"A History of Evangelism in North America" (Thomas P. Johnston)

TITLE: A History of Evangelism in North America
AUTHOR: Thomas P. Johnston
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2021, (352 pages).

What is evangelism like in the past in North America? How could the past shed light on how we could do evangelism in the future? What can we learn about evangelism that we could use today? Scanning the past centuries in North American evangelism efforts, author Thomas Johnston brings together 21 professors to write on "evangelistic movers and shavers" who had influenced the North American cultural landscape. More importantly, it showcases how the Great Commission had been practiced by many in the past. Using a chronological progression, readers will learn about the history of key evangelists from the 18th Century to the 21st century. From Jonathan Edwards to Billy Graham; Bill Bright to John Piper's Reformed movements, the purpose of this book is to provide us a "biographical approach to evangelism," that the practice of evangelism is connected intimately to the personal lives of the evangelists. We learn of how Jonathan Edwards preached so passionately to convert rather than instilling fear. We see how David Brainerd, who lived for only 29 years, dedicated his life to minister to the Native American Indians. His perseverance in spite of great discouragement ought to provide a glimmer of hope for many modern evangelistic efforts. The 18th Century First Awakening was also impacted by the preaching efforts of two persons: George Whitefield and John Wesley. After John Wesley, Francis Asbury was instrumental in spearheading the Methodist movement in North America. While Asbury was not as eloquent as Wesley, he was an organizational genius, showing us that evangelism is more than speaking via the pulpits. In the 19th Century, we read about the Camp Meeting Revival Movement, in particular, in Cane Ridge Church where many churches and Christian communities started praying for revival to be just like Cane Ridge Church. That revival has been hailed as the greatest outpouring of God's Spirit since the first Pentecost in the Early Church. We see the impact of the Bible societies in America, laying the foundations for the Second Great Awakening. In the 20th Century, the key figures include John Mason Peck (and Rock Springs Seminary), Henrietta Mears (and the Sunday School movement), Dawson Trotman (and the Navigators), Billy Graham (and YFC), Bill Bright (and Campus Crusade), James Kennedy (and Evangelism Explosion), the Jesus Movement, and many more. 

My Thoughts

This is a rare book that gives us an intimate look at evangelism and evangelists in the past two centuries. Nowadays, mention the word "evangelism" and we might think of Billy Graham or some passages like John 3:16 to share with others. Beyond these, we might be clueless about the history of evangelism, especially in the previous two centuries. Even the name "Sunday School" is something we hear and use so often in churches but many do not know the history, which was actually a small initiative by Henrietta Mears to reach young women for Christ. She reminds us that the most powerful part of the Sunday School lesson was the teacher behind it! We need new models and hopefully, this historical survey could play an important role to help the current generation of leaders to shape a new path forward in an age of the Internet and social media. The ball is firmly in our courts to start a new strategy to reach the people of this generation. 

Reading about the history of the various evangelistic movements is in itself inspiring.  Why do I say it is inspiring? That's because it spurs a movement. Like a snowflake that starts an avalanche or a spark that gets the fire going, these incredible revivals and spiritual renewals are exactly what is needed in a world that continues to be plagued by distress and discouragement. Many of the mainstream denominations are currently going through phenomenal changes. Some are due to doctrinal disputes while others are simply dealing with cultural influences that divide the association. We need inspiration more than ever before to look beyond these internal divisions to see the Great Commission above all our other pettiness. Perhaps, by bringing back these reminders from the past, we can learn to cherish the traditions inherited and to ensure that we do our part to pass the baton of faith to the next generation.

Many of the efforts have two things in common: Deep prayer and concerted passion to spread the Word of God. This needs to be reaffirmed by every generation. Good works come from the Word of God. Zeal for God's mission comes from the love for the people that Jesus died for. The best strategies, the most powerful resources are all meaningless without the heart of love for the gospel and the desire to share it. That is the root of evangelism. Not the obligation nor the skillset, but the deep love for God and for neighbour.

Thomas P. Johnston (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Professor of Evangelism at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and President of the Southern Baptist Professors of Evangelism Fellowship. He is the author of numerous books and articles on a theology of evangelism and historical studies of evangelists, including Consumed!―A Passion for the Great Commission.  

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

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