Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Helpful Books on Evangelism

In response to my post on Dever’s new evangelism book, Jeff asked what other books I had found encouraging and/or challenging on evangelism. We’re not back to full sleep yet at my house- so who knows how clearly I am thinking :) -but here are a few books that come to mind. Feel free to mention others in comments.

Directly on the topic:
Horatius Bonar, Words to Winners of Souls
Thomas Boston, The Art of Manfishing
Iain Murray, Spurgeon Vs Hyper Calvinism: The Battle for Gospel Preaching
Ichabod Spencer, A Pastor’s Sketches
C. H. Spurgeon, The Soul Winner

Pastoral Ministry Books which address this topic:
Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor
John Angell James, An Earnest Ministry

Biographies:
Elisabeth Elliot, Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot
Michael McMullen, God's Polished Arrow: W.C. Burns

Share some that have been helpful to you.

9 comments:

Corey Reynolds said...

Directly on the topic:
Thom Rainer, The Unexpected Journey
Will McRaney, Jr., The Art of Personal Evangelism

Adam said...

Oh, Dr. Van Neste, how could you ommit Joseph Bayly's classic, The Gospel Blimp? I can never resist picking up extra copies at used book stores! I currently own 3 and am always looking for extras so that I can share it with my friends. It is even recommended on the IX Marks bibliography for pastors! I even got to watch the movie in on of my classes at SBTS.

And on a more sober note, from what I've read, Will Metzger's Tell the Truth is pretty solid as well.

Anonymous said...

I will second Will Metzger's Tell the Truth. Clear and rightly focused for a base point. And, though in some ways it may seem dated, many of us still rely on certain essentials in Evangelism Explosion.

Unknown said...

While I would most certainly tend to suggest older books over newer books - Randy Newman's book Questioning Evangelism is outstanding (highly recommended by D.A. Carson, as well - if that adds any weight). It's focus is primarily our method of evangelism more than our message (Newman assumes the message is there) - it was a great help both to me and my wife.

Chad Davis

Ray Van Neste said...

Thanks guys!
We have used both the Metzger book and the Newman book at our church (where I serve with Chad) and both have been well received. I have nto read them myself but they have been strongly commened by folks whose opinions I value highly.

natekenney.com said...

I'd say that "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel has taught me a lot in regard to getting answers to some prevalent questions that many skeptics and 'new' believers have.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Dr. V and everyone else for the book recommendations. Looks like I have a lot of reading to do.

Evangelism Coach said...

Rick Richardson, Reimagining Evangelism
Bill Hybels, Just walk Across the Room
Questioning Evangelism
Evangelism for the Rest of Us
Unbinding the Gospel

Pastor Chris
EvangelismCoach.org

Unknown said...

Greetings Dr. Van Neste. Happened upon your blog from a string that I believe started with JT.

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God - Packer.