Jeffrey A. Johnson, Got Style?: Personality-Based Evangelism. Judson Press, 2009.
Referenced in: Approaches to Evangelism – Conversational/Relational
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
I like this book, not because I believe all churches should use a personality-styles approach to evangelism, but because the author does a good job in categorizing evangelistic methods under the personalities that are most likely to implement them. Evangelistic emphases in churches tend toward a “cookie-cutter” approach, pushing one method as if it is right for everyone. Johnson reveals the folly of this strategy.
This is similar to an older, out-of-print volume by Helen Boursier, Tell It With Style: Evangelism for Every Personality Type, which was based on the four-personality DISC Personality system, looking at how personality affects both those who communicate and those who listen. Johnson expands the four types into six:
- Assertive style, or “This is the way I see it”
- Aanalytical style, or “I think, therefore I am”
- Storytelling style, or “Have I ever told you about?…
- Relational style, or “Thank you for being my friend.”
- Invitational style, or “Would you like to come?”
- Incarnational style, or “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary use words.”
He presents a chapter on each style. This is followed by the actual assessment in chapter 8 and an explanation in chapter 9, which Johnson recommends as the place to start before moving to the rest of the book. The postscript on the missional vs. maintenance mindsets, along with the appendices, are good as well. He provides an extensive bibliography, categorizing the most widely recognized resources (at the date of publication) under each personality style.
Even if one does not use the personality-styles approach, the comparative charts in the appendices help place evangelistic approaches in perspective, tempering the tendency of proponents to push everyone into their style. It also helps reader appreciate each style for what it is, recognizing its strengths and weaknesses. As he says, “This book is an attempt to bring together and refine the various evangelistic programs, methods, and curriculums into an understandable and applicable format, by categorizing them in order to complement specific personality styles.” (xii) This section alone makes this an important book for church leaders, even if you do not implement the personality-styles approach.
While this is important, Johnson realistically places the “the assessment of personality-based styles among a congregation’s membership is just one component of aligning or realigning the congregation toward mission and outreach.” (xiii) He outlines seven steps of personality-based styles outreach and implementation, which are described in considerable detail in Appendix A.
- Discernment and discovery among the leadership
- Vision casting
- Prayer and hospitality training among congregation
- Personality styles – evaluation, education, and explanation
- Personality styles – styles specific training
- Personality styles – styles organic training
- Follow-up and discipleship
The book concentrates on step four with some introduction to step five. Johnson encourages people to start by taking the personal assessment in chapter 8 followed by the explanation in chapter 9.
Johnson offers a balanced view of evangelism that any church leader will appreciate. Assess the approach to see if it is right for you. But whether you follow his approach or not, get the book to understand the breadth of evangelistic practice and experience. It is a good bird’s eye view of how people both do and receive evangelism based on their personalities.
From the Publisher
Intimidated by the Great Commission? Cringe at the idea of evangelism on the street corner or going door-to-door? Pastor Jeff Johnson will transform your commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus as individuals and as a congregation. Identify the evangelism style that suits your personality, learn from biblical and contemporary role models who employ the same strengths, and discover the joy in introducing family, friends, or strangers to the life of faith.
Based on his popular “Got Style?” workshops, pastor and evangelist Jeffrey Johnson offers churches and individuals an understanding of evangelism based on the following six personality types:
- Assertive
- Analytical
- Storytelling
- Relational
- Invitational
- Incarnational
For each personality style, the author provides:
- a basic definition and description of the personality
- strengths and weaknesses of the style
- outreach ideas, including expressions of prayer and hospitality
- a biblical and contemporary case study of the style in evangelistic action
Through the book’s “Discover Your Style” inventory test, readers will gain insight into how they engage the world in general.
About the Author
Jeffrey A. Johnson, MA, PhD, is senior pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church of Hurricane, West Virginia, and leads National Ministries’ National Evangelism Team (NET), comprised of American Baptist regional staff, pastors, and key lay leaders. Dr. Johnson is founder of the Berean Institute of Biblical Studies, which offers an accredited program for Baptist lay ministry.
***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.***
Related Areas
See Other Resources on Evangelism:
See Resources on Over 100 Areas of Ministry Leadership: