How to Revive Evangelism: 7 Vital Shifts in How We Share Our Faith

Description

Christians need a compelling way to share their faith that combines the timeless practices of Jesus with timely perspectives about our post-everything era. In a post-Christian, post-modern, post-truth society where Jesus followers aren't often well regarded, modern evangelism methods and efforts are eroding and increasingly ineffective. Christians often talk more than we listen, confront when we should converse, and demand that people believe before they belong. Author and Executive Director of Alpha US Craig Springer believes that reaching non-Christians is possible, but only if we are willing to shift our perspectives, abandon ineffective methodologies, and consider the unique cultural moment in which we live. In How to Revive Evangelism, he shares the often-overlooked evangelistic approaches of Jesus himself and demonstrates how returning to these fundamentals are the key to reviving evangelism in the 21st century. Incorporating groundbreaking and often startling data, Springer offers Christians seven shifts in how to share their faith--with friends and family members, neighbors and coworkers--that create greater potential for life change and interest in Jesus.

Craig Springer is the Executive Director of Alpha USA, a program that runs in over 6,500 churches across every major denomination and 500 prisons throughout the country. Alpha mobilizes over 50,000 volunteers and 360,000 participants annually in the US and over 1.3 million globally. Alpha is a simple idea of a great meal, a short talk and a meaningful discussion about life and faith over ten weeks. It is for people with questions, frustrations and serious doubts about spirituality, the church, the direction of their lives or anything in-between. The key to Alpha is listening - it's a judgement-free space where any point of view is respected, no one gets corrected and people can explore their thoughts together. Craig has been a leader and pastor in influential churches in Chicago and Denver, one of which was named Outreach Magazine's 2014 Fastest Growing Church in America. Craig and his wife, Sarah, also spent a number of years church planting in Prague, Czech Republic. Craig lives in the Denver area and is a passionate hack at every mountain sport you can name. He and Sarah have been married for 19 years, have two, full-hearted children and one very spoiled beagle.

'The Western church is struggling deeply in a time of real decline and growing apathy toward the Christian tradition. In this thoughtful and provocative book, Craig begins to pave the way forward for how we can join Jesus in seeking and saving the lost in these complex and challenging times.' * Jon Tyson, author, Beautiful Resistance; pastor, Church of the City, New York * 'Craig has a passion for helping people find faith in Jesus Christ. Through his outstanding leadership of Alpha USA I have experienced his commitment to unity across the church and his infectious reliance on the Holy Spirit. I am so pleased that he has produced this resource on evangelism for leaders.' * Nicky Gumbel, pioneer of The Alpha Course * 'We need a revival: personally, in our churches, in our communities, and in the nation. And we need to be okay trying new things, talking less, listening more, asking better questions, and creating space for real, deep spiritual renewal to happen over time. I recommend this book to any church leader looking to rethink the way their communities live and share good news. And I want my college students to get a hold of this book that speaks their language and understands their experience. Pay attention to what Craig says!' * Miriam Swanson, Global Student Mission; leader, Fusion Movement * 'The fork in culture between followers of Jesus and the unchurched is widening. This calls not for alarm or fear, nor should we dig in our heels to continue using 'tried and true' methods that may have worked in a different cultural moment in the past. Craig's book offers seven ways to revive evangelism in an effective way today, and I think he is on to something. He writes with a hopeful and encouraging perspective and offers significant research and insights to reach unchurched Millennials and those in Gen Z. I commend this timely book!' * Ed Stetzer, Wheaton College * 'Craig writes as someone who understands the challenges we have faced and the emotional fatigue many of us have experienced. In How to Revive Evangelism he offers a practical and realistic approach that will inspire you to dream again.' * Romal Tune, author, Love Is an Inside Job; vice president, TMS Global * 'This book by my friend Craig is a breath of fresh air in the somewhat stale and formulaic genre of writing on evangelism. Craig is an inspiring leader and a good exemplar of these ideas, and his book deserves a wide audience.' * Alan Hirsch, award-winning author and founder, Movement Leaders Collective and Forge Missional Training Network * 'Evangelism is a great challenge in these 'post everything' days. Many have retreated, discouraged, from the front lines, sure that there's nothing to be done. My friend Craig lays out seven practical, strategic changes we can and should make in our approach to evangelism. This isn't one more 'sure-fire program' but rather an inspirational journey that can help us become more effective. Be renewed as you read and rediscover what you were made for!' * Kevin Palau, president, Luis Palau Association * 'Craig Springer's new book equips us in a way of evangelism which is real, authentic, holistic, transformative, and refreshing. If you read it, you will walk away empowered and excited to evangelize again.' * Sam Chan, author, Evangelism in a Skeptical World; public speaker for City Bible Forum, Australia * 'I'm thrilled for Craig's new book! This is a deeply challenging yet inspirational, hope-filled clarion call for the church.' * Keri Ladouceur, pastor, Community Christian Church; founder, New Ground Network * 'A timely reminder that people are looking to belong before they believe. Craig Springer has given the Church a practical and prophetic gift in his fabulous new book.' * Jeanne Stevens, founding lead pastor, Soul City Church, Chicago * 'Get ready to be launched into deeper waters and more effective evangelism.' * Dr. Stacy Spencer, senior pastor, New Direction Church, Memphis *