Evangelism for the Rest of Us
by Mike Bechtle
Published by Baker Books
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Reviewed by Bob Pike CSP, CPAE-Speakers Hall of Fame
Subtitled: Sharing Christ with Your Personality Style
Bechtle could have called this book Evangelism for Introverts, but he didn't. He points out that almost every book on evangelism he has ever read was heavily, if not exclusively, oriented towards methods, techniques, and practices that work well for people with outgoing personalities.
He spends the first third of the book helping the reader understand the differences between introverts and extroverts--emphasizing that they are simply different. There is no "best" personality style. He also points out the many false ideas that exist about witnessing--such as "it doesn't count as witnessing if the person doesn't pray to receive Christ." He then explores the reasons people don't share their faith, and most of it is wrapped up in the fear factor. So he explores the fears and offers a fresh perspective on either how to view them in a new light--or how to deal with them.
His real emphasis is that we can witness as Jesus did:
1. While going about our daily lives.
2. Meeting people where they are and helping them move one step closer to God.
3. By praying for God to work through us.
The final part of the book provides the reader with methods for creating a personal way to share their faith in everyday life in a way that fits their own personal style. For the reader that believes that the "fields are white unto harvest," but is afraid that they won't say the right thing, or that somehow they'll mess it up, this book has answers that they can make work for them.
Armchair Interviews says: Everyone who believes that the Great Commission applies to them will benefit from this book.