Customer Reviews

Evangelism Explosion 4th Edition

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

"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.

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.

Sharing our faith is an important aspect of the Great Commission (making disciples is intertwined with witnessing: Matthew 28:19-20; 2Timothy 2:2). Kennedy furnished this significant material well ahead of other modern evangelistic works. He offers scriptural admonitions as he instructs the Christian in sharing one's faith using practical steps. This is a wonderful book on effective strategy and can be employed effectively with Comfort's and the White Horse Inns notions of proper evangelism application of the Word. These two diverse groups exhort the believer to press the law and its demands on the non-Christian as a means of softening his heart for the reception of the Gospel (effectiveness is governed and lead by Holy Spirit: John 1:12-13).
This is a wonderful resource for churches. Bible study groups, and individuals. All Christians should prayerfully read this material and seek to apply its truth (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19).

by Mike A Robinson author of the Apologetic Witnessing Book: God Does Exist!
God Does Exist!: Defending the faith using presuppositional apologetics, evidence, and the impossibility of the contrary

EE is a confrontational form of evangelism which many are not comfortable with. It works for some who impose it upon others as THE way to evangelize. Other forms include Intellectual Evangelism, Act 17 and 1 Peter 3:15: Invitational, John 4: Serving, Acts 9. Team Evangelism by Larry Gilbert gives a broader view of the different forms of evangelism.

EE will teach you to effectively, coherently explain the Gospel to someone else. However I believe that the presentation they promote, though good, is a bit grace heavy -- by that I mean that it starts telling the evangelee about God's grace before they understand why they need it. I recommend reading "Hell's Best Kept Secret" by Ray Comfort and incorporating his ideas into the EE presentation. You lose the benefit of having a canned Gospel presentation to learn, but you gain the benefit of a presentation that will help people to understand their need for Christ.

D. James Kennedy was the pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian church and founder of the Evangelism Explosion Program for lay evangelism. This book is designed to act as an introduction to and textbook for the program. It is especially designed for pastors and other church leaders who would like to implement the E.E. program of evangelism.

This book came highly recommended to me and so I approached it with high expectations. However, I found the book to be rather disappointing, mainly because the program is big, bulky, programatic, and "I'll talk, you shut up and listen" oriented.

We'll begin by asking a question. If you were to go up to someone and begin talking to him about Christ, what would you say? Where would you begin. The second chapter of this book gives a lengthy outline of what to say. Kennedy advises the reader to memorize the outline and practice it several times over. This outline is very artificial and programatic as it incorporates small talk (ask about a piece of furniture of his job) and canned phrases to be used. In subsequent chapters, which show the outline "in action," I am struck by the fact that the Evangelist just keeps talking and talking and talking, never letting the Prospect get a word in edge-wise. This same "outline in action" is repeated SEVERAL times throughout the book (my eyes glazed over as the book constantly repeats itself), and every time, it's the same: Evangelist talks for pages, followed by a simple, three word sentence by the Prospect. I would not WANT to evangelize like this, nor would I want to be evanglized to in this manner.

A second criticism I have with the book is that Kennedy, who obviously has a huge church, has presented his program in such a way as to make it incredibly intimidating, especially for the smaller church (meaning church of less than 1,000). With layers upon layers of evangelists (from Prayer Partners to Junior Trainers to Lieutenants), and with so many people calling on or making visits to the Prosptect, I cannot even fathom going about forming such a complex, hierarchical, time-consuming program. It seems frustratingly unworkable.

There are aspects of this book that make it worth reading. The two diagnostic questions (repeated numerous times in this book) are excellent, thought provoking questions on mortality. The chapter on anecdotes that illustrate Biblical truths are also fantastic, as is the chapter on dealing with common arguments against Christianity. Furthermore, sprinkled randomly throughout the book are amazingly helpful pieces of insight that obviously come from an experienced, successful pastor. They don't necessarily have anything to do with Evangelism Explosion, but resemble misplaced gems of incredible value.

I can neither positively recommend this book because of its pushy, canned, complicated method; nor can I negatively condemn this book because helpful insights and strategies can be gleaned from it--but the gems are the secondary things and "throw away lines." I don't believe the author has accomplished his objective in this book, but has given me some things to think about.

An outstanding book by a man whose credibility is absolutely flawless. He shares his vast experience in the field of sharing Christ to the world around us. This is a Must-Have book for any Christian who is serious about the Bible-directed responsibilities of sharing our faith to others.

I just went to the into to EE at my church a couple days ago, A one day seminar.

Before this I was trained for the in-your-face street evangelism which I love to do in groups, not alone(www.revival.com). Even other Christians complain about the street witnessing so I wanted to see about learning the more subtile.., correct (?) way to witness.

The EE trainer said what used to be a 13 week course has been condensed into (7) SEVEN weeks, so that sounded way better to me. I believe all believers are called to witness (it's scriptual), so I feel it's wonderful to learn both ways and better be able to adapt to different situations. I will begin my 7 wk training tomorrow.

If I was in NY at the time of the 9-11 tragedy.., I'd want to be able to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to them in a very quick manner(thank you River Church!). Most people I've talk with in that way are VERY GRATEFUL that I took the risk.., the time and trouble to share the good news with them. They didn't realize that if they sincerely called upon the name of the Lord that He would immediately save them.., and never forsake them.., so we pray right then and there and they are relieved and grateful.

Okay, sometimes you can't tell if a person was sincere or not when they prayed. BUT.., the answer to that is that .., We are called to preach to every creature.., I want to obey. Obedience brings blessings (including immediate JOY, which I LOVE.., I love JOY and I love blessings of all types, and I also love the peace that follows obedience to His Word.

It's The Holy Spirits' job to convict the sinner and draw him to the Father through Jesus. I don't try to do do His job. Only He knows who's really saved or not. HIS plan is to work WITH us and it is a great privledge and honor to be usable.

I KNOW, REALLY KNOW I'm doing the right thing to learn both ways. Joyce Meyers says "if you're afraid to do something.., and you know it's really the right thing to do.., then DO IT AFRAID." She is right. The enemy wants to keep us bound and useless with his FEAR TACTIC.

Don't cower down and quit.., keep searching and seeking ways to get it done. I'm still afraid sometimes but even more than my fears I long to experience the JOY I feel when someone is happy to say that (eternal) life-giving prayer with me.., Dear Lord Jesus, Come into my heart.., ..,

From what I've seen and heard about EE this would be very effective when a casual conversation with family members, friends, or strangers ends up turning to spiritual matters. Now there is an A.B.C. plan to help them go from what they think to what The Bible really says.

Now I will order the book and I'm sure I'll learn from it and, most importantly.., I'll USE what I've learned.

This book not only communicated the gospel to me in a nutshell, in the process pointing me to supporting biblical passages and providing solid analogies; it also delivered some noteworthy new pieces for the puzzle of absolute truth.