The Jesus Plan: Breaking Through Barriers to Introduce the People You Know to the God You Love [Paperback]

Bruce Dreisbach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 19, 2002

A radically refreshing and proven pattern for reaching those around you with the good news of Christ…join the adventure of reaching the lost in your world.

An expert in church growth and evangelism, Bruce Dreisbach reached a crushing dead-end when he realized that old-style efforts of evangelism were becoming increasingly ineffective. Out of his failure and frustration, God led him and others to launch a new ministry with priorities and approaches that varied radically from the traditional. Over time, this new paradigm has proven significantly successful in reaching lost souls in today’s culture.

After you read The Jesus Plan, you’ll never think of evangelism the same way again. You’ll be equipped and encouraged to reach out to the people around you effectively--and help them discover a new way to live eternally.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

A radically refreshing and proven pattern for reaching those around you with the good news of Christ…join the adventure of reaching the lost in your world.

An expert in church growth and evangelism, Bruce Dreisbach reached a crushing dead-end when he realized that old-style efforts of evangelism were becoming increasingly ineffective. Out of his failure and frustration, God led him and others to launch a new ministry with priorities and approaches that varied radically from the traditional. Over time, this new paradigm has proven significantly successful in reaching lost souls in today's culture.

After you read The Jesus Plan, you'll never think of evangelism the same way again. You'll be equipped and encouraged to reach out to the people around you effectively--and help them discover a new way to live eternally.

About the Author

Bruce Roberts Dreisbach is a veteran church planter and leader. After studying at Fuller Seminary, he entered a twenty-year career in marketing while continuing as a consultant to churches. Since 1988 he’s primarily worked in evangelism, discipleship, and church growth. Bruce is a founder of the successful New Life ministry movement begun in New England, reaching out to those who otherwise have been unreachable by traditional churches. Several New Life ministries have now been started across New England as well as in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Alabama, and Washington. Bruce lives in New Hampshire.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1 edition (February 19, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578564352
• ISBN-13: 978-1578564354
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #299,277 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bruce Roberts Dreisbach is a veteran church planter and leader. After studying at Fuller Seminary, he entered a 20-year career as a marketing executive with such companies as Campbell's Soup, M&M Mars,and Crayola Crayons. He then used his keen business acumen to consult with church leaders on growth strategies. Since 1988 he's primarily worked in evangelism, discipleship, and church growth. Bruce is the founder of the successful New Life ministry movement started in New England. His work is aimed at reaching out to those who otherwise have been unreachable through the traditional church model, as well as evangelism through the marketplace. Dreisbach has written four books from his own real world experience and is a passionate friend to those who are searching for more in life.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ouch! and THANKS!, July 2, 2002

By 

James Bell (Gallatin, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Jesus Plan: Breaking Through Barriers to Introduce the People You Know to the God You Love (Paperback)

THE JESUS PLAN by Bruce R. Dreisbach caused me to SQUIRM, say,"OUCH!"....and then, to call and THANK the guy! I can't remember reading a Christian book on the subject of Evangelism or Church Growth, where the author came across so honest, visionary and yet practical!

To me, page 46 is worth the price of the book! How utterly refreshing to hear a brother confess, "Our church was growing, but the kingdom of God was not."

The intensely practical side comes across when Bruce outlines five basic skills we need as Christians, if we are going to go reach non-Christian friends and neighbors with the Gospel. The chapter on TRANSFERABLE PRINCIPLES is very helpful.

Because the book did contain some concepts out of my comfort zone, I was very happy to find that Bruce had included an address, phone number and email address. It was very helpful to get some clarifications, straight from the author.

On the cover page of THE JESUS PLAN is the following statement, in smaller print: "Breaking Through Barriers To Introduce The People You Know To The God You Love!" If that is your desire and passion--Then, get this book! Jim Bell

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The way to reach the lost for Jesus - where they are!, September 11, 2002

By 

Lisa Campbell / The Branches of Life (Berthoud, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Jesus Plan: Breaking Through Barriers to Introduce the People You Know to the God You Love (Paperback)

We were so encouraged to find someone who had experienced the same thing we had in "the church". Bruce gives us renewed hope for reaching the lost for Jesus through relationships of love and not with "religion" that pushes them away. We highly recommend this book to individuals or organizations that have a heart for the lost and a desire to "go where they are" with the love of Jesus.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Plan for Modern Evangelism, May 31, 2002

By 

David T. Wayne "aka The 'JollyBlogger'" (Glen Burnie, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Jesus Plan: Breaking Through Barriers to Introduce the People You Know to the God You Love (Paperback)

This is a good, quick read that tackles some important issues for the church. The type is double spaced and I was able to read it in just a few hours, so it is a good choice for someone who is short on time but wants a fresh persective on evangelism.

Dreisbach basically paints a dismal picture of the church's current efforts to reach the lost. His basic premise, as articulated by many before him, is that God cares for those who don't know Christ, and he calls Christians to go find them. However, he points out that most churches today expect people to come to them to hear the gospel. While this may have worked in an era when most people went to church and when Christianity was prominent in the culture, it won't work now. Nowadays, when people are seeking guidance in spiritual matters, the church is not the place they turn to.

Two chapter titles sum things up very well - "They Aren't Coming In," and "We Aren't Going Out." He repeats the oft told statistic that only 1 out of 10 Christians ever lead a person to Christ (I believe I got that numnber right) and then he asks what would happen if only one out of 10 married couples ever produced a child? No wonder the number of Christians continues to diminish.

Another thing I liked about this was his critique of "trickle down evangelism." This is the idea that, if churches will concentrate on feeding believers, then the believers will naturally go out and share their faith with non-believers. He says this simply isn't working and won't work. We must become intentional in seeking to reach the lost.

Given the typical traditional church schedule, Christians spend 90% (or more) of the time they have available for service and ministry going to meetings with other Christians. If we are to reach people, Dreisbach says we need to swing the percentage to the other side.

Overall, I liked the book. Some will be uncomfortable with what seems to be a low view of the institutional church, but I think the points he makes about the need to prioritize evangelism are right on target.