A fresh look at evangelism
Church Army evangelist, Jim Currin takes a fresh look at evangelism in his new book, "Sharing Faith the Jesus Way".
Speaking at the Fresh Expressions day, Changing the Landscape in May 2011, the Archbishop of Canterbury looked at the various encounters that Jesus had with people and how, through these encounters, Jesus suggested and opened up change and newness. The Archbishop continued by saying, ‘Part of what we're about in mission is trying to be the sort of peoples or sort of communities around whom and with whom or through whom people see things differently.’
How does the Church go about bringing people to Jesus to help them see things differently? Many Christians find it challenging to share their faith, not knowing how to start.
Jim Currin suggests that the answer is to look at the very encounters Jesus had with people as recorded in the Gospels. No one encounter is the same as another. Like the 360 degrees on a compass, Jesus addresses every individual with the facet of the good news they need to hear. There is no 'one size fits all' message of the gospel! No set form of words.
So how can that help? What did Jesus do? He was interested in people’s story; he wanted to put them in touch with God’s story and, in the process, share his own—a simple triangle of exchange which can be summed up simply as one of prayer, care and share. Praying for people, caring about them and sharing aspects of personal faith that touch their needs. Sharing faith doesn’t require a detailed blueprint. It’s a developing relationship between the Christian and their friend, and the friend and God.
Jim provides brief case studies of the approach in practice and group study questions.
As churches begin to consider mission ideas that embrace the opportunities of 2012, this very accessible and practical book is a resource that leadership teams can use to equip their people in preparation.
Jim Currin has been a Church Army Evangelist since 1979, leading missions, training, and facilitating evangelism. He is currently Secretary for Evangelisation at Churches Together in England. He has written many articles, web materials, study courses and workbooks, as well as three booklets for the Grove evangelism series, most recently The 360 Gospel of Jesus. He also hosts the website www.jesus360.org.uk
Endorsements
'Provides Christ-filled insights plus practical and spiritual stimulus to get us naturally introducing our friends to Jesus the Jesus way, with supernatural consequences.'
David Spriggs, Bible and Church Consultant, Bible Society
'Not a formula or a programme, just a challenge to live differently... I recommend it to all Christians who want to make a difference where they are.'
Ian Bunce, Head of Mission Department, Baptist Union of Great Britain
Sharing Faith the Jesus Way is priced £7.99, ISBN 978 1 84101 862 1, pb, 176 pages.