"Models of Evangelism" (Priscilla Pope-Levison)

TITLE: Models of Evangelism
AUTHOR: Priscilla Pope-Levison
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2020, (208 pages).

How do we do evangelism? What does it mean to be an evangelist? Are we all called to evangelize like the famous evangelists in history? What is evangelism? In this book that takes us back to the very basics of evangelism and the different methods in which we can share the gospel, readers learn biblical ways to share Jesus practically without compromising theological principles. The key thesis in this book is that evangelists come in all shapes and sizes; and we are all evangelists. All we need is to find the right combination of evangelism models and our own style of sharing the gospel. The author does that by first showing us a few real-life examples of the different models at work. In fact, the models were drawn out of these experiences. Each chapter beings with an anecdote following by a description of the biblical principles behind the method. Each model had at least two theological themes to anchor each model. The historical background helps us appreciate the past notable practitioners for simply wanting to reach people with whatever they know. I like the critical appraisal of  each model that points out the strengths and weaknesses of each method. At the end of each chapter, the author gives readers a chance to wrestle with five reflective questions. The eight models range from one-to-one personal evangelism to larger corporate events such as mass revival meetings and mass media. 

1. Personal: Like friendship evangelism, this method focuses on the skills needed for a 1-to-1 relationship
2. Small Group: A way of sharing the gospel via a group study over a short period of time
3. Visitation: Knocking on doors; tracting; and visiting people at their homes
4. Liturgical: Having an evangelistic emphasis through the Church year; especially during special occasions
5. Church Growth: Coming up with new creative ways to welcome people into the Church and the gospel message
6. Prophetic: challenging people to speak the gospel into society through social justice, political movements, and economic matters
7. Revival: Organized rallies
8. Media: Using the Internet and mass media

My Thoughts

It has been said that if a Church does not evangelize, she fossilizes. A growing Church is a Church that reaches out rather than mere reaching in. Indeed, without evangelism, the Church will not grow. In fact, the Church might not even be obeying her calling. Evangelism ought to be the way of life. Unfortunately, one of the problems with evangelism is the lack of understanding of what and how it is to be done. Many people grow up with simply one or two models on how to do evangelism. Influenced by such methods, they might start thinking that if any outreach does not resemble what they have learned or experienced, then it is not evangelism. Unfortunately, this kind of understanding is myopic. It also straitjackets the meaning of evangelism. As society becomes increasingly diverse and multicultural, it is even more critical to be equipped with as many skills and methods as possible. Armed with a bigger arsenal of tools and know-how, people would be better equipped to adapt and to utilize whatever is most appropriate for different contexts. Enters this book that shows us not just one or two, but eight models of evangelism. Wow. Surely that would give make any evangelist or evangelist-to-be super excited. By expanding our understanding of evangelism and the various ways in which we can share the gospel, we can start to move away from unhealthy fixed modes toward a more flexible and dynamic way to speak of Jesus's love. Let me offer three thoughts.

First, this book expands our understanding not only of evangelism or the methods of evangelism, but to help us identify our own "sweet spots" of evangelism. We all have our gifts and talents. Not all of us are called to be great evangelists who are able to influence large crowds. Knowing the different methods available to us will not only help us find our strongest inclination but also to join the evangelism community around the world. After all, Jesus has said that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Hopefully, this book can add to the small number of people doing evangelism.

Second, I believe we should not get stuck on any one model and presume that as our only modus operandi. In fact, the best evangelist will not get hung up on the exact model per se, but would happily use any of them as long as the gospel is preached or the person is reached. Just like Paul's enthusiasm in Philippians 1:18, as long as our desire is to reach the person with the gospel, the more methods we know, the better we are able to adapt to the person's willingness to listen. 

Finally, I believe this is a powerful book for equipping the Church. It might even make evangelists out of all of us, albeit in different shapes and sizes. In fact, I would even say that the challenges of today are much more complex than mere people and methods. For that reason, I appreciate the author's appraisal sections most helpful. In fact, the most common method of evangelism, the personal evangelistic method, is even said to be the most difficult of all. Perhaps, we should not be discouraged by that. I like to think of evangelism as a process. Some of us do better at sowing while others at watering. Eventually, some people would do the harvesting. Whatever it is, as long as we are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each model, we will be most effective whatever model we choose to use.

This book deserves to be read, taught, and preached to the Church at large. We need more workers for the harvest and equipping people is one of the best way to supply that. This book is that powerful tool to do just that.

Priscilla Pope-Levison is Associate Dean for External Programs and Professor of Ministerial Studies at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. Before coming to Perkins, she was Professor of Theology and Assistant Director of Women’s Studies at Seattle Pacific University for 15 years. 

Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Academic and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.