Written Review
Started reading Mary 10, 2024. Finished reading May 14, 2024.
But most important, remember that the gospel must be taught before someone can become a Christian. (p, 31).
This was a great book! Really easy to read and quick. I truly don't have much more to say about this book other than, I really enjoyed this read. This book goes to show that EVERYONE in the church should be Evangelizing. Yeah, that makes sense, but it is good to read. Also, my wife said nearly the same thing as the book - that just goes to show that my wife is SMART!
Overview
"Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus" by J. Mack Stiles is a compelling call to understand and practice evangelism within the context of the church community. In this concise and accessible book, Stiles emphasizes that evangelism is not just an individual endeavor but a collective mission that the entire church body must embrace.
Stiles’ writing is clear, concise, and engaging, making complex theological concepts accessible to a broad audience. His passion for evangelism is evident, and he effectively communicates the urgency and importance of the church’s role in spreading the gospel. The book’s structure is logical, progressing from foundational principles to practical applications.
One of the book’s strengths is its emphasis on community. Stiles convincingly argues that evangelism should not be a solo effort but a collaborative mission, reflecting the New Testament church model. This approach not only aligns with biblical teachings but also provides a more sustainable and effective model for evangelism.
However, some readers might find the book’s focus on creating a church culture of evangelism a bit idealistic, particularly in contexts where the church faces significant internal or external challenges. While Stiles offers practical advice, implementing these changes may be more difficult in practice.
Summary
Stiles begins by redefining evangelism, moving away from methods and techniques to a more holistic and relational approach. He argues that evangelism should be an outflow of a church culture that prioritizes the gospel in every aspect of life. The book is structured around the idea that evangelism is best practiced within a gospel-centered church community, where members are nurtured, supported, and encouraged to speak of Jesus naturally and authentically.
One of the key themes in the book is the importance of creating a culture of evangelism within the church. Stiles suggests practical ways to foster this culture, including preaching the gospel regularly, training church members in evangelism, and modeling evangelistic behavior from the leadership. He also addresses common barriers to evangelism, such as fear and misunderstanding, and provides biblical and practical solutions to overcome them.
Key Points
- Redefining Evangelism: Stiles encourages readers to see evangelism not as a program or a duty but as a natural outcome of a healthy church life.
- Community Focus: The book stresses that evangelism is a collective effort that involves the whole church, not just a few designated individuals.
- Creating a Culture of Evangelism: Practical steps are provided to help churches cultivate an environment where evangelism is a priority.
- Biblical Foundation: Stiles grounds his teachings in Scripture, ensuring that his approach is both theologically sound and practical.
- Addressing Barriers: The book identifies and tackles common fears and misconceptions about evangelism, offering encouragement and solutions.