Evangelism is a contentious word, conjuring up all sorts of assumptions.
It can create suspicion or imply tribalism, or can be seen as a
desperate response to falling numbers. For some the term has become
irredeemably polluted. But what if we recovered an authentic
understanding of evangelism as good news that enables people to know
that they are drenched in the love and grace of God? And how do we do
that?
This is a book for everyone who wants to share the gospel but who cannot
relate to what evangelism has become. Its title is taken from
Saint-Exupery, ‘If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the people to
gather wood, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast
and endless sea.’
Drawing on writers like Bonhoeffer, Newbigin and Pope Francis’ landmark
Euangelii Gaudium, Chris Russell aims to redeem evangelism from its
present predicament. He sets it in a deeper and richer theological
context, asks how the church and individual Christians can communicate
the love of God in language and action, and explores how the good news
is received.