Evangelism Handbook: Biblical, Spiritual, Intentional, Missional [Paperback]

Alvin Reid (Author), Thom S. Rainer (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2009

In Matthew 5, Jesus calls believers the salt of the earth and light of the world. Indeed, we must reach out to tell others His story of sacrifice and grace so glory is given to God throughout our communities and the entire planet.

Evangelism Handbook is a thorough guide to the daily ministry of sharing Christ. Writer and professor Alvin Reid is particularly concerned about how the Western Church is practicing evangelism—its failure to reach the hardcore unchurched and its trend of losing young people faster than it can win them.

With all of that in mind, Reid organizes his research and experience in effective modern evangelism into four clear and actionable categories: Biblical (with chapters on Jesus, Paul, and evangelism in Acts), Spiritual (the work of the Spirit, the power of prayer and other disciplines), Intentional (leadership, creativity, worship), and Missional (church planting, reaching the unchurched).

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Alvin Reid is associate dean for Proclamation Studies, professor of Evangelism, and founding Bailey Smith Chair of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: B&H Books (October 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805445420
• ISBN-13: 978-0805445428
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 1 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Thanks for taking a minute to drop by my page. Don't let the snake in the picture scare you--he will only kill you if he is really hungry :-).

In my childhood days the last thing I thought I would become was an author. I had a vivid imagination, loved animals and all of creation (hence the snake), and an overly active mind. I doubted however my ability to put such thoughts on paper.

Now after all these years and a lot of writing--books, chapters, journal and magazine articles, and an active blog at alvinreid.com--I still think I have more to learn about the craft. But I decided years ago to take the plunge and have never regretted it.

I teach at an Evangelical seminary--Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary near Raleigh, NC--but I promise we do not teach snake handling :-). I am married (28 years now!) to the most amazing wife named Michelle. We are blessed with two great children: Josh, a junior in college, and Hannah, a junior in high school. We have a very close family and enjoy each other a great deal.

I travel and speak a lot. Over 70 events a year, from lectures at universities to youth camps in the summer, from church events to leadership convocations. I enjoy speaking on the revitalization of Christianity and missional living (if that is a new term, buy my latest book, smile).

More than anything I am a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. My life has been changed, and I have never quite recovered :-). So my books all reflect a desire for people to know and follow Him. Blessings.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Review of Evangelism Handbook, by Dr. Alvin Reid February 1, 2010

By C. M. Aiken

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Dr. Alvin Reid, Evangelism Handbook, (Nashville: B&H Publishing Group), 2009. 460 pages reviewed.

It is unfortunate that I completed this book so early in 2010...since I do not think it is possible for any book to top it all year. I have the highest praises for Dr. Reid and this incredible resource.

As a pastor, I know that when I mention "evangelism" I get mixed responses from those I speak to. Some are incredulous that I would think my religious beliefs are the only ones that provide peace with God. Others become ashamed because they know that evangelism is a command of Scripture and they are in some manner disobedient to the command. Still others are dismissive, thinking that they already know all that there is to know on the subject (been there, got the t-shirt). However, this book is written to a fourth category...to the person who desires to understand both the why and the how of evangelism.

There is nothing about this book that fits into the "five easy steps to making disciples" category of Christian books. It is thoughtful, theological, worshipful, practical, and missional. Dr. Reid is diligent and faithful to not speak over the reader's head. He uses theological terminology at times, but always takes the time to explain it...making this book accessible for both scholars and novices.

While I would love to pick a favorite part of the book, I really cannot, since doing so would cause me to write a review close in length to the work itself. One of the engaging features of the book is its use of allusions and quotes from evangelists of different eras. Reid is at home discussing Erwin McManus, Alan Hirsch, or Roy Fish. Doing so demonstrates while each of these men come from a different era and approach to the practice of evangelism, the common heartbeat of all of these men... is that all peoples may know Jesus.

The book has so impressed me, I have purchased copies for my entire staff. I would recommend the book to anyone who seeks to understand the "why" of evangelism better. While there are many practical "hows" in the book, none if it matters unless you are fully convinced of the "why" of evangelism, and the "who" of evangelism. If you have ever been intimidated by the subject of evangelism, this volume is just for you. You will read it and feel encouraged as well as being better equipped.

As I think of the texts I have read on the subject and those taught from in the seminaries I attended, there is no single volume more valuable for a student than this one.

A word of recommendation: Do not get this book to rush through it in a week. While there is something to be gained from doing so, I feel the greater value is found in reading and considering the material deeply before proceeding.

I HIGHLY recommend this book!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting book April 6, 2011

By Truthwarrior

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a great book. Very challenging. I would recommend this book to anyone interesting in taking a serious look at evangelism.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for ministers March 18, 2011

By Gary M. May

Format:Paperback

To many evangelism books are lacking, and might not work well with all that are into reaching the lost, but this one does. For in my library of over hundred books on evangelism, this is one of my favorites. And others also. He covers the Biblical reasons for it. The history of how it's been done. The impact of a spiritual life. He talks about reaching all the different people. I love it.