Overview
To understand evangelism, it can be difficult to know where to begin due to the wealth of written material available on the topic. This one-stop textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to evangelism from an evangelical perspective. It draws from the diverse and vast literature on the topic to help readers share the gospel at home and throughout the world.
Understanding Evangelism emerges from the author's experiences as a pastor, missionary, evangelist, and professor of evangelism and from his expertise as a scholar in the field. The book provides the necessary biblical knowledge, cultural awareness, and practical insights for every Christ follower to be part of the privilege of partnering with the Spirit in the world.
The first part of the book covers contemporary definitions of evangelism, the global status of world evangelization, and personal motives and ethics for evangelism. The second part addresses its biblical and theological foundations, while the third part offers a historical overview. The fourth part focuses on cultural contexts and effective communication of the gospel. The book concludes with contemporary issues that offer practical guidance in the ministry of evangelism. Pedagogical tools--including case studies, sidebars, figures, and reflection questions--help students retain information.
Understanding Evangelism emerges from the author's experiences as a pastor, missionary, evangelist, and professor of evangelism and from his expertise as a scholar in the field. The book provides the necessary biblical knowledge, cultural awareness, and practical insights for every Christ follower to be part of the privilege of partnering with the Spirit in the world.
The first part of the book covers contemporary definitions of evangelism, the global status of world evangelization, and personal motives and ethics for evangelism. The second part addresses its biblical and theological foundations, while the third part offers a historical overview. The fourth part focuses on cultural contexts and effective communication of the gospel. The book concludes with contemporary issues that offer practical guidance in the ministry of evangelism. Pedagogical tools--including case studies, sidebars, figures, and reflection questions--help students retain information.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Introductory Issues
1. What Is Evangelism?
2. Contemporary Definitions of Evangelism
3. One Gospel for a Multicultural World
4. Global Status of Evangelization
5. Motives and Ethics
Part 2: Biblical and Theological Foundations
6. The Mission of God in the Old Testament
7. Evangelism and the Great Commission
8. Jesus and the Apostolic Church
9. Divine Sovereignty and Election
10. Atonement and Grace
11. Repentance, Faith, Conversion
Part 3: Historical Overview
12. Means of Evangelism: AD 100-300
13. Influencers (Part 1): AD 300-1500
14. Influencers (Part 2): AD 1500 to the Present
15. A Century of Global Evangelization Gatherings: AD 1910-2024
Part 4: Culture and Communication
16. Crossing Cultural Gaps
17. Apologetics and Worldview
Part 5: Contemporary Issues
18. Testimony
19. The Sinner's Prayer
20. Pastoral Leadership
21. Reaching Children
22. Overcoming Personal Concerns
23. Sharing and Responding Conclusion
Case Study 1: Group Conversion
Case Study 2: Not Being Offensive
Indexes
1. What Is Evangelism?
2. Contemporary Definitions of Evangelism
3. One Gospel for a Multicultural World
4. Global Status of Evangelization
5. Motives and Ethics
Part 2: Biblical and Theological Foundations
6. The Mission of God in the Old Testament
7. Evangelism and the Great Commission
8. Jesus and the Apostolic Church
9. Divine Sovereignty and Election
10. Atonement and Grace
11. Repentance, Faith, Conversion
Part 3: Historical Overview
12. Means of Evangelism: AD 100-300
13. Influencers (Part 1): AD 300-1500
14. Influencers (Part 2): AD 1500 to the Present
15. A Century of Global Evangelization Gatherings: AD 1910-2024
Part 4: Culture and Communication
16. Crossing Cultural Gaps
17. Apologetics and Worldview
Part 5: Contemporary Issues
18. Testimony
19. The Sinner's Prayer
20. Pastoral Leadership
21. Reaching Children
22. Overcoming Personal Concerns
23. Sharing and Responding Conclusion
Case Study 1: Group Conversion
Case Study 2: Not Being Offensive
Indexes
Endorsements
“In Understanding Evangelism, Payne provides an accessible textbook that combines solid biblical exegesis, theological rigor, and missiological grounding with hands-on evangelistic strategy and methodology. He interacts with diverse scholars and ideas to provide a valuable theoretical and practical guide that roots itself unabashedly in the evangelical tradition. His book is contemporary and contextual while remaining biblically faithful, delightfully engaging, and practically helpful.”
Anna Daub, assistant professor of missions, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Payne’s work is a masterful and expansive journey into the heart of evangelism. With remarkable depth and clarity, he weaves together insights from diverse denominational traditions, cultural contexts, historical developments, and theological frameworks. The result is a rich and textured exploration that both informs and inspires. This book stands out as a key resource for anyone teaching or studying evangelism—offering the breadth and nuance so often missing in contemporary texts.”
W. Jay Moon, professor of evangelism and church planting, Asbury Theological Seminary
Author
J. D. Payne
J. D. Payne (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Thomas Welby Bozeman Chair of Christian Ministry at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He has published sixteen books, including Apostolic Imagination: Recovering a Biblical Vision for the Church's Mission Today and Theology of Mission: A Concise Biblical Theology. He has served for more than twenty-five years in theological education and has nineteen years of experience in pastoral ministry.