George G. Hunter, III, Radical Outreach: How Christianity Can Reach the West…Again. Abingdon Press, 2000.
Referenced in: Evangelism Approaches – Missional
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This builds on the Celtic Way of Evangelism, discussing the mission drift of churches in America and Western culture generally, and compares/contrasts this to the apostolic emphasis on evangelism. In many ways, it functions as a missional recasting of the church-growth philosophy of evangelism, but with the benefit of Hunter’s penchant for theological reflection. This includes obsevations on the rhythm of conversation and proclamation in biblical evangelism, the mandate of cultural relevance, the importance of lay ministry and lay caregiving, the value of short-term missions, and the usefulness of the recovery movement with a good theology of addiction/disease and the twelve steps.
From the Publisher
This book tells how the contemporary church can reclaim its ancient witness through hands-on ministries with the unchurched.
When it comes to transforming people’s lives and leading them into active Christian discipleship, why does there seem to be such a difference between the church we read about in the New Testament and our own churches today? What was it about those earliest Christians that empowered them to spread the gospel with such startling results? One core reason, says George G. Hunter III, is that they reached out into the communities in which they lived. Instead of building fortress churches and inviting others to come join them inside the walls, the earliest Christians spread out, engaging in hands-on ministries to meet the needs of people where they were. The churches today that have reclaimed this apostolic ministry are the ones that do not rely on worship, or even preaching, to woo the unchurched into visiting them. Rather, they use outreach ministries — everything from recovery groups to English-as-a-second-language classes — to reach those most in need of the healing word of the gospel.
About the Author
George G. Hunter III is Distinguished Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. A sought-after speaker and workshop leader, he is one of the country’s foremost experts on evangelism and church growth.
***For additional information on this resource, including reviews, click the bookstore links. Check the reference at page top or the links below for resource guides on related topics.***
See Resources on Over 100 Areas of Ministry Leadership: