Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith [Hardcover]

Bill Hybels (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 25, 2006

What if you knew that by simply crossing the room and saying hello to someone, you could change that person's forever? Just a few steps to make an eternal difference. It has nothing to do with methods and everything to do with taking a genuine interest in another human being. All you need is a heart that's in tune with the Holy Spirit and a willingness to venture out of your 'Circle of Comfort' and into another person's life. Just Walk Across the Room brings personal evangelism into the twenty-first century. Building on the solid foundation laid in Becoming a Contagious Christian, Bill Hybels shows how you can participate in the model first set by Jesus, who stepped down from heaven 2,000 years ago to bring hope and redemption to broken people living in a fallen world. Now it's your turn. Your journey may not be as dramatic, but it can have a life-changing impact for someone standing a few steps away from you---and for you as well, as you learn the power of extending care, compassion, and inclusiveness under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The highest value in personal evangelism is cooperating with the Spirit, says Hybels. This means playing only the role you're meant to play---walking when the Spirit says to walk, talking when he says to talk, and falling silent when he suggests that you've said enough. Hybels encourages you to 'live in 3D' ... Developing friendships Discovering stories Discerning appropriate next steps ... as a means of learning to understand the Holy Spirit's promptings. With fresh perspectives from his own reflections and experiences collected during his most recent decade of ministry, Bill Hybels shows with convincing and inspiring clarity the power of this personal, richly relational approach to evangelism. The stakes are high. The implications are eternal. And you may be only a conversation away from having an eternal impact on someone's life---if you will just walk across the room.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Evangelism is as simple and as scary as walking across the room, according to Hybels, well known senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill. His heartfelt burden for sharing the Christian message is clear as he guides readers to a new understanding of why and how they can help others meet God. He offers solid advice on evangelism, yet does so without sounding like he's checking off items on a spiritual list. His form of evangelism is relational, what he calls "Living in 3D." Hybels enlarges on the three Ds—develop friendships, discover stories, discern next steps—in a clear, conversational way, all the while challenging Christians to move beyond their insulated "evangelism-void vacuum." He encourages Christians to explore "the power of story" and to learn how to tell their own spiritual narratives concisely and effectively. Readers will find inspiration and honesty in this book that mirrors Hybels's personal convictions and those of his church as well: "It really is true: the spread of the gospel... boils down to whether you and I will continue to seek creative ways to engage our friends, inviting them to explore the abundance of the Christ-following life...." (Aug.)
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Review

Evangelism is as simple and as scary as walking across the room, according to Hybels, well known senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill. His heartfelt burden for sharing the Christian message is clear as he guides readers to a new understanding of why and how they can help others meet God. He offers solid advice on evangelism, yet does so without sounding like he's checking off items on a spiritual list. His form of evangelism is relational, what he calls 'Living in 3D.' Hybels enlarges on the three Ds---develop friendships, discover stories, discern next steps---in a clear, conversational way, all the while challenging Christians to move beyond their insulated 'evangelism-void vacuum.' He encourages Christians to explore 'the power of story' and to learn how to tell their own spiritual narratives concisely and effectively. Readers will find inspiration and honesty in this book that mirrors Hybels's personal convictions and those of his church as well: 'It really is true: the spread of the gospel... boils down to whether you and I will continue to seek creative ways to engage our friends, inviting them to explore the abundance of the Christ-following life....' (Aug.) -- Publisher's Weekly <br><br>

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 219 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; First Edition edition (July 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310266696
• ISBN-13: 978-0310266693
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 0.9 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (74 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #366,406 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bill Hybels is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., and chairman of the board for the Willow Creek Association. The bestselling author of more than twenty books, including Axiom, Holy Discontent, Just Walk Across the Room, The Volunteer Revolution, Courageous Leadership, and classics such as Too Busy Not to Pray and Becoming a Contagious Christian, Hybels is known worldwide as an expert in training Christian leaders to transform individuals and their communities through the local church. Hybels received a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity College in Deerfield, Ill. He and his wife, Lynne, have two adult children and one grandson, Henry.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hybels Motivates Christians to Evangelize August 23, 2009

By C. Stephans TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Throughout his book, Just Walk Across the Room, Mega-church pastor Bill Hybels stays on his message that all Christians, labeled "Christ-followers" by Hybels, are "called, equipped, and expected to share the gospel." Sharing the gospel, according to Hybels, is as simple as walking across the room and is powerful enough to impact eternity for those living far away from God. Hybels shares this message throughout his book that targets all Christians in hopes of motivating readers to take in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. In keeping with his informal style, Hybels shares his convictions through bullet points, stories, anecdotes, paraphrased stories from Scripture and simple teachings. Underscoring all of his writing is his firm belief that all people need Jesus Christ for salvation, and God is counting on all Christians to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to bring others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Hybels assures his readers that anyone can do the work of an evangelist for Jesus; while, he also reminds readers of the eternal consequences or benefits that are at stake in the transaction. Christians are never alone in the work of sharing the gospel. Hybels writes,

"One thing I've learned is that life's great moments evolve from simple acts of cooperation with God's mysterious promptings -- nudges that always lean toward finding what's been lost and freeing what's been enslaved. The adventure of collaborating with God involves bestowing the greatest gift a person can receive -- the gift of amazing grace -- on undeserving (and often unsuspecting) people like you and me."

Part of Hybels message is for people to become aware of the "nudges" from the Holy Spirit to share the gift of God with people.... Hybels frames this collaboration as an adventure to see what God is going to do next to transform people's lives.

It all starts for Hybels in Jesus' being willing to leave heaven to give his life for sinners who were doomed to death and hell forever. Jesus Christ left the glories of heaven and "wrapped himself in human flesh, and he walked across the cosmos in order to stretch out a hand to people like you and me." Hybels believes this message of grace and salvation through and through. He preaches it and shares his conviction that every person in the world would live a "vastly better life if God's love, grace, and redemption were operating in their lives." For this reason, he feels compelled to approach all sorts of people in hopes of being able to point them to Jesus.

Hybels writes that evangelism is work, hard work that involves putting your heart on the line to offer grace and acceptance and love to people, some who are far from God. Hybels summarizes the dynamics involved in personal evangelism with the Holy Spirit as "Living in 3D." This is the method for interacting with others to facilitate leading them to Jesus:
1. Develop Friendships by engaging in the lives of people around them.
2. Discover stories before sharing their own story and God's redemptive story
3. Discern next steps by following the Holy Spirit's direction.

Living in 3D begins and ends with love.

Hybels concentrates on Jesus' evangelistic encounter with the woman at the well in the 4th chapter of the Gospel of John. Jesus exemplifies the keys to successful personal evangelism for Hybels. His method includes the following:
* Bridge the chasm between you and another
* Ask a question
* Practice patience
* Beware of rabbit trails
* Give hope to the hopeless
* Tell people with confidence the promises of God!

In the encounter, Jesus demonstrates his passion for the "Grander Vision" of the kingdom of heaven. Hybels encourages readers to nurture their passion for this Grander Vision that will keep their eyes on the eternal prize of saving souls.

Christians cannot help but to be inspired at least to begin thinking and praying about sharing Jesus with neighbors. Hybels articulates the eternal importance of people committing their lives to Jesus and how all Christians are responsible for helping to lead others to that momentous decision. The message boils down to telling others "God loves you," "Jesus chose to pay for you," and "The choice is now yours."

Readers may become distracted by the many stories of Hybels' own exploits and the promotion of Willow Creek. Hybels includes more than a few stories of himself on sailing adventures, flying airplanes, globetrotting to conferences and throwing parties. I think the lowest point of the book is when he seriously counsels Christians on proper tipping habits as being integral to successful evangelism. The author seems to shine the light on himself a bit too much in the book, and that can be a negative with readers who have a less than favorable view of mega-churches and celebrity pastors.

I have definitely been thinking more about personal evangelism since reading Just Walk Across the Room. I have asked the Holy Spirit to lead me to people and facilitate conversation about Jesus. Many of Hybels' examples are about long-term relationships that eventually bore fruit as trust and friendship laid the foundation for the sharing of the gospel. This is a process anyone can engage in with people non-Christians. I think Hybels' overall brings a fresh reminder to do the work of an evangelist as we proclaim the good news of God's grace in Jesus Christ. Read more ›

32 of 40 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical anecdotes August 6, 2007

By J. Miller

Format:Hardcover

The most valuable part of this book is not that it teaches something new about evangelism, which essential it doesn't. In fact, it really dresses up some basic and obvious ideas about evangelism that have been stated elsewhere, but with the catchy new slogan, that one needs only "walk across the room" to affect someone else. What is most valuable is that it lets the church-world in on the heartbeat of Willow Creek, the uber-mega-church outside of Chicago. Hybels, their lead pastor, here spells out his passion for sharing his faith and calling others to faith, the one thing that defines Willow Creek.

The book is filled with stories of the experiences of Hybels in others in making that effort to talk to someone about the Christian faith. He recommends three important steps in doing so: developing friendships, discovering stories (meaning discover the other person's background), and discern next steps (such as offering resources for them to read or planning further times to meet them). He also recommends having a before-and-after story of your own coming to faith, and in fact had his congregation write out their own stories and email them in to the church for an editorial review. He discourages us from being "avoiders" who are not persistent with evangelism or "erupters" who impatiently over-share stories of faith to people who aren't interested. And he cautions that personal, mystical experience are not primary material for evangelism. As for theology to be shared in evangelism, he reproduced what is basically the Four Spiritual Laws tract.

All of this is very practical for someone learning the value of evangelism and the importance of sharing their faith. That's a necessary part of the life of faith. However, there is a dramatic and overlooked drawback to the book.... The book is really a purpose-driven book, but "driven" should be in all caps. Hybels does not seem to rest peacefully in God's sovereignty. He does say early on in the book that calling people to faith is the Holy Spirit's work, but he also says that our choosing to share our faith affects someone else's eternity. Hybels does not sound like a rested man. In the opening story, he describes a day in which he was on a boat and his heart "was in a posture of worship." Then he realizes he is near the campground where he became a Christian and decides to spend the day taking a cab to go see this spot. I get the sense he was too restless to stay in the posture of worship. While learning to articulate the faith is an important part of spiritual growth, learning how to enjoy God and creation without the necessity of production is perhaps more so.

Nonetheless, as a stepping stone along the way, I would recommend this book, especially for discussion among church small groups. Read more ›

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Relevent Approach to Communicating Our Faith in Today's Culture January 9, 2007

By Keith M. Abolnik

Format:Hardcover

Some of the things I appreciate about Bill Hybels are his ability to communicate, an infectious passion, a relational style, and to make a subject like this so relevant and practical. Ever since I became a follower of Christ (32 years ago) I have struggled to live and help others to embrace a healthy view/practice of communicating the liberating truth of the Gospel. For some reason it has long been an uncomfortable, and often awkward experience for both communicator and listener.

Since I have now worked in the public education system for about 10 years, I have increasingly improved in communicating with the unchurched. I had to find myself in a setting outside of the security of the walls of the church in order to see how much we have mis-understood, mis-communicated, and too often alienated the unchurched. What I have encountered and learned (I am still learning) through this experience is stated in these pages with genuine insight. This is one of the reasons I now highly recommend this book. The truth and simplicity of what is outlined here works. That doesn't mean we will see people beating down our doors, but, we will be so much better at planting, watering, and harvesting. We can improve in being God honoring and people honoring as we become more effective in really loving people as revealed by the lessons in this book.

What Pastor Hybels teaches in this book is so needed right now if we are to see the chasm being bridged. We can be bridge-builders into the lives of others with what the authors shares with us. The stories he shares about his conversations are so enlightening and helpful, you will find yourself learning about being a conduit of God's Grace instead of the usual judgement/condemnation type speech.

Thank you Mr.... Hybels for being so candid, passionate, and relevent in helping the people of God take another step in reaching the people that God loves and longs for. You are definitely gifted and helpful, I continue to learn from your writings. I know I haven't yet arrived, but with God's help and excellent resources like this one I will continue to improve. Let's keep the discussion and equipping of Christ followers in motion. Read more ›