Customer Reviews

Evangelism for the Rest of Us: Sharing Christ within Your Personality Style

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Books on evangelism are often written by extroverts who think that an outgoing "sales" approach is the only way to evangelize. Mike Bechtle explains that evangelism does not take one universal form; the act of evangelism can manifest in many different ways depending on personality type. This enables us introverts to stop feeling guilty and learn how our unique gifts can be used to fulfill this essential part of the Gospel.

The author is targeting the introverts of the Christian world, who have been uncomfortable with the traditional methods (forms), the available training, and everything else about much of evangelism that is practiced. The title seems to indicate that the contents of the book are applicable to everyone, but in my reading, only those with introverted personalities will really appreciate, understand, and identify with the material.

I suspect that most of the negative reviews regarding this book will come from the extroverted types, who do not understand what introverted persons feel when confronted with the traditional definitions of evangelism: e.g., that's not how I think, I'm not gifted in this area, if only I could write it out and think through it first, etc. I also suspect it will ruffle the feathers of those who have bought into the idea that there is a correct formula for evangelism and everything outside of it is suspect.

I found this book to be very encouraging to those who, like me, are introverted and have not found many traditional methods (sometimes biblical and sometimes not necessarily biblical methods) taught by churches to fit with my personality. We are definitely called to share the gospel regardless of personality type, which is why this book is so helpful--it encourages those who, like me, have trouble doing what we were called to do because we are intimidated by some of the methods being used.

Although witnessing is simply sharing the gospel message, there are definitely many methods for doing so. It is not just whether one is Christ-like or not. It can be Christ-like to stand on the corner and preach (Christ did preach on the hillside), to talk to strangers on the side of the road (Christ did that, especially with the sick), or to talk to a friend over a cup of coffee (ok, Christ didn't drink coffee, but he did talk to friends many times about the gospel).

Although sometimes more extroverted methods have helped me to step out in faith because of the extreme discomfort they bring me, they have not necessarily been helpful in spreading the gospel to all people--particularly to other introverts. I used to think that it was just me who was affected by these methodologies, but this book helped me see that some people (although already blinded, as another reviewer mentioned), will be a lot more likely to hear the gospel through more introverted methods than through a stranger coming to their door. There are others who are more likely to hear the gospel through the street evangelist.

The point is that God has created all of us with individual personalities. He uses each of us to reach others with individual personalities. This book helps us to think about what personality God has given each of us and how we can most naturally use His gifts to bring others to Him.

If you have been hiding behind your introverted personality as an excuse to stay away from evangelism (as I have subconsciously), then this will be a good, challening book for you.

Have you ever felt guilty (or made to feel guilty) if you didn't wholeheartedly participate in or feel comfortable "evangelizing the world for Jesus" in the "acceptable" and "normal" way most Christians think is should be done? Even though I don't agree with most of the religious doctrine taught by the author, the premise and the content presented make this book's insights well worth to be considered. To be frank, it is shameful that there are very, very few books like this in the Christian brotherhood. If you are shy, introverted or have a quiet temperament, this book is required reading! My own writings, teaching and relating to others in the name of Christ became even more enjoyable (and effective) after I studied this book.

"I gave up on evangelism..." begins Mike Bechtle's book that explores his journey to bridge his personality with a well-suited evangelistic methodology. Bechtle describes himself as an introvert who has been frustrated by extrovert approaches to evangelism. With a kindhearted and fatherly approach, the author shepherds and encourages the reader and the body of Christ to re-engage in the great commission.

In a cursory fashion, Bechtle delves into our fear of people and the excuses we use to avoid or minimize our evangelistic efforts, various misconceptions about evangelism, biblical principles of evangelism, several general principles of Jesus' relational style, principles of the enemy, understanding the role of grace in witnessing, the difference between form and function in evangelism, and the role of personality as we evangelize.

Highlights from the book include Chapter 5, which is an excellent discussion and warning to look beyond mere forms and techniques of evangelism and discover the function or principles of a biblical witness. Additionally, nearly every chapter reminds the reader to witness with the proper balance of grace and truth. However, for the purpose of explaining differences between introverts and extroverts, the author draws a false caricature of the extroverted evangelist. Furthermore, this book introduces the unbiblical premise that there are introverted and extroverted personalities and methodologies to witnessing. I would suggest there are Christ-like and non-Christ-like motives, manners, and methodologies for witnessing whether you are introverted or extroverted. These terms draw our attention from the real focus of evangelism - the gospel message! God does not want your personality to be introverted nor extroverted, but obedient and conformed to Christ and His message (Eph. 5:1-21).

Additionally, 2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us how blind the unbeliever is to the gospel. If sinners are blinded to greatest light--the light of the gospel--your personality and introverted/extroverted methodologies are mere shadows unable to penetrate the blind unbeliever's mind and heart. Furthermore, Paul in Romans 10:17, makes clear our priority to the Word in witnessing: that faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ. Witnessing requires each of us to reach out in sincere sacrificial love with a clear biblical message of repentance and forgiveness in Christ alone, with a lifestyle and methodology that does not contradict the biblical message for the love and glory of God, regardless of personality! I applaud Bechtle's passion for evangelism and his desire to call the church back to evangelize more with sincerity and tenderness. Given the aforementioned concerns, I can not recommend this book. - John Fallahee, Christian Book Previews.com