Evangelism Explosion 4th Edition [Paperback]

D. James Kennedy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 23, 1996

Churches will learn a biblically based method for sharing the Gospel along with motivating “on-the-job” training on how to share Christ and disciple new believers. This expanded fourth edition features a new section on friendship evangelism and how to build a vision for worldwide discipline. Through this book, churches will experience what can take place when its leaders and members take seriously the command of Christ to equip the saints to do the work of ministry. Chapters include “Training Laymen for Evangelism,” “A Presentation of the Gospel,” and “The Proper Use of Testimony.”

Product Details

• Paperback: 179 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; 4 edition (July 23, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842307648
• ISBN-13: 978-0842307642
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,793 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive book for evangelism in America!, September 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Evangelism Explosion 4th Edition (Paperback)

I am not surprised by the lack of Amazon reviews of this book compared to other books in the Christian arena. Christians love to stockpile knowledge for themselves to better their own lives. When it comes to actively sharing that knowledge with others, however, that's often too uncomfortable. In short, Christians shy away from the topic of evangelism, hence the lack of reviews.

Yes, this is not only a great evangelism work, it's also a wonderful apologetics primer. Evangelism and apologetics are closely related. The minute you step into the arena of evangelism, you will be called upon to defend the Bible and this book is a terrific resource on both counts.

As a past Evangelism Explosion senior trainer I can attest to the effectiveness of the principles in this book. Dr. Kennedy guides the reader through a conversational process that will have you leading others to true assurance of salvation.

I now belong to a cell group church and I find it interesting that cell church writers seem offended by Dr. Kennedy's approach. I use it in conversation in the hope that I can lead people to discipleship through my cell group.

Others criticize the EE program for being too "canned" or lengthy. Dr. Kennedy addresses both of these issues in the book. Nowhere does Dr. Kennedy say that the outline has to be used in it's entirety and the same way for every person approached. The basis of EE is two simple diagnostic questions that begin a beautiful outline. How much you add or delete from the outline in the course of a conversation is limited only by the amount of time you wish to invest in the person you're dealing with.

A third criticism has to do with repentance. The EE program deals with this topic quite clearly. If people are not hearing about the biblical need for repentance, the problem is not with the EE program but with those presenting it.

The two diagnostic questions mentioned are perfect tools to deal with the American religious mindset but I admit, they may fall short in other non-Christian cultures. Nonetheless, Dr. Kennedy has managed to reach his goal of obtaining EE "missionaires" in every country of the world.

Don't believe the lie that says you don't have to evangelize unless you have the "gift of evangelism". Christ's call to preach the gospel is not a suggestion, it's a command. C'mon pastors, what are you waiting for? If just one person in your church catches the fire of this program, those who visit your church will never be the same!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Become involved in Evangelism Explosion in order for you (and others) to receive the full benefit of this book, December 11, 2006

By 

a voice of reason (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Evangelism Explosion 4th Edition (Paperback)

"Evangelism Explosion" the book is intended to be the textbook for the Evangelism Explosion (EE) ministry's courses on how to witness and how to train others to witness. If someone simply reads the book without participating in the ministry, then it is obvious how that person could come to certain misconceptions about the approach described and the contents of the presentation.

I have participated in Evangelism Explosion, through my church, for several years: first as a student/trainee, then as a trainer, and - more recently - also as a teacher of the Level II course. I have seen many people come to know our Lord Jesus through the EE presentation, I have seen many Christians become excited about witnessing to others, and I have seen some of my trainees become trainers (and equipping more witnesses, as well as seeing souls get saved, is the true evangelism explosion).

While the presentation may seem wordy and canned at first, once a person has mastered the outline, he/she can adapt it to every witnessing opportunity. There are five major sections in the gospel presentation - Grace, Man, God, Jesus, and Faith - and both scriptures and illustrations are used to make the points in each section. Grace is emphasized first so that the person being witnessed to understands that God did all the work necessary for salvation; it's the first step in ridding people of the notion that their works have anything to do with their eternal destiny (and most unsaved people I've encountered believe just that: that they are good enough to get to heaven). If a person needs to understand what sin is and that he is a sinner, then emphasize the "Man" section. Does the person think that God, being good, would never send anyone to hell? Then emphasize the "God" section which discusses both His grace and justice. It is often impossible (usually timewise) and sometimes unnecessary to go over every single illustration - simply focus on what each particular person's stumbling blocks are and make clear the fact that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

EE International hosts both national and international clinics throughout the year at which participants can learn the EE approach and how to implement it in their home church. It is not "unworkable," as one reviewer has commented. If it were, then the ministry would be stagnant; as it is, EE now has a presence in every country on our planet Earth - the approach obviously does work. Once it has been implemented at a church, a session requires a 13-week commitment which also includes 10 weeks of on-the-job training; that is, new trainees go out with an experienced trainer and actually share their faith. It's frightening to some participants at first, but most people tend to overcome their fears rather quickly because they simply have to witness; once the fears are gone, the biggest obstacle(s) to being an eager and effective witness for Christ are also gone.

I have obviously gone into some detail about the EE program, rather than just the book itself, but that is because the two are inextricably linked together. For this reason, I gave the book alone a 4-star rating; when used in conjunction with the 13-week program, it merits 5 stars. You can still glean a lot of valuable and useful information just from reading the book, but if you want its full benefits, then find a church or clinic where you can participate in the program as well. Evangelism Explosion International's website is the best starting point for more information on all the ministry's programs and worldwide evangelistic activities.

ADDENDUM: I am not saying that EE is the only effective way to present the gospel; however, I am saying that it is an excellent method and it produces the desired results (the training of witnesses and the winning of souls). If you are looking for a great stand-alone book on evangelism (that is, one that is not tied to a course like the EE book is), then try "The Master Plan of Evangelism" by Robert E. Coleman; this book also has a long (30+ years) history of equipping Christians to share their faith with others.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most Needed Tool of Sharing Your Faith Effectively!, February 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Evangelism Explosion 4th Edition (Paperback)

This is the most efficient method of sharing your faith that I have found. At first, I thought this was a way too canned approach but then I realized how much this knowledge is needed to help you know what you are trying to tell people in a way in which they will listen.