Being the Body Resources: Evangelism

Evangelism: Cultivating relationships with non-Christians and sharing faith with them; regularly inviting unconnected or unchurched friends to Gateway.

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Just Walk Across the Room

Author: Bill Hybels
© 2006 Zondervan ISBN 978-0310266693
Notes: This book is all about simple steps to help point people towards faith. Starting with the idea of just walking across a room to help someone or strike up a conversation, the author explains many basics of evangelism and challenges the reader to take a walk for others. We like this book because it not only encourages Christ-followers to befriend non-Christians (which is a good first step but is certainly not everything) - it also gives theologically-sound and also practical instruction for how to share the Gospel message with others. Some of us are content to only walk across the room, but need motivation for follow-up and continued conversations - this book provides that well.
Resource Access: Look at a bookstore or order online
Growth Level: Deepen

They Like Jesus But Not the Church

Author: Dan Kimball
© 2007 Zondervan ISBN 978-0310245902
Notes: From the back cover: "Ask someone today if he or she likes Jesus, and the answer is usually yes. But ask if that person likes the church, and chances are you will get a far less favorable response." How true that is here in Austin! Reading this book will give you insight into what your unchurched friends, neighbors, and coworkers think about Christian faith, Jesus, Christians, and the church. Dan Kimball gives well-thought responses to perspectives he sees in emerging generations, including that the church has a political agenda, is judgmental, oppresses women, is homophobic, is arrogant regarding other world religions. In addition to helping the reader think about how to respond to outsiders' questions, Kimball presents ideas to help Christ-followers form their own theology about these questions. A group study is available, also (we have not previewed it yet).
Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
Growth Level: Deepen

Letters From a Skeptic

Author: Gregory & Edward Boyd
© 1994 (NA) ISBN 1564762440
Notes: This easy-to-read book is mostly a conversation between a father and son about the father's questions about the Christian faith. It is listed in the Deepen category entirely because it can be a good example of how someone who is maturing in their Christian faith can have a meaningful and friendly conversation with someone who is just checking out faith. Those in the Deepen season may find some of the content to be a review - but this book can offer input on how to talk to friends with skeptical questions.
Growth Level: Deepen

More Ready Than You Realize

Author: Brian McLaren
© 2002 Zondervan ISBN 0310239648
Notes: Brian McLaren primarily wrote this book based on his e-mail correspondence with an artistic and friendly woman with a postmodern bent who was checking out faith- "Alice." After happening to meeting the author at a publicity event for his book "Finding Faith," Alice reads the book and starts a conversation. By using her emailed questions and thoughts as a basis for teaching principles of evangelism, McLaren presents very readable, thought-provoking, and realistic ideas that will challenge you to think of evangelism as conversation - as friendship - as dance. You are truly more ready than you realize to share your faith -- without sales pitches or arguments, but through knowing people as friends instead of projects. Includes Bible study & group study resource suggestions.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway order online
Growth Level: Deepen

Out of the Saltshaker & into the World

Author: Rebecca Manley Pippert
© 1999 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830822208 revised edition
Notes: Drawing on the idea that Christ-followers should be "salt and light" in the world, this older but still interesting book helps the reader understand the idea of sharing our faith -- as a lifestyle. From the first sentence, which admits our tendency to be uptight about evangelism, through chapters on conversation skills, story-telling, and the Gospel message, Pippert's book challenges the reader to go beyond our comfortable Christian lives into true interaction with our world. While many books on this subject have been written since this book was published that you might relate to better, this book still has something to offer.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore order online
Growth Level: Develop

The Master Plan of Evangelism

Author: Robert Coleman
© 1994 Revell/Spire ISBN 0800786246 (also several revised editions)
Notes: This book, which had an original printing in the 1960's definitely has a few drawbacks from age, but because it primarily focuses on principles from the ministry of Jesus, this book still has something to offer. While we may not recommend this for your first book on evangelism, it is still valuable to read, especially for those who are growing in their faith and looking to better understand the evangelism and discipleship pattern set by Christ and his disciples. There are many editions, some with substantial study notes and helps that make this most suitable for growing Christ-followers who also like to read.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway order online
Growth Level: Deepen

How to Give Away Your Faith

Author: Paul Little
© 1988 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830812172 (numerous editions)
Notes: This book which was originally written in the 1960's, has been revised by the author's wife (both of whom worked in college ministry for 25 years). The revised edition adds more practical suggestions to the classic volume on personal evangelism. Also because of it's age, this may not be the first book we'd recommend for evangelizing to your postmodern friends, but the general principles can help a growing Christ-follower better understand both what they believe and how to share it with others.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore: order online
Growth Level: Deepen

Evangelistic Illustrations Overview

Author: Gateway Church
© 2008 Gateway Church
Notes: This is a 2-page introduction to some illustrations you might use when talking to others about your faith.
Resource Access: Download PDF
Growth Level: Develop or Deepen

Thirst Diagram

Author: Gateway Church
© 2008 Gateway Church
Notes: This tool presents an evangelistic illustration you might use with a friend who is not quite ready yet to understand Jesus, but who seems to be searching for something to satisfy their thirst for meaning, purpose, or life. It can be a casual way to share how Jesus satisfies your thirst and open up future conversations.
Resource Access: Download PDF
Growth Level: Develop

Bridge Illustration (modified)

Author: Gateway Church
© 2008 Gateway Church
Notes: This tool introduces an evangelistic illustration you could use with a friend who's trying to understand what Jesus is all about.
Resource Access: Download PDF
Growth Level: Develop

Do All Paths Lead to God

Author: Gateway Church
© 2008 Gateway Church
Notes: This tool can help growing Christ-followers understand how to talk with a friend about the question "Do All Paths Lead to God." It can help show how world religions (like Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, etc.) have things in common with Christianity, but overall they are very different.
Resource Access: Download PDF
Growth Level: Develop

Good News of the Kingdom

Author: Allen M. Wakabayashi
© 2007 Allen M. Wakabayashi
Notes: This evangelistic illustration presents the Gospel in a more communal and world-impacting way than some others. It may be suitable to learn to share with your friends who are asking questions about Jesus or who are wondering how God fits in with our world's problems. (NOTE: this link takes you to the author's website - and the PDF includes references to Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, a campus ministry.)
Resource Access: Download PDF at another website
Growth Level: Develop

Sharing the Story... Evangelism as Conversation

Author: Gateway Community Church
© 2004-2005 Gateway Community Church
Notes: This resource is designed to get you thinking about evangelism as conversation. Think about evangelism as a natural part of life that matters deeply to you and your friends. Think about sharing your faith, not in a pre-programmed presentation, but as an integral part of your daily life.
Resource Access: Download PDF
Growth Level: Develop

Media

There are currently no resources of this type in this category.

Group Study

Just Walk Across the Room Group Study

Author / Series: Bill Hybels & Ashley Wiersma / Stand-Alone
© 2006 Zondervan ISBN 978-0310271765
Bible Section: (NA)
Notes: This 4-week DVD-driven Group Study is excellent for motivating small group members to "just walk across the room" to not only befriend but also share their faith with their friends. The 4 lessons use a participant's guide and DVD. The DVD can be checked out at Gateway. For additional info, look for the hard-cover book by the same title.
Resource Access: Borrow DVD at Gateway and purchase guides online
Leader Notes: 4 sessions. Check out the DVD at Gateway. We do suggest you use the Participant's guides and complete all 4 sessions. Each DVD lesson has good teaching and most have a few funny moments, which your group will enjoy. Practical exercises are included, also.
Growth Level: Develop

Becoming a Contagious Christian

Author / Series: Bill Hybels & Mark Mittleberg / Stand-Alone
© 1995 Willow Creek Resources ISBN 0310210089
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: Discover your natural communication style, how to cultivate relationships with non-Christians, and share Biblical truths in everyday language. Gateway owns the video curriculum of the older version of this study, for small group use.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore: online ordering
Leader Notes: 8 sessions. Talk to the Gateway staff about using this curriculum -- we have VHS copies to share. Participants will benefit from purchasing the separate participant's guides. Don't buy another copy of the VHS set, we have several - but if you get the newer DVD set, you're welcome to share it with us!
Growth Level: Develop

Evangelism: A Way of Life

Author / Series: Rebecca Manley Pippert & Ruth Siemens / Life Guide
© 2000 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830502
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: This study guide takes some of the fear away from evangelism -- helping you realize that it isn't in fact as intimidating as it may seem.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore: order online
Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually very easy to lead. This particular book, however, is quite long.
Growth Level: Deepen

Sharing Christ Together

Author / Series: Life Together / Brett Eastman / Experiencing Christ Together
© 2005 Zondervan ISBN 031024983X
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: A study guide about sharing God's love with friends, family, and the world. This book develops themes that are also present in "Sharing Your Life Mission Everyday" (from the same authors). You do not need to use both books. "Sharing Christ Together" is recommended for Develop Groups. "Sharing Your LIfe Mission Everyday" is recommended for Discover groups.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore: order online
Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Suitable for new leaders.
Growth Level: Develop

Sharing Your Life Mission Every Day

Author / Series: Life Together / Brett Eastman / Life Together
© 2002 Zondervan ISBN 0310246768
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: Introductory Small Group study that will equip you to extend love to the spiritual seekers in your midst and to talk about your faith in ways that others can understand.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore: order online
Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Well suited to Taste of Community groups.
Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)

Reaching Out: Sharing Gods Love Naturally

Author / Series: Kevin Harney and Bill Hybels / InterActions (Willow Creek)
© 1996 or 2005 Zondervan ISBN 0310206782 or 0310265924
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: This group study will help you understand your personal evangelism style and the reasons that you would share your faith. (Previously published under the title "Evangelism")
Resource Access: Available at Gateway order online
Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Suitable for new group facilitators. Revised in 2005. Titled "Evangelism" in the 1996 editions.
Growth Level: Develop

Sharing Your Faith

Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: A general study guide on evangelism with Biblical examples to help educate the reader and help them overcome fears about sharing your faith with others.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore: order online
Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Suited for new leaders.
Growth Level: Develop

Missions: Gods Heart for the World

Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: Missions is not something only missionaries are called to. Every one of us is called to using our gifts to impact the World. Dig into Scripture using this study guide and consider God's heart for the world. When you understand what God wants for the world, you'll better understand where you fit in that mission.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore: order online
Leader Notes: 9 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually very easy to lead.
Growth Level: Develop

Witnessing: How to Give Away Your Faith

Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: This study guide is based on the book, "How To Give Away Your Faith." Six sessions tied to scripture help the reader to understand their faith and how to talk to others about it.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore: order online
Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Leaders notes included -- the leader might also benefit from reading the book this study is based on.
Growth Level: Develop