Religion and Theology

Introduction to Evangelism by Alvin Reid is an essential text for pastors, seminary students, as well as other Christian readers, who are concerned with evangelism. Reid is Professor of Evangelism and Student Ministry at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The college is located in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He holds a master degree in divinity and a PhD with a major in evangelism from Southwestern Seminary (Reid, 2010, Para 1). He has written extensively pertaining to evangelism and his passion is to equip leaders of the coming generation who will change the world for the glory of God and the sake of the gospel (Reid, 2010, Para 3). The following book review indicates the extensive nature of his perspective, as he offers readers insight on the fundamental Christian issue of evangelism.

In the text Introduction to Evangelism, Reid, he starts by giving an overview of evangelism, where he describes both its history and character (Broadman  Holman Publishers, Para 1). According to Broadman, Reid utilizes biblical, historical and theological foundations in order to formulate this comprehensive guide, which successfully integrates doctrinal issues with practical matters of methodology, (Broadman  Holman Publishers, Para 1). This approach assists the readers in developing their personal spirituality, which will enable them as Christians to achieve their mandate of the Great Commission of the gospel, which is to spread the Good News to all people (Broadman  Holman Publishers, Para 1).

Reid breaks the topic of evangelism into three subtopics with five chapters in the first two subtopics and eight in the final subtopic. The first section describes what ministers and church leaders should know that is the basic beliefs on which evangelism is founded. The second section addresses how this knowledge influences Christians beliefs, that is, the spiritual foundation for evangelism, and the third section addresses behavior, that is, the methodological basis for evangelism which entails the behavior of Christians which are derived from spiritual foundation of evangelism.

Reid begins by surveying the foundational issues that are intrinsic to the topic of evangelism, which are grounded in light provided by gospel. What is immediately striking about Reids writing style is the use of anecdotal stories to emphasize his points. For example, he narrates the stirring story of Philip Simelvise, a nineteenth century physician who promoted hand washing as a means to reduce cases of death from puerperal fever in obstetrical wards. According to Reid, Simelvise complained to his colleagues saying while we talk, talk, talk, gentlemen, women are dying (Reid, 1998, p 1).

Similarly, Reid presents the urgency of evangelism as a message whose truth is even more valuable than the news that could save a generation of mothers, as this is the Good News that can change lives for eternity (Reid, p 2). Similarly, Reid goes on to narrate the story of a young man who was lost in the surf, trying to save his cousin in order to underscore the meaning of evangelism as critical because people apart from Christ are lost, while swimming in a riptide of sin that will yank them into the abyss of hell for all eternity, (Reid, 1998, p 3).

As this indicates, Reid is straightforward, direct and dramatic in his writing style, but this approach is quite effective in substantiating his argument that the evangelistic message has been watered down for modern consumption. He goes on to offer a comprehensive discussion that provides the reader with an insightful overview of the various misconceptions that are typical in regards to evangelism. This discussion essentially rejects the idea that evangelistic goals are satisfied simply by living a moral life that reflects Christian principles, but also rejects the idea that it equates with being the biggest or the best, as this often springs from a heart of pride rather than obedience to God, (Reid, 1998, p 5). This discussion culminates in a simple, effective, but also all-encompassing definition of evangelism, which is that evangelism is the communication of the gospel by saved people to lost people, (Reid, 1998, p 8).

Reid develops his points logically and constructively, drawing on scripture and relating how the evangelistic message begins in the Old Testament, but culminates in the ministry and the message of Jesus. In discussing the gospel, Reid emphasizes the specific command of the Lord and how Jesus made it clear that Christians are to go into the entire world and preach the gospel (Mark 1615) and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 2819-20) (Reid, 1998, p 43). The author asserts that out of the worlds total population, only 50 percent have been reached by the gospel of Christ and that, globally, people recognize the golden arches of McDonalds restaurants more than the cross of Christianity (Reid, 1998, p 43). He goes on to describe evangelism as it was practiced in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of Apostles, which stresses the importance of Christians witnesses to the truth of the gospel message.

Reid begins Part II by relating the inspiring story of David Livingstone, who dedicated his life to bringing the gospel message to Africa, which is a perfect example of how Christian hearts must be filled with a passion for God (Reid, 1998, p 104). This section of the book describes and discusses the spiritual resources that are associated with evangelism and, in so doing, the author stresses that this involves a passionate involvement with God that evolves from the individuals passion for Christ (Reid, 1998, p 104). Drawing heavily on the life of Paul as the best possible example of the principles and behaviors that should characterize Christian behavior, Reid stresses and discusses integrity, humility, passion, purity, conviction, setting priorities, attitude and application.

Part III addresses the methodological approaches that are required to bring the message of the Gospel to the world (Reid, 1998, p 184). In this section, Reid again draws upon the New Testament and the life of Paul in order to illustrate his points, such as the problem of fear of failure. As this suggests, Reid describes and discusses the natural insecurities that plague people when they attempt a project. Reid stresses that Gods expectation is that Christians will be faithful, not that they will be perfect. Reid goes on to discuss other problems, such as the fear of rejection, emphasizing that Christians are never more like the prophets or Jesus than when we are rejected so this is nothing to be feared (Reid, 1998, p 189).

The author goes on to discuss the roles that both fear and comfort zones play in the practice of effective evangelism. As this suggests, in this section, Reid offers concrete, practical advice that aids people in overcoming their fear of witnessing, which includes how to successfully transition in conversation from a secular topic to a sacred one. His practical suggestions are derived from the scripture and spiritually based. For example, Reid tells his reader to always approach another person in a spirit of prayer and to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit (Reid, 1998, p 192).

In summation, and drawing on the highly accurate evaluation offered by Reids publisher, by describing and discussing the timeless aspects of the evangelistic task and, furthermore, by adapting these tasks both to the needs of the contemporary world, as well as that of the future, Reids text offers Christians the tools they need to spread the Word with assurance at the dawn of the new millennium (Broadman  Holman Publishers, Para 1).

While a student researching this topic should indicate his or her own personal evaluation of this book, it is this writertutors personal opinion that the vast majority of contemporary Christians would consider the publishers assessment to be fair and accurate evaluation of this instructive and insightful text. Reid, in a straightforward and easy to read writing style, argues persuasively concerning the central importance of evangelism to Christian life.

Throughout the book, he connects with his readers on a personal level by relating points to anecdotal family stories so that by the time the reader finishes the book, he feels like he knows this scholar and his family. He has become a trusted friend who offers valuable advice and guidance. Reid occasionally relates stories and statistics that are horrific, but serve to underscore the importance of this topic, as a successful evangelism leads people to Christ and therefore to fulfilling lives that culminate in everlasting life.