Models of Evangelism

I read this book for an undergraduate course and it was a fantastic read. The topics discussed offered a comprehensive exploration of the methods of evangelism practiced across different Christian traditions. Her book aims to provide both a historical and contemporary framework for understanding the ways in which evangelism has been carried out. She targets topics like personal and small group evangelism but also liturgical, revival, and prophetic evangelism. A section that particularly resonated with me was Pope-Levison’s discussion of relational evangelism—an approach that emphasizes long-term, authentic relationships as the basis for sharing the gospel. While Pope-Levison’s expansion of some evangelism practices were insightful, there are certain models that could have been explored in more depth. For instance, the book could benefit from a more detailed engagement with the role of technology and digital media in modern evangelism. The book would be great for scholars that are looking to be involved interfaith dialogue since the models of evangelism relates to christian practices as well as broader societal issues. This book will also be great for church leaders who want to broaden their view of traditional evangelism.

I am grateful for Priscilla Pope-Levison's book. "Models of Evangelism" has been an accessible and engaging read for my undergraduate students at Azusa Pacific University. I teach courses in evangelism and discipleship. I found the straightforward organization of each chapter--biblical basis, theological themes, historical discussion (the focus is North American contexts), practical steps, and appraisal--made it easy to plan lectures and discussions. I especially appreciate Pope-Levison's intentional emphasis on women as examples for each model. Pope-Levison's research is marked by a refreshing ecumenism. She treats the various models--including models frowned on in some evangelical and mainline circles (e.g. church growth and revival models)--with respectful appreciation. This appreciative tone feels appropriate in light of the conviction (a central conviction in her work) that God's Spirit works through imperfect, broken, hurting, missing-the-mark people like me. This said, Pope-Levison's appraisal segment in each chapter highlights important questions and areas of concern within the models of evangelism. Again, she does this in a way that is at once gracious and penetrating. Pope-Levison's writing is easy to read, yet it is by no means simplistic. For those who might question the scholarly/academic quality of the text, the rich citations should put their fears to rest. Pope-Levison is a scholar. I found the footnotes very helpful in preparing for class discussions as they offered numerous avenues for deeper research. I also found the discussion questions at the end of each chapter helpful. I recommend this text for professors teaching college courses in evangelism, missiology, practical theology, discipleship, or church renewal. "Models of Evangelism" would be beneficial in many other contexts as well, like graduate courses on evangelism, small group Bible studies, and church leadership teams.

Pope-Levison does an excellent job redefining evangelism. She also does a good job providing practical ways to engage and do evangelism well for all personalities. Growing up I understood evangelists to be someone who goes door to door. I can confirm this book broadened my understanding of evangelism. I can recognize now that there is not one way to be an evangelist. Evangelism can not be put in a box; evangelism is much more broad. With that being said, the first two models (personal evangelism and small group evangelism) stood out to me most. I value intimacy and it was these two models that I found best fit for me and my life. The last chapter, however, media evangelism, was the chapter most intriguing to me. I have a hard time connecting with online platforms and therefore, found that most of my questions arose from this chapter. I think I would have liked more expansion on this chapter, but again, Pope-Levison does an excellent job expressing the fact that there is more than one way to be an evangelist. All in all, I recommend this book for anyone who desires to gain a broader understanding of evangelism.

This book has singlehanded transformed the way I approach my role as a lay person within the church setting. I realize I had so many preconceived ideas about topics, and Pope- Levison’s book waded through all of those thoughts and led me safely back to God’s goodness. My experience with this book began as required reading for a MDiv class at Duke Divinity School, and two semesters and 21 required books later, it still remains my favorite and most transformational. This book is useful for individuals struggling with church hurt, for laity or church leadership looking at new ways to do big things, for church goers needing renewal and new purpose for the ministry of Jesus, and for middle-aged, retired teachers who felt God’s call into the ministry and decided to start over on a new faith journey. Thanks be!