Stepping into evangelism
£3.00 (Approx)
3.8Get the resource >
Overview
What does it say on the tin?
‘When Pharaoh kept the people of God slaves he instructed them to make bricks but didn’t give them the straw they needed to make them. Our God is entirely the opposite – God charges us with a task them gives us what we need. This resource is a gift from God, via Church Army, to enable each of us to live out the most freeing, exciting and life-giving of mandates that God offers: to be witnesses to Jesus Christ. This is just the kind of thing we need.’ The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
What do you get?
Matt paperback book (almost square). Ten chapters:
- Why is evangelism God’s idea?
- How to share your story.
- Who can you share your story with?
- Leading people to Jesus and what next?
- How can your church reach the community?
- Changing world, changing church – exploring fresh expressions on church.
- Making the most of Christmas and Easter.
- Community events and outreach.
- Church Army’s story.
- Get involved.
Designed for individual use, but could be adapted for small group sessions, working through most of the chapters, one per session (probably eight sessions).
Who is it for?
Adults, growing, individual, small groups, whole church
Cost?
£3.00 www.churcharmy.org.uk
Review
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What is the overall quality of the material?
Very attractively produced matt booklet with clear text, photos and graphics.
How clear are its aims and outcomes?
Short introduction by The Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell explains that this is an ‘exciting exploration of evangelism' with ‘practical suggestions on how to clarify ... your journey of faith' and ‘helpful pointers on how to share your story'. No other information.
How accessible are the leader's notes?
Just the one book. Extremely clear layout and progression. Each chapter has text and responses. Nicely produced, with colour-shaded boxes for written replies to the questions. Mixture of material for both personal and group/church discussion makes this an unusual resource. However, although this book would need adaptation for group use, it is clear, concise and memorable, and deserves the effort.
Who could lead it?
A leader who is confident to adapt this for group use.
How helpful are the participants' resources?
See leader's notes
How good is any digital material?
N/A
How much prep will I have to do?
Some chapters easy to adapt for group use; others will need more imagination, and exploration of suggested further resources.
Is there website support? Links?
Links to Church Army, which includes opportunities to get more involved, book a speaker.
Is it dated?
No.
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How well does it encourage interaction with the group?
Dependent on the leader, but the response questions, and many of the topics, need to be discussed in a group.
How well does it cater for a variety of both learning and delivery styles?
Dependent mainly on the leader, but the responses in each chapter vary in style so that would help to create variety.
How adaptable is it to my situation?
Designed (presumably) for individual use, but could be adapted for small group sessions, working through a chapter per session. Easier for some chapters than others, and you may need to dream up some questions for a couple of the chapters, but the material gives plenty to think about and discuss.
How well does it encourage people to work together in applying the material?
This is partly why this clear and inspiring book would benefit from group use – much of the material is all about responding together as a church rather than just an individual. This includes working out how to tell your own story of becoming and being a Christian, and practising telling it. Chapters on practical implications for your local church community are included.
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How much of the material is Bible-based?
Biblical passages quoted as foundation for most of the topics.
How well is the biblical material presented and used?
Material is based around biblical concepts, including the homecoming of the prodigal son, the visit of Nicodemus, our being prepared to tell our story. Questions centre around the topic rather than the biblical passages.
How well does it apply biblical material to everyday life?
Recognition that people around us face constant challenges in life, and that they need the hope offered in Jesus.
Is there a particular theological perspective?
Evangelical. The founder of church Army, Wilson Carlile, was an ordained Anglican.
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How well does it inspire people towards whole-life discipleship?
‘The goal is to see lives changed, hearts renewed and people transformed into agents of the kingdom themselves'. Focus is on learning how to share the good news in word and deed.
How well does it encourage and enable people to grow in their faith?
Good challenge to examine one's own commitment to telling people about Jesus; and the implications of this for lifestyle and activities.
How well does it stretch faith and vision of God and his purposes?
Encouragement to pray for and take opportunities to tell others about what Jesus means to you; the ‘how-to' of leading someone to Jesus is included. Honest, clear and straight-forward. Good explanation about the rationale for fresh expression of church, with searching questions about the effectiveness of outreach into your community.
How well does it connect with real life issues?
Realistic about the challenges of life; best seen in the community ideas.
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How well does it encourage personal evangelism?
Very practical motivation and opportunities to work out how to tell your story in helpful ways. Concise and accessible material.
How well does it encourage local or network-based community involvement?
Fabulous ideas for community involvement. Not to be missed.
How well does it connect with global issues?
Not a focus.
How well does it encourage global mission?
Implicit in rationale