How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy): Personal Evangelism in a Skeptical World

by Sam Chan, Ed Stetzer (Foreword by)

Overview

Most Christians know they should be trying to tell their friends and family about Jesus. But in a post-Christendom world, personal evangelism is viewed negatively—it's offensive, inappropriate, and insensitive. Recent studies confirm that the majority of Christians rarely evangelize, worried they might offend their family or lose their friends. In How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy), author Sam Chan equips everyday Christians who are reluctant and nervous to tell their friends about Jesus with practical, tested ways of sharing their faith in the least awkward ways possible.

Drawing from over two decades of experience as an evangelist, teacher, and pastor, Chan explains why personal evangelism feels so awkward today. And utilizing recent insights from communication theory, cross-cultural ministry, and apologetics, he helps you build confidence in sharing your faith, and teaches you how to evangelize your friends and family in socially appropriate ways.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310112693
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	11/03/2020
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.47(w) x 8.36(h) x 0.49(d)

About the Author

Sam Chan (Ph D, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; MBBS, University of Sydney) is a public evangelist with City Bible Forum in Sydney, Australia, where he regularly shares the gospel with high school students, city workers, doctors, and lawyers. He is the author of the award-winning book Evangelism in a Skeptical World and regularly speaks at conferences around the world on the practice of evangelism in a post-Christian culture. Sam blogs at espressotheology.com.

Table of Contents

Foreword Ed Stetzer xi

Introduction xvii

God Sends the Fire xxi

But We Still Need to Build the Altar

Evangelism Tip # 1: Merge Your Universes 1

Evangelism Is a Lifestyle Change

Evangelism Tip # 2: Go to Their Things 23

And They Will Come to Your Things

Evangelism Tip # 3: Coffee, Dinner, Gospel 35

Find Creative Ways to Do Hospitality

Evangelism Tip # 4: Listen 51

The Golden Rule of Evangelism: Evangelize the Same Way You Want to Be Evangelized

Evangelism Tip # 5: Tell a Better Story 63

Make Them Wish That Christianity Is True

Evangelism Tip # 6: Tell Them Stories about Jesus 91

Scratch Their Itching Ears with Jesus

Evangelism Tip # 7: Become Their Unofficial, De Facto Chaplain 103

You Are Their Connection with the Sacred

Evangelism Tip # 8: Lean into Disagreement 117

For Such a Time as This

Conclusion: Looking for Black Swan Moments 135

Evangelism Happens When We Least Expect It

Appendix 1 Other Resources 139

Appendix 2 Workplace Evangelism 141

Acknowledgments 145

Notes 149

Editorial Reviews

'Practical, readable, and Spirit-infused! Sam Chan has given believers a pathway to sharing faith that is organic and accessible to ordinary people. Read it, put it into action, and watch God use you to share his love and grace in fresh new ways.'

founder of Organic Outreach International and auth KEVIN HARNEY

'Reading Sam Chan's How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy) was a bit like doing a jigsaw puzzle—you have all the pieces, but you're not sure how they fit together. In terms of evangelism, I knew that things like theology, story, culture, history, and community were essential, but I hadn't grasped how they fit together until Sam gave me the code. The church owes Sam a huge debt of thanks for this excellent resource, which will help us model faithful, sustainable evangelism ourselves and also train our beloved church families to speak about Jesus.'

RICO TICE

'Sam Chan is a breath of fresh air. His book is inspiring and practical. Challenging and kind. Timely and timeless. Strategic and genuine. He lives what he writes, yet his life and vision for effective evangelism are accessible to us all. Thank you, Sam, for this incredible gift in How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy)!'

CRAIG SPRINGER

'In his new book, expert evangelist Sam Chan invites you into his home to see what personal evangelism looks like in his own life, complete with examples, stories, and other practical guidance. It is a great resource for every Christian who wants to help others meet Jesus.'

CRAIG ELLIS

'The Jesus of the Bible is at work today, and finding out where he is already 'unsettling' our own contacts is the most thrilling, joyful, Spirit-filled experience. What a master class from Sam 'Mr. Motivator' Chan in how to get cracking. I couldn't put this book down. Thanks to Sam's engaging and oh so practical advice, many will be encouraged enough to start discovering that the power is in the Word, but—and it's a big but—we do have to get out to share it! When doing so, I am consistently asked, 'Why has no one ever shown me this before?''

chairman of 10ofthose Ltd. and founder of The Word RICHARD BORGONON

'Inspirational and immensely practical, Sam Chan shows us what a life of witness actually looks like—and it looks radiant! The book shines with gospel optimism and everyday wisdom. This is not about 'silver bullets' (there are none!); instead Sam shows us the community, the posture, the lifestyle, and the beating heart of a witness for Jesus, earthing it in our ordinary lives of discipleship. If you're stuck thinking, I should evangelize, let Sam raise your gaze. This book shows us we are all witnesses, and, wonderfully, each of us can play our part.'

GLEN SCRIVENER

'Sam has cut his teeth sharing the gospel in the context of diverse, urban, post-Christian Australia. His infectious enthusiasm for evangelism shines through in this practical and inspiring guide. A fantastic resource for communicating the life-changing message of Jesus to a world hungry for meaning.'

MARK SAYERS

'This is a delightful book and perfect for anyone who thinks evangelism is beyond their pay grade! Sam Chan motivates and equips all believers—regardless of gifting or temperament—in how to reach the hard-to-reach in today's challenging post-Christian culture. His eight tips are illuminating, thoughtful yet practical, culturally relevant, biblically faithful, and relationally effective. I loved the book, and I think you will too!'

author of Stay Salt: The World Has Changed: REBECCA MANLEY PIPPERT

'When I wasn't a Christian, I was sometimes approached by 'that guy' who eagerly but awkwardly talked to me about Jesus. Thankfully, I ran into people who knew how not to be 'that guy.' Also thankfully, Sam Chan helps all of us to not be 'that guy' so we can point people to the person of Jesus. Sam has taken a heavy topic and made it into a breezy read that will inform, amuse, and inspire.'

ABDU MURRAY