Customer Reviews

Lifestyle Evangelism: Crossing Traditional Boundaries to Reach the Unbelieving World (Critical Concern Series)

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The challenge of communicating the gospel across cultural barriers is difficult and intense. Will we retain our traditional methods along with mediocre results or will we let our minds expand with brand new "ancient" concepts? Aldrich does a fantastic job of outlining the differences between biblical truth and cultural tradition. His concepts of "eating meat and evangelizing", "practicing the presence in evangelism", and others challenge us to change our methods to minister to our culture without throwing out the main tenants of the message. This book is highly recommended to all who would reach their generation in the most effective fashion

If Christians would utilize the model for effective witnessing and evangelism that is in this book, so much more would be done on a daily basis for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I fear that we have ignored the need to adapt the way we attempt to reach non-believers in the world. Dr. Aldrich lays it out really simple in this book, and the use of the method he outlines is not only beneficial for the reaching of the lost, but for the edification of the Church as a whole.

Some would suggest that Evangelism should be solely confrontational and shove the Gospel of Christ down their throats, whether or not they desired it. But the method of Evangelism taught by Dr. Aldrich was clearly modeled by Jesus Christ in His life on earth.

This book is one that I'll use as a regular tool in my work for Christ.

Orginally penned in the early 80s, "Lifestyle Evangelism" is no less relevant today. Because the principles were both biblical and relational, they have stood the test of time. This book encourages all of us to live our faith in such a way that others will ask us a reason for the hope within. It also provides practical guidelines for connecting more deeply with those outside the faith.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians" and "Spiritual Friends."

Billie Graham is great. But if every person in America who claims to be a believer would follow the simple plan of Lifestyle Evangelism, and woo just one unsaved neighbor per year to Jesus, within TWO YEARS, everyone in America would be a believer! Carpenter? Bus driver? Nurse? YOUR JOB IS YOUR MINISTRY.... as Joe Aldrich demonstrates in his outstanding book. Another title might be, "Friendship Evangelism". IT WORKS!

This book is exceptionally readable and a delight to put into practice. I could wish he had said something about follow-up, but maybe that's another book. I have adopted a number of things for my own evangelism and highly recommend this to anyone who wants a more relaxed, friendly way to talk to others about what Christ did for them on the cross.

I HAVE BEEN AFTER THIS BOOK IN THE LAST 17 YEARS. FINALLY GOT MY COPY. ANY PASTOR WHO WANTS TO GAIN THE COMPREHENSIVE MIND OF GOD ON EVANGELISM SHOULD RUSH OUT AND GET ONE COPY!!!!

Aldrich's thesis is that a Christian's life style will predispose the non-Christian to listen to this or her words and then, hopefully, they can be persuaded to accept Christ. This method of evangelism is different than confrontational evangelism where the Christian confronts another with the demands of the gospel

Studies have shown that Life Style Evangelism just doesn't work. Thomas Rainer's book, Effective Evangelistic Churches, demonstrated that few of these churches use Aldrich's methodology. Why? Because it is too easy to be nice- in order for people to come to know Christ they must be confronted with the gospel. Rainer demonstrates it is not necessary to spend months, if not years, building relationship with people before we share the gospel. Nevertheless, it is not without value and would be a valuable addition to your library.