of the "tough love" in this book, it's probably because, like me, you needed to hear the sobering truth, too. So get over it, cupcake, and take it for the constructive criticism it is. I know I don't like having my shortcomings pointed out to me, but James Boccardo's critique is legitimate; I've been one of "those" Christians he's talking about, and I'm grateful to him for pointing out my apathy and timidity. Speaking of timidity, I know I tend to think of "what if?" scenarios that leave me verbally paralyzed. A big part of the book is common objections you may be dreading, and answers for them. So that was a useful section. Overall, it was a quick read, but a good one.
September 19, 2023
Excellent guidance in sharing the Gospel in a simple and straightforward way. Helps take the fear out of getting the conversation started!
January 20, 2024
Encouraging, exhorting, entertaining. The author identifies “baby steps” for introducing the Gospel, for those of us who are perhaps shy or introvert, scared or uncomfortable around social situations. Lots of examples and stories. Highly recommend!!
December 21, 2022
Sharing the Gospel Simplified
I've been planning to get and read Tactics, and I still will, but it heard about this book from J. Warner Wallace and I'd never heard of it before, so I was curious. It's not a sophisticated read for sure, but there is a sweet simplicity about it that I really loved. It encouraged, excited and emboldened me as I read. I just got done leading my first apologetics group, which had already helped make me want to share the gospel way more than I do (which is - unintentionally - rare as it is). Reading this built on that, plus I appreciate James Boccardo putting a list of verses and other helpful info at the end. I intend to get copies of this for the members of my group and I'll purchase a hard copy for myself as well.
I've been planning to get and read Tactics, and I still will, but it heard about this book from J. Warner Wallace and I'd never heard of it before, so I was curious. It's not a sophisticated read for sure, but there is a sweet simplicity about it that I really loved. It encouraged, excited and emboldened me as I read. I just got done leading my first apologetics group, which had already helped make me want to share the gospel way more than I do (which is - unintentionally - rare as it is). Reading this built on that, plus I appreciate James Boccardo putting a list of verses and other helpful info at the end. I intend to get copies of this for the members of my group and I'll purchase a hard copy for myself as well.
August 17, 2021
This book helped me get the courage to seek God in prayer and ask for Him to help me voice the Gospel. I gave the Gospel to two people so far!
February 2, 2024
Enjoyed this book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It definitely is a book that encourages you to step out of your comfort zone. I love the simplicity of the message. It is important for us to remember Jesus walks with is through it all and may we accept the challenge of the great commission. Being saved from something so incredible by Jesus substitution for our sins is incredible and needs to be shared and celebrated with others.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It definitely is a book that encourages you to step out of your comfort zone. I love the simplicity of the message. It is important for us to remember Jesus walks with is through it all and may we accept the challenge of the great commission. Being saved from something so incredible by Jesus substitution for our sins is incredible and needs to be shared and celebrated with others.
September 8, 2022
Amazing. A very accessible read for anyone who wants some boldness in sharing their faith. Mr. Boccardo provides practical tips and questions, as well as plenty of anecdotal experience in his own personal attempt at The Great Commission.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone; pairs well with Tactics by Gregory Koukl.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone; pairs well with Tactics by Gregory Koukl.
January 10, 2024
This is the best practical book I’ve read on how to voice the gospel, lose fear of witnessing and respond to objections in a friendly but bold way.
The author does a great job of providing easy solutions for the lay christian. I’ve read other books that are good apologetics resources or talk about the theology of evangelism but this is the most practical one I’ve come across.
The author does a great job of providing easy solutions for the lay christian. I’ve read other books that are good apologetics resources or talk about the theology of evangelism but this is the most practical one I’ve come across.
January 28, 2020
This is a straight forward, encouraging little book... a much needed push to simply get out and spread the gospel, with a practical plan of approach and reminder that we are to simply sow the seeds.
August 11, 2011
If ever there was a book that got me excited to evangelize, this is it. Unscilensed: How to Voice the Gospel by James Baccardo is a quick, efficient and effective tool for those getting started in evangelism and apologetics. I wish I had this book years ago when I first became interested in Apologetics and evangelism. I purchased the kindle version, but plan on buying a physical copy just so I can lend it out to people.
The book starts with a clear, easy to understand gospel presentation (something I think more Christian books should start with) and moves right in to the toughest part of evangelizing: getting over our fears. The “Famous Excuse List” is refreshing and needed in our day in age. It certainly addressed issues I deal with personally in regards to evangelism, and put them in their proper light. This doesn’t mean I am fearless when talking to people now, but I am without excuse for sure.
There is also a wonderful section on more than a dozen common objections faced by evangelists. ”There is more than one way to God”, “It just matters how sincere your are” many of these knee-jerk responses are addressed and shot down in easy to understand language.
Toward the end of the book there is a section entitled “Varsity Team” which addresses how to talk to people of other varying religious backgrounds and worldviews. The focus and ease of this section is outstanding and has changed how I plan on addressing these groups in the future.
Overall this book is outstanding. 5/5 stars. I think anyone from the middle school years up could read and apply this book to their evangelism strategies.
The book starts with a clear, easy to understand gospel presentation (something I think more Christian books should start with) and moves right in to the toughest part of evangelizing: getting over our fears. The “Famous Excuse List” is refreshing and needed in our day in age. It certainly addressed issues I deal with personally in regards to evangelism, and put them in their proper light. This doesn’t mean I am fearless when talking to people now, but I am without excuse for sure.
There is also a wonderful section on more than a dozen common objections faced by evangelists. ”There is more than one way to God”, “It just matters how sincere your are” many of these knee-jerk responses are addressed and shot down in easy to understand language.
Toward the end of the book there is a section entitled “Varsity Team” which addresses how to talk to people of other varying religious backgrounds and worldviews. The focus and ease of this section is outstanding and has changed how I plan on addressing these groups in the future.
Overall this book is outstanding. 5/5 stars. I think anyone from the middle school years up could read and apply this book to their evangelism strategies.
August 3, 2012
Great book
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews