A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVANGELISM:
how to win and keep new members
by Balvin B. Braham
Published by IADPA, ©2014.
Reviewed by Derek J. Morris, President, Hope Channel
I always appreciate a book that not only tells you what to do but also tells you how. If you’re looking for a simple and clear resource on the “how to” of evangelism I strongly recommend A Practical Guide to Evangelism: how to win and keep new members by Balvin B. Braham.
The author comes with impressive credentials—he coordinates evangelism and church growth for the burgeoning Inter-American Division. You will find biblically based and time-tested strategies for getting your local church involved in evangelism. Each chapter concludes with thought-provoking discussion questions. Sample church assessments and community surveys will be a helpful resource for any church wanting to intentionally prepare for effective outreach activities.
Crucial to the success of evangelistic activity is the formation of evangelistic small groups. The author outlines the key components of a healthy evangelistic small group: devotion, nurture, community, and mission. The 22 suggestions for those leading a small group Bible study would be helpful for even the most experienced small group leader.
Balvin Braham not only outlines the steps for conducting a traditional evangelistic series, but also discusses a variety of other creative forms of evangelism: family evangelism, women’s evangelism, men’s evangelism, youth evangelism, children’s evangelism, and comprehensive health evangelism. The common goal is impact for the kingdom of heaven. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has always emphasized the importance of Christian education, but have we recognized the mission opportunities on our primary, secondary, and tertiary campuses? According to the author, the goal of evangelism in connection with Adventist educational institutions is “to foster social and spiritual growth among teachers and professors, Adventist students, and non-Adventist students.”
Professors, teachers, and Adventist students play a significant role in on-campus evangelism through collaboration, modeling, and mentoring. Non-Adventist relatives and friends of students are also impacted when evangelism occurs on educational campuses. Unfortunately, the author does not explore strategies for evangelistic outreach to the thousands of secular and private campuses, many of which include Adventist students who might serve as a core group for evangelistic outreach. Perhaps this important mission assignment can be explored in a sequel book.
One element that is often missing when speaking about evangelism is the importance of discipling and nurturing new members. The author devotes an entire chapter to discuss the importance of discipleship and nurture. Five core values of a disciple of Jesus are identified: devotion, evangelism, fellowship, outreach, and stewardship. A spirit of “sacrifice is a key component in order for these core values to become a reality in the life of the disciple.”3
New believers also need to be nurtured. As the church experiences growth through a variety of evangelistic activities, the welcoming church family must be intentional about nurture and conservation. This involves careful training and accountability. What are the pressing needs of new members who have been dislocated from previous support systems? The author suggests four immediate needs: affirmation, love, assurance, and support. I’m certain the reader could
augment the list of ways to show love to new members, but the 26 suggestions offered by the author are a great place to start.
If nurture of new members is so crucial, I’m sure someone is asking for a simple program that could be implemented in the local church. The author shares a sample program that has proven to be remarkably effective.5 The seven practical strategies outlined in this program can be implemented with minimal cost and the results will be long lasting. This helpful resource on the “how to” of evangelism also includes valuable appendices on topics including planting new churches, reaching non-Christians, and connecting with former members.
At a recent training event conducted by the author, a church leader exclaimed, “Every church member needs to read this book!” That would be a noble goal, and the book user friendly for individual church members and small groups. However, a great start would be for each pastor and lay leader to read this valuable resource prayerfully and carefully. A Practical Guide to Evangelism: how to win and keep new members might change your evangelistic ministry for good.
1 pp. 76-77.
2 p. 179.
3 p. 187
4 p. 199
5 In a case study using this sample nurturing program, 90% of approximately 240 new members were still active in church after two years.
Dr. Balvin B. Braham is a Leadership trainer and Coach who has served in various levels of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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