Alvin Reid and Thom Rainer, Evangelism Handbook: Biblical, Spiritual, Intentional, Missional. B and H Books, 2009.
Referenced in: Theology and Practice of Evangelism – Missionally Responsive/Evangelical
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
In relation to other books on evangelism, I would categorize this one as missional/convergent in the same sense as another volume Reid co-authored with Mark Liederbach in the same year (2009), The Convergent Church. Unlike the other volume, this is not written as a response to Emergents, but it reflects the same “convergent” philosophy. It seeks to capture some of the better elements of the missional/emergent conversations without sacrificing important distinctives of more traditional churches, thus “convergent.” Reid expresses his orientation:
We can add without subtracting. Without losing the best of our heritage and the bedrock of truth, the church can move forward in our time; without surrendering time-tested approaches that continue to be used of God, we can add new insights to help us in effectively reaching people for Christ. But we must change our posture as the people of God as much as Paul changed from preaching Jesus the Messiah to Jews in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13) to preaching Jesus as the one true God to Gentiles in Athens (Acts 17). We need a God-intervention not unlike the Great Awakening that swept Britain and the American colonies, sweeping multitudes into the Kingdom and birthing new approaches in evangelism, missions, and church planting. We need theological renewal in a consumer culture not unlike the Reformation. In short, we need a biblical, spiritual, intentional, and missional movement. (15)
The last sentence of the above paragraph provides the outline for the four parts of the book.
Part I: Biblical (nine chapters) – Presents a historical theology of evangelism and the mission of God. Though written in language that the theologically trained will appreciate, it is aimed to be understood by the theologically untrained.
Part II: Spiritual Resources (five chapters) – Aligns evangelism with the work of the Spirit, the power of prayer, testimony, the witness of character, and spiritual disciplines
Part III: Intentional (six chapters) – Discusses the role of leaders in motivating and mobilizing congregations in terms of personal, church, worship, and mass evangelism.
Part IV: Missional (six chapters) – Addresses issues such as church planting and how to reach the unchurched, children and families, the next generation, the cities, and the nations.
Each chapter is followed by discussion questions. The language and tone of the book is both motivational and instructional.
This is not a book of detailed strategy. It is more of an overview of the importance and scope of evangelism in the mission of God as expressed through the local church, sprinkled with dozens of interesting stories, anecdotes, and practical suggestions. It is not a difficult read, and a church leader will be able to peruse it to mine out the sections that are of particular benefit.
From the Publisher
In Matthew 5, Jesus calls believers the salt of the earth and light of the world. Indeed, we must reach out to tell others His story of sacrifice and grace so glory is given to God throughout our communities and the entire planet.
Evangelism Handbook is a thorough guide to the daily ministry of sharing Christ. Writer and professor Alvin Reid is particularly concerned about how the Western Church is practicing evangelism — its failure to reach the hardcore unchurched and its trend of losing young people faster than it can win them.
With all of that in mind, Reid organizes his research and experience in effective modern evangelism into four clear and actionable categories: Biblical (with chapters on Jesus, Paul, and evangelism in Acts), Spiritual (the work of the Spirit, the power of prayer and other disciplines), Intentional (leadership, creativity, worship), and Missional (church planting, reaching the unchurched).
About the Author
Alvin Reid is associate dean for Proclamation Studies, professor of Evangelism, and founding Bailey Smith Chair of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
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