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Good Books on Evangelism

John of Japan

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Ever read the Masters Plan of Evangelism, by Robert Coleman, as was used in my school for this subject?
Robert Coleman was a seminary professor and a genuine scholar. This book is a detailed examination with copious sources and footnotes about how Jesus did evangelism. Essentially, it teaches a multiplication ministry instead of addition ministry. By that I mean that Coleman taught that we should train those we win to Christ to win others in their turn. Thus the final effect is much greater, and every creature can be reached for Christ much faster. I recommend this book highly.
 

evangelist6589

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Then why have you over and over touted on the BB the books of an Arminian Charismatic, Ray Comfort?

Well because The Way of the Master was used at a former SBC church I used to attend with a Calvinistic leaning. It was also used at a former reformed Baptist Church I used to attend, and its used in the evangelism program of my parents calvinistic church.

While Comfort is not perfect his evangelism program The Way of the Master is the best. There are some questions about his theology, but for the practical and a basic view I recommend The Way of the Master. Comfort is frowned upon on this board, but can you answer the question as to why many Calvinist Baptist Churches use him in their evangelism training?
 

John of Japan

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John R Rice, John R Rice there are others besides him out there!
John R. Rice saw over 200,000 saved through his personal witness, books, tracts, revival meetings, newspaper, etc. (This count reckoned by adding the figures in his biography.) I'd say that anyone who claims to know 20th century evangelism, without referencing John R. Rice and his works, is ignorant of the subject.

There have been at least 3 PhD dissertations (none by IFBs) and at least 3 Master's theses on this man of God. I'd say the scholarly world knows John R. Rice's influence, even if you don't.
We need to recommend Calvinist books on evangelism.
"We" don't need to do anything. You are not part of my "we." Maybe you "need" to recommend Calvinist books on evangelism, but I "want" (not "need") to recommend good books on evangelism, whoever wrote them.

Nothing but the Truth by MacArthur
the gospel and personal evangelism by Mark Dever
Please read The Soul Winner, by Calvinist Spurgeon, then get back to the thread. Also, try Evangelism Explosion, by Presbyterian James Kennedy.
 

John of Japan

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Well because The Way of the Master was used at a former SBC church I used to attend with a Calvinistic leaning. It was also used at a former reformed Baptist Church I used to attend, and its used in the evangelism program of my parents calvinistic church.
Apparently, then, these pastors had not carefully and critically read the man's books, or they would not have recommended them.

While Comfort is not perfect his evangelism program The Way of the Master is the best. There are some questions about his theology, but for the practical and a basic view I recommend The Way of the Master. Comfort is frowned upon on this board, but can you answer the question as to why many Calvinist Baptist Churches use him in their evangelism training?
I will answer your question as soon as you prove that what you say is true. What Calvinist Baptist churches other then the two you mention use Comfort's program? What percentage of Calvinist Baptist churches?
 

annsni

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Site Supporter

Because as you've pointed out, you can't say anything about a book unless you've read it. John has stated that these books are some of the best books on evangelism. You can't say otherwise because you haven't read them. Read them then get back to us.
 

evangelist6589

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Site Supporter
Apparently, then, these pastors had not carefully and critically read the man's books, or they would not have recommended them.


I will answer your question as soon as you prove that what you say is true. What Calvinist Baptist churches other then the two you mention use Comfort's program? What percentage of Calvinist Baptist churches?

Get real I am not going to mention the names of the churches I used to attend. I remember once sending a email to a professor at a Reformed Baptist School and he got interested in WOTM. But regarding Baptist Churches I have heard many WOTM Radio podcasts and Todd has mentioned interests by SBC churches in The Way of the Master.

Also I challenge you to call up living waters and ask them what churches are buying their tracts? I bet you a donut that there are Baptists buying their materials.
 

John of Japan

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Here is a recommendation I made on another thread:

Folks, going through my books on evangelism, I found again the classic by R. A. Torrey, Personal Work. This book has a great chapter on "How to Deal with Professed Sceptics and Infidels," which I think is relevant to this very day. The book is the first half of his larger work, How to Work for Christ. You can find a pdf of the larger work here: http://www.biblesnet.com/RA Torrey How to Work for Christ Volume 1 Personal Work.pdf

What Torrey would do is get the skeptic or atheist to sign a statement that they would pray, "God, if there is a god, show yourself to me," then read the Bible. He saw many atheists and doubters saved with this method.
 

evangelist6589

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Because as you've pointed out, you can't say anything about a book unless you've read it. John has stated that these books are some of the best books on evangelism. You can't say otherwise because you haven't read them. Read them then get back to us.

I have read enough non Calvinist books on evangelism (Share Jesus without Fear, Mark Cahill's collection, Conversational Evangelism, The fifth gospel, etc). I do not need to read anymore non Calvinist books.
 

evangelist6589

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Here is a recommendation I made on another thread:

Folks, going through my books on evangelism, I found again the classic by R. A. Torrey, Personal Work. This book has a great chapter on "How to Deal with Professed Sceptics and Infidels," which I think is relevant to this very day. The book is the first half of his larger work, How to Work for Christ. You can find a pdf of the larger work here: http://www.biblesnet.com/RA Torrey How to Work for Christ Volume 1 Personal Work.pdf

What Torrey would do is get the skeptic or atheist to sign a statement that they would pray, "God, if there is a god, show yourself to me," then read the Bible. He saw many atheists and doubters saved with this method.

Its not about a method its about God's sovereign election granting faith and repentance to people.
 

John of Japan

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Get real I am not going to mention the names of the churches I used to attend. I remember once sending a email to a professor at a Reformed Baptist School and he got interested in WOTM. But regarding Baptist Churches I have heard many WOTM Radio podcasts and Todd has mentioned interests by SBC churches in The Way of the Master.
I didn't ask for names of churches. I simply asked for verification of your statement. Apparently you can't do that.

Also I challenge you to call up living waters and ask them what churches are buying their tracts? I bet you a donut that there are Baptists buying their materials.
This would be me answering the question concerning verification which I asked you. That's a non-starter. :Biggrin
 

John of Japan

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Its not about a method its about God's sovereign election granting faith and repentance to people.
Oh, really? Then you should stop recommending WOTM, because it's a method.

But actually, Torrey's book is not about a method, it simply gives wise ways to answer the objections of people to the Gospel. That's what Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort do in their book The School of Biblical Evangelism, FYI. ;)
 

Salty

20,000 Posts Club
Administrator
Get real I am not going to mention the names of the churches I used to attend. I remember once sending a email to a professor at a Reformed Baptist School and he got interested in WOTM. But regarding Baptist Churches I have heard many WOTM Radio podcasts and Todd has mentioned interests by SBC churches in The Way of the Master.

Also I challenge you to call up living waters and ask them what churches are buying their tracts? I bet you a donut that there are Baptists buying their materials.

John did not ask for churches you attended.
 

annsni

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
I have read enough non Calvinist books on evangelism (Share Jesus without Fear, Mark Cahill's collection, Conversational Evangelism, The fifth gospel, etc). I do not need to read anymore non Calvinist books.

Then you cannot speak to whether Dr. Rice's books are good or not, can you?
 

annsni

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Oh for the love of the rabbit! What is a good John R Rice book on evangelism to buy? I will check the iBooks store.

Umm - maybe read the first post??

After wading through a certain book on evangelism on another thread, I thought it good to have a thread on what books we can recommend on the subject.

John R. Rice's most popular book on the subject is The Soul-Winner's Fire. This little book (126 pages) will certainly fire you up. It deals more with attitude and God's power than a specific method of soul-winning. For example, in Ch. 2, "God's Way in Soul-Winning, Dr. Rice urges compassion for souls based on his life's verse, Ps. 126:6--"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

The book was first printed in 1941 and is still in print after 75 years should tell you that it is a genuine classic, worthy of being read by anyone interested in personal evangelism. Buy it at: http://www.swordbooks.com/soulwinnersfire.aspx

I received my copy from the author when I was a little boy helping him at his book table, and still treasure it.
 
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