Customer Reviews

Out of the Saltshaker & into the World: Evangelism as a Way of Life

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Pippert offers a timely reminder to Christians that we are all called to exemplify Christ in all situations, and to be attentive to what tactics to use. Particularly important was her emphasis on the fact that people are not projects, but rather, children of God who are valued by God and should be treated as such. Pippert's obedience to God is an inspiration. A must read for all Christians.

In this book, Rebecca Manley Pippert gives some very practical advice on how to use lifestyle evangelism when attempting to share your Christian faith with others. The main theory of the book (which I agree with) is that most Christians don't know how to share their faith, and most non-Christians are scared of being victimized by aggressive evangelism techniques (if you were to die today - where would you go?). Her basic solution is for Christians to relax, use the Bible, and let our lives provide the witnes to our faith. Seems like pretty simple stuff, but it can actually be quite challenging (especially if someone responds to the Gospel when presented with it).

The book is full of stories from her experience which help illustrate her points (both success stories and failures are included). They also provide some humor which I think is the author's attempt to say that we Christians need to lighten up a little when it comes to evangelism.

Although there is nothing extremely profound, or new in this book, I do think the author does a good job of explaining how Christians should use Jesus' behaviour as our example when trying to reach others. Also, the chapters about Jesus and the Pharisees were pretty well done.

Overall, I recommend this book for any Christian wanting to learn more about evangelism, and practical ways to bring God's light into your world. If you have read and liked any of Jim Petersen's books about evangelism then I think that you will enjoy this one also.

I'm not a huge fan of any kind of self-help or how-to book anyway, and I'm just learning how to interact with books of this type. My first reaction to Becky and her evangelism advice is to cry out "It's not that easy! It's NEVER that easy! I wish it was that easy!" Becky sits down on a bus and asks a little question and KABLAM someone's pouring their heart out and becoming a Christian.

But on second consideration, I realize that this is probably just the way the how-to genre works - whether it's teaching evangelism or cooking a souffle on "frugal gourmet", they always seem to make it look easier than it is. Maybe that's so us naive ones at home will be encouraged and at least give hard things (like sharing our faith with others) a shot. Or maybe it's because if you're going to write a book about something, that means you're really good at it, and if you're really good at it, that probably means it comes easy to you. So it is that easy for Becky and Bob Vila and the Frugal Gourmet (whatever his name is). And for the rest of us, well, we gotta try and fail and scrape through and learn what we can from them. I can't cook a souffle for the life of me, but my omelettes aren't too bad.

I've been cooking on evangelism for a while. Coincidentally, I currently lead an evangelism team for InterVarsity on a campus where Becky used to work-WAY before my time. Becky's got all the basic stuff here in this book, presented well, accessible, all that. Probably the strength of this book is that all of it is here. She emphasizes building authentic relationships with people instead of "project-building". She hits the importance of learning to ask good questions and be an active listener. She also points out the importance and usefulness of having a basic knowledge of apologetics, and an ability to converse about the more philosophical side of the faith, engaging tough questions people have. And she confesses that the Holy Spirit does all the real work, not solid debate or amazing listening skills. This is a good, full, big picture of evangelism.

Her stories are incredible, almost unbelievable, though I trust her not to embellish. Miracles tend to be rather unbelievable, don't they?

All said, I'd rather read Henri Nouwen, Kathleen Norris, or Augustine, because I love the sense of mystery and profundity there. But Becky is helpfully practical, beautifully basic, and solid. Definitely solid. So far, it's the best "how-to evangelize" book I've read. But I'm holding out hope there's a shining one out there I just haven't found yet. Like looking for gold, when you find silver you don't treat it like trash. But you keep looking.

I have read several books on Evangelism and have personally found this one to be the best. It is not only written in an extremely engaging, fluid style and in relatively plain language, but the stories the author tells are very well used.

This book I also believe is the most practical evangelism book I have read. Instead of simply another how-to evangelism book, this book seeks to provoke a response out of you to want to make evangelism part of your life, not simply something you do once a week. It seeks to impart practical wisdom in making evangelism a way of life. If you are not planning becoming a street corner preacher, yet, have the strong urge to evangelize, this book is surely for you. Even if you are a street corner preacher (as I am), this book is for you as well.

I'm working on an evangelism project at work, so I've started making a dent in the stack of books I have on my desk. Out of the Salt Shaker was a refreshing read - well written and engaging. The stories are, by far, the most influential part of the book. I agree with another review that said Pippert makes it sound so easy, with people just pouring out their hearts to her. However, it is encouraging that there are situations when that happens. I'm sure she has a multitude of stories about her attempts at evangelism not working. She does include a few of these throughout the book, which gives a more complete perspective.

My only complaint about the book was that sometimes it was a bit redundant. I might have only noticed that because I'm outlining it for my project, and would find myself typing some of the same things over and over again. For those just reading the book as a tool to help them with evangelism, it is probably good to have that repetitive nature to burn the ideas into your brain.

I think Pippert's ideas for evangelism are easy to understand and encouraging. The book made me want to seek answers to questions I have with my own faith, in order to better equip myself to spread the gospel. Best evangelism book I've read as of yet.

Those with the earlier version of this book only have the first half of the new edition. The new material is more useful than the older.

This book is about preparing your mind for evangelism rather than following a "cookie-cutter" approach to evangelism. This is mostly the focus of the new material.

This is a good book. The information is helpful and the encouragements are inspiring. I do beleive that I can be more bold about sharing my faith with unbelievers. (Maybe a better term for them are "those who haven't heard the truth".) The only trouble with a book like this is now we don't have and excuse for not spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

We led a group study of about 20 adults with this book. We were surprised by how many people gave us positively glowing feedback. We highly recommend using the study questions at the end of the book. They can be expounded upon or altered according to the needs of your students. As a personal study this will truly wake you up and shake the salt out of your system. Highly recommended for group or individual study!

I loved this book, every xtian is supposed to (at any level) make disciples, since that was a command. the writting is simple, clear, straight. And i could meet the author very short after having read this, so it was great. I strongly recommend to read.

I found many of the practical stories in this book to be life changing. I believe that "real life" stories and experiences are what can change a heart. This book reveals some good information on evangelizing our world which so desperately needs it.