Thomas P. Johnston, Charts for a Theology of Evangelism. B and H Academic, 2007.
Referenced in: Theology and Practice of Evangelism – Missionally Responsive/Evangelical
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This is a one-of-a-kind text. It is designed to be a “ready-reference” overview of how one’s theology affects the praxis of evangelism. It is especially helpful given the significant redefinition of evangelism brought on by the postmodern shift as reflected in emergent authors. Such periods of redefinition breed confusion, against which Johnston provides some help through the maze. Though written from a conservative evangelical, revivalist, proclamation perspective (e.g. “Biblical Stages in Theological Drift,” “Revival as Cause and Effect”), its academic purpose secures some degree of objectivity. For example, the section on “Linking Theology and Practice” includes numerous charts that show how one’s view of the atonement affects the practice of evangelism: substitution, reconciliation, ransom (Christus Victor), liberation, and moral influence. Similar help may be found with regard to understanding how different groups define the meaning and parameters of the Great Commission, assessing the effectiveness of tools for evangelism and follow-up, evaluating methodologies of evangelism, linking evangelism with apologetics and culture, etc.
The best way to use Johnston is as a reference tool. When you read a book (or something about a book) on the subject of evangelism, consulting Johnston may provide a bird’s-eye view of that author’s perspective in relation to others. In so doing, the relative merit of that viewpoint becomes clearer, not as a means of dismissing it, but understanding where it may need supplementation. Again, Johnston certainly has his own shortcomings in representing beliefs other than his own, but he is objective enough overall to be of value.
From the Publisher
Like no other book before it, Charts for a Theology of Evangelism gathers ninety-three unique charts based on author Thomas P. Johnston’s twenty-three years of practicing and teaching personal evangelism. This excellent classroom, preaching, or personal study resource features nine major sections, and each chart from “The Urgencies that Drive Evangelism” to “Five Interpretations of ‘Salt’ in Matthew 5-13” to “Biblical Stages in Theological Drift,” includes an explanation and contextual set-up from the author.
About the Author
Thomas P. Johnston is associate professor of evangelism at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, and president of Evangelism Unlimited, Inc. He and his wife have three children.
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