Biblical principles for evangelism
Multiply efforts through training
13-chapter semester format
Evangelism by the Book 13 Biblical Principles by Tom Stebbins Christian Publications copyright 1991 337 pages
There are many styles and methods of evangelism, but certain biblical principles are fundamental to any outreach endeavor. Its these undergirding principles that Tom Stebbins explores in this book. Each chapter examines a scripture passage on a particular aspect of evangelism and distills the principles that can be applied to our ministries.
One principle that is frequently overlooked and even downplayed in Christian circles is Pauls teaching on winning souls for Christ. Using 1 Corinthians 9 for his scriptural authority, Stebbins shows the need for Christians to be winsome and persuasive as they share Christ with others. Nonbelievers need to observe Christ in our lives, but they also need to hear our verbal testimony to His saving grace. In some cases seekers are more interested in hearing what we have to say than we are interested in saying it!
Throughout the book, Stebbins emphasizes that God desires to prepare His followers for active service and then to transform us into trainers to equip others. When our focus moves beyond personal evangelism to evangelism training, we will see our efforts begin to multiply. New believers should be discipled in prayer and Bible reading and trained to share their newfound faith with others.
Tom Stebbins has been actively involved with Evangelism Explosion International for many years and is an enthusiastic advocate of this systematic training method. His writing includes many examples and personal anecdotes from his missionary adventures in Vietnam and his work as an evangelistic trainer in the U.S.