Questioning Evangelism [Paperback]

Randy Newman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2004

A revolutionary look at sharing Christ with unbelievers by using the probing, provocative, and penetrating method Jesus used to engage others in personal dialogue and caring interaction. (20070401)

Editorial Reviews

Review

So many evangelistic techniques are concerned with what to say. We rarely consider what to ask. That's what makes this book essential reading. Questioning Evangelism is the most insightful, illuminating and heartening book I've read on the subject in the last ten years. If you find yourself getting discouraged by your evangelistic efforts, get a copy as soon as you can, and then read it on a public transportation system near you. (Barry Cooper The Briefing 20050125)

Readers will find this intelligent, user-friendly manual for saving lost souls convincing, challenging, and inspiring. (CBA Marketplace 20050102)

Questioning Evangelism would be a definite asset to any church library.î (J.A.W. Church Libraries 20060313)

A revolutionary look at sharing Christ with unbelievers by using Jesus' penetrating method of question asking to engage others in personal dialogue and life-changing interaction. (Faith in the Workplace 20060801)

"Viewed from the evangelical perspective, this book borders on the profound. Viewed from any perspective, Newman brings a new meaning to the word evangelism. With huge amounts of compassion, Newman brings apologetics into evangelism and provides practical examples of how to evangelize by asking questions rather than giving answers. An excellent book for folks who want to communicate with their non-Christian friends without being a bigot." (William M. Easum Resource Shelf 20060701)

"I read this book over vacation, and ended up highlighting and underlining the heck out of it! Not only does it aid you in answering the questions that some use to stump Christians and shut them up, it helps you discover different ways of relating the Gospel to the unchurched who are genuinely interested, but lacking the most basic understanding of what Christianity is about." (Amazon.com [customer review] )

"Fuller's method is the best there is. He combines reading a chapter, watching someone explain the concept on DVD, and physically doing exercises out of a workbook (or on a whiteboard in a classroom). If you want to learn Hebrew and your don't have access to a schoolóbuy the book, workbook, DVDs and get studying. If you're teaching a class, integrate this into your semester, your students will thank you. You might ask how I know this works. Well, I was one of Fuller's students and now I'm doing a PhD in Semitic languages so it must have worked for me. (P.S. And no, he hasn't paid me to say these things. I say it because I want to help you learn Hebrew and/or be the best teacher possible.)" (Charles Halton awilum.com )

"In an age where evangelistic programs are as numerous as declining churches, it is refreshing to find a text that does not propose another memorized Gospel presentation. Newman states, "The goal of Questioning Evangelism is to help people know how to think about an issue more than what to think." Newman's "better way" involves answering questions with questions; not for the sake of evasion but to allow the non-Christian to discover the underlying issue. Newman states, "At times (far too many, I'm afraid), I've answered questions with biblically accurate, logically sound, epistemologically watertight answers, only to see questioners shrug their shoulders. My answers, it seemed, only further confirmed their opinion that Christians are simpletons." (William E. Brown Faith & Mission )

From the Back Cover

There's no question about it—evangelism is essential to following Jesus. Unfortunately, sharing the Good News is often seen as a matter of using the right method. But methods don't go very far when a conversation about faith runs squarely up against a brick wall of defensiveness or veers off into an unfamiliar landscape of arguments and objections. What's a disciple of Christ to do then?

“Ask a question,” says Randy Newman. It is, after all, what Jesus did. This questioning style of evangelism is without formulas, without answers to memorize, and you don’t have to have a Ph.D. in theology to use it. If it sounds too simple, don’t worry. It worked for Jesus; it will work for you.

“Questioning Evangelism steps outside the boundaries of evangelism as usual and tackles the tougher issues of our modern day. [It] is a must read for all!”

—Mitch Glaser
Chosen People Ministries

“This book is must reading for those who want to learn how to bring apologetics into evangelism in a biblical and relationally sensitive sort of way.”

—J. P. Moreland
Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

“This book reflects both a deep grasp of biblical theology and a penetrating compassion for people. How very much like the Master himself!”

—D.A. Carson
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Randy Newman has worked with Campus Crusade for more than twenty years—teaching seminars at a variety of locations from college campuses to the Pentagon.

(20041101)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications; Student/Stdy Gde edition (February 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082543324X
• ISBN-13: 978-0825433245
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Randy Newman has been with the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ since 1980 and currently serves with Faculty Commons, their ministry to university professors. He ministers on campuses and elsewhere in our nation's capital to students, professors and policy shapers. His teaching responsibilities have included serving with the Chaplain's office at the Pentagon and as an adjunct professor at Trinity International University. He is an honors graduate from Temple University with a degree in Music Education. He also has a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Randy is a Jewish Believer in Jesus and is the former editor of The Messiah-On-Campus Bulletin. He lives in Annandale, Virginia together with his wife Pam. They are the proud parents of three grown sons; Dan, David, and Jon. Randy enjoys jazz, classical music, Scrabble, and the Food Network show Chopped. He is the author of numerous articles and the books Questioning Evangelism: Engaging People's Hearts the Way Jesus Did and Corner Conversations: Engaging Dialogues about God and Life, both published by Kregel Publications, and Bringing the Gospel Home: Witnessing to Family Members, Close Friends, and Others Who Know You Well, published by Crossway. He blogs and offers insights about evangelism at www.randydavidnewman.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sometimes answers are too much, January 9, 2004

By 

Kelsey Wade Wimmer "kwimmer" (Tazewell, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Questioning Evangelism (Paperback)

How do you respond to a question? The quick response is probably an answer. Sometimes answers and defenses to our positions are too much though. They can shut people down and often show lack of compassion. We want to spread the hope of the gospel message but preaching turns people off. Those of us who confess Jesus as the answer often ignore the fact that he left many the questions asked him unanswered.

Author Randy Newman suggests that we engage people around us in the way Jesus often did- by asking questions, even answering questions with questions. By using dialogue in this rabbinic style, we can engage people in such a way as to get them to think about their beliefs. Furthermore, and maybe more importantly, by doing so we can engage their hearts because a person's acceptance of the gospel is not solely based on their ability to reason. Questions can get people who have never considered why they believe some things to be true to honestly think about them. Asking questioning can tear down strongholds of false views and build plausibility for the gospel. Examples of this kind of questioning dialogue, often from real conversations, are sprinkled throughout this book.

Of course, not all questions are genuine, or even questions at all, but rather attacks. Newman is aware this. Sometimes the best response is not to answer the attack but to ask a question. Even simple questions like "really?" and "so?" can turn a conversation around. It levels the playing field and opens the path for further serious discussion.

While remaining accessible, the book gives insight on how to respond to weighty questions such as "Why does God allow evil?", "Why are Christians so homophobic?", and "If Jesus is so great, why are some of his followers such jerks?" There aren't easy answers to all the questions. Sometimes there are no answers but the point of this book is not to tell you what to think, but rather to give perspective on how to think about various issues and how to relate to people. We don't have all the answers and shouldn't pretend like we do. Rather, it is more important that we honestly and wisely interact with people while pointing to the hope we have.

The intended audience is those who have a strong grasp of the gospel and a desire to declare it to others. Unlike declaring and defending the gospel that serve as a foundation, questioning evangelism doesn't always strive to give solid answers. Sometimes were not after answers; sometimes were after compassion. Questioning Evangelism is a book on evangelism that isn't wooden and recognizes that we are mind, body, heart, and soul-questions and all. Not only that, but it is also quite enjoyable to read with plentiful anecdotes and points to ponder. Who would have thought?

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, humorous guide to witnessing to your neighbors, January 17, 2005

By 

E. Dian Moore (Moundsville, WV USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Questioning Evangelism (Paperback)

QUESTIONING EVANGELISM is a somewhat humorous collection of questions and answers to engage people in the discussion of how to follow the teachings of Jesus.

Important lessons are scattered throughout this text, such as immorality prevents us from turning to Christ. Real tools to open a dialogue with others are included, instead of situations that would turn away people from learning about Jesus. For instance the text includes guides about when and who to engage, as well as who to leave alone ( fools). It also includes information about how to know the difference. Are they interested in the truth?

QUESTIONING EVANGELISM is not just a guide it has many roles to play and offers many useable answers to common questions.

Those of us eager to witness to other people, but unsure of how to do it, will find answers to how to address issues such as homosexuality, adultery, idolatry, abortion and other combustible issues.

QUESTIONING EVANGELISM points out that using a question, instead of an answer, to a question, follows the teachings of Jesus. And we all know Jesus did this very well. By questioning someone's question, we can then open a dialog that is neither threatening nor invasive.

Instead we can then began to chat with others about the true meaning of Christ and His teachings, and we can come to deeper understandings within ourselves as we also offer others a way to find deeper understanding.

Newman addresses questions such as:
* Why are Christians so intolerant?
* To why does a good God allow evil and suffering?
* Why should anyone worship a God who allowed 9/11?
* Why should we believe an ancient book written by dead Jewish males?
* If Jesus is so great, why are some of his followers such jerks?

Additionally, Newman answers questions Christians have, too:
* What if I don't care that my neighbor is going to hell?
* What if I really want my neighbor to go to hell?
* When is it time to shut up?

Audience: Evangelistic and witnessing groups, youth groups, and adults, both collectively and individually. This book is especially helpful by providing hypothetical questions and gives the reader(s) a guide, which can be used to role-play such a situations. These are real tools to address real situations.

Ages: Sixteen to Adult.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Practical, helpful, and compassionate look at evangelism, February 20, 2005

By 

Mark Loughridge (Letterkenny, Ireland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Questioning Evangelism (Paperback)

Randy: How's the weather down there?
Grandma Belle: How could the weather be in Florida in the middle of July?

Randy: How's your family?
Aunt Vivian: Compared to whom?

In this way Randy Newman starts off his book on evangelism. Responding to a question with a question was the daily routine for Newman as he grew up in a Jewish home. Yet he points to Jesus, the master evangelist, as the supreme example in this. For Jesus answering a question with a question was the norm; a clear concise direct answer was a rarity. Take the rich young ruler for example - if ever there was a great opportunity to demonstrate how to explain the gospel this was it. Yet when asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?", Jesus responds, "Why do you call me good?"

Newman argues that so often we are too quick to answer, and that as we answer with our perfectly accurate answer, they aren't listening anyway. His point is that we need to engage their minds as well as simply present the truth. He says, "Answering a question with a question... brings to the surface the questioner's assumptions. It also takes the pressure off you... this is important because as long as we're on the defensive, the questioners are not really wrestling with the issues. They're just watching us squirm."

Throughout the book Newman illustrates with excerpts from his own work as a college evangelist over the last 20 years. With great openness he shows, not only the times he got it right, but also the times he got it wrong, and the lessons he learned from each occasion. He also gives practical suggestions throughout for questions you could ask, as well as giving dialogues to show how a conversation might go. These illustrations go along way to making the book practical, applicable, and easy to read. There is also a gentleness throughout the book that is extremely winsome. His way is not a triumphalist approach to evangelism, seeking to display wisdom and crush the opposition with knowledge, but a gentle way, seeking to understand the questioner, and seeking to provide real answers.

The book is divided into three sections, each full of useful content:

Part 1 - "Why ask questions?" - deals with the rationale and principles behind asking questions.
In Part 2 - "What questions are people asking?" - Newman shows how to, and how not to, answer questions like, `Why are Christians so intolerant?' `Why are Christians homophobic?' `Why does a good God allow suffering?'. There is a lot of practical wisdom packed into these chapters.
The third part - "Why aren't questions and answers enough?" - he turns the focus towards ourselves and deals with our lack of compassion for the lost, the problem of when our disgust at sin becomes disgust at the sinner, and how we can fail to listen.

Newman speaks about recognising the `fool' of Proverbs who shouldn't be answered, of how and when to ignore questions, he speaks of asking questions to discover what really lies behind the original question, of grasping the hurt that someone has been through that may be disguised in a casual question.

As well as providing a useful method for evangelism Newman also conveys a lot of useful facts on a variety of topics that will strengthen the believer in their faith. This is a great book that will equip you for evangelism, and give you a way of thinking that will be much more useful than simply learning a set of rules or facts.

Buy it and implement it