Invitation to Evangelism: Sharing the Gospel with Conviction and Compassion

by Timothy Beougher

Overview

Essential guidance for a lifestyle of sharing God’s good news with a lost world.

What exactly does it mean to “evangelize” in a Christian sense? And how is such “evangelizing” supposed to be done? Longtime pastor, evangelist, and professor of evangelism Timothy K. Beougher answers these questions and more from theological, historical, and practical perspectives. Beougher demonstrates God’s goodness in evangelism through relatable anecdotes, Bible teaching, and encouraging instruction. Invitation to Evangelism welcomes believers into the experience of stepping out in faith of behalf of people God loves.

Most Christians know that they should be sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with nonbelievers, and most also know they aren’t witnessing very well, or even at all. They need help internalizing the content of gospel proclamation and identifying the best way to go about making evangelism a natural part of their lives. Introduction to Evangelism guides readers through the essential issues of the gospel message, evangelism methods, and witnessing models so they are ready and excited to move out in faith as everyday evangelists.

Beougher’s biblical, theological, historical, and practical teaching revolves around following essential aspects of being an evangelist:

• Having compassion as the motivation for evangelism
• Understanding the good news of Jesus Christ
• Seeing lost people as persons God loves
• Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit
• Paving the way for new believers to share their faith eagerly with others

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780825424243
Publisher:	Kregel Publications
Publication date:	08/24/2021
Series:	Invitation to Theological Studies
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.02(d)

About the Author

Timothy K. Beougher (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism and Associate Dean of the Billy Graham School at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. An active pastor, evangelist, professor, and evangelism scholar for over 35 years, Beougher is the author of numerous books about evangelism history and practice, including Richard Baxter and Conversion, Evangelism for a Changing World, and Overcoming Walls to Witnessing.

Table of Contents

Foreword Robert E. Coleman xiii

Acknowledgements xv

Preface xix

Part 1 Preparing for Evangelism

1 What Is Evangelism? 3

2 The Biblical Basis for Evangelism (Part 1) 17

3 The Biblical Basis for Evangelism (Part 2) 31

4 Theology of Evangelism 41

5 History of Evangelism 59

6 Evangelism and Postmodernity 89

7 What Is the Gospel? 101

8 Motivations for Evangelism 113

9 Overcoming Barriers to Witnessing 125

10 Devotional Life and Evangelism 141

11 Prayer and Evangelism 149

12 Concentric Circles of Concern 159

Part 2 Practicing Evangelism

13 Evangelism as a Way of Life 169

14 Bridges to the Gospel 183

15 Gospel Booklets 197

16 Personal Testimony 207

17 Evangelistic Bible Studies 215

18 Gospel Appointments 225

19 Servant Evangelism 231

20 Evangelism and the Internet/Social Media 241

21 Calling for a Response 249

22 Evangelism and Apologetics 259

23 Witnessing to Children 273

24 Witnessing to Family Members 283

25 Witnessing to Cult Members or Adherents of Other Religions 295

26 Evangelistic Preaching 303

27 Local Church Evangelism 313

Part 3 Preserving Evangelism

28 The Process of Making Disciples 323

29 Assurance of Salvation 349

Afterword 359

Bibliography 363

Index 399

Editorial Reviews

"In this remarkably comprehensive work, Beougher unwraps multiple facets of evangelism. Flowing through it all and giving direction to the whole book is the call to an ongoing lifestyle of the Great Commission. It is both a joy and honor to commend this book to you."

Robert E. Coleman

Evangelism, for certain, is an exercise of the mind. You have to know the gospel to share the gospel. But, even more, evangelism is an exercise of the heart. Few people know the world of evangelism like Tim Beougher. Few people have the heart of evangelism like Tim Beougher. Such are the reasons Invitation to Evangelism: Sharing the Gospel with Compassion and Conviction will become one of my most recommended books on the incredible topic of evangelism.

Founder and CEO of Church Answers - Thom S. Rainer

My wife and I are blessed with a fascinating circle of not—yet—Christian friends, some profoundly secular, some from traditional religions, and some from a postmodern “spirituality” that is ambiguous at best. Yet, most of these dear ones are open to spiritual conversations. So, we often grapple with, “How can we make the gospel clear, and how might we, by the power of the Spirit, offer a loving, compelling call to follow Christ as Lord?” Tim Beougher’s Invitation to Evangelism offers us biblically—grounded, practical, and varied answers to both of these questions—plus so much more!

Professor of New Testament, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia - George Guthrie

Tim Beougher has taught more students in courses related to the theology and practice of evangelism than any other professor in the 160—year—plus history of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Now with the publication of his latest book Invitation to Evangelism, anyone anywhere can benefit from the same biblically—faithful, personally—focused approach to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who have yet to believe. I cannot recommend this work highly enough.

President, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary - Adam W. Greenway

I have found in this work what I’ve been seeking a number of years: a theologically strong and practically relevant toolbox for doing evangelism. Too many books on evangelism assume a knowledge of the biblical basis for evangelism, but this one starts there. Some neglect the personal walk of the one evangelizing, but not so with this book. Several offer only one or two ways for doing evangelism, but this book provides multiple strategies for proclaiming the gospel to non—believers. Others give little attention to the process of preserving evangelistic results, but this work ends there. Because I know Tim Beougher—a man whose heart beats with evangelism—and because I see this book as incredibly valuable, I will encourage its use in the classroom and in the local church. And, I will return to it often as a primary resource for my own evangelistic efforts.

Professor of Evangelism and Missions; Dean of Doctoral Studies, Vice President for Spiritual Formation and Ministry Cent - Chuck Lawless

Invitation to Evangelism is a comprehensive guide. It covers evangelism from every possible angle—biblical, historical, practical, and pastoral. Beougher’s solid academic approach combines with his genuine pastoral concern to produce a practitioner’s handbook. Readers will be encouraged to believe the gospel and share it!

Lead Pastor, Family Church, West Palm Beach, Florida - Jimmy Scroggins

Some may say, ‘We do not need another book on evangelism.’ I would say we do not need just another book on evangelism, but we do need this one. Dr. Tim Beougher’s Invitation to Evangelism is comprehensive, convictional, and consistently biblical. The reader is receiving in one volume the content of seminary level evangelistic training and yet written in a winsome way that will not feel overly academic. I encourage you to read and implement its clear and compelling directives. The chapter on witnessing to children is worth the price of the book all by itself. My prayer is that God will use this book, and its author, to the end that lost people will be saved and saved people will become more evangelistic.

Executive Director—Treasurer, The Kentucky Baptist Convention - Todd Gray

Dr. Beougher has been a student, practitioner, and professor of evangelism for many years. This book is the compilation of that knowledge and experience. It’s not only a resource for students in Bible college or seminary, but also helps pastors and churches get involved in sharing the gospel in their everyday contexts. Readers will grow in their own affections to engage the lost in evangelism.

Pastor of The Journey Church (Lebanon, TN), and Founder of Knowing Jesus Ministries. - Erik Reed

This is a time the church has thankfully become alert to the different aspects of the mission of God. A side effect of this could be not giving sufficient attention to the evangelistic mandate. Behind this mandate are hard counter—cultural realities which, if not constantly kept before the church, she can (to her peril) begin to ignore. In an eminently readable style, this book does a great service by alerting the church to what lies behind the call to evangelism and how we can be faithful to it today.

Teaching Director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka - Ajith Fernando

It is said that the true test of a theologian is if they can write a tract. Well, Tim Beougher has written a tract, one I carry with me and that has led many people to Christ. Tim has now written an equally valuable book filled with practical insight, personal testimony, and profound theology—an ideal introduction to a life and death topic.

Dean of the Doctor of Ministry Program & Vice—President of Cohort—Based Education, Professor of Pastoral Theol - David A. Currie

As one of the leading, most respected, and well—loved professors of evangelism, it is no surprise that Dr. Tim Beougher has produced a thorough and needed reference manual for every pastor’s toolbox. Invitation to Evangelism is excellent and a must read for pastors, church leaders and students.

Jaye Martin Ministries - Jaye Martin

For over three decades, Tim Beougher has taught and modeled for thousands of students how to faithfully share the gospel of Jesus Christ. On this urgent topic, Beougher's character, wisdom, and experience are unrivaled. In this book, he provides students, pastors, and Christians with a biblically—based practical guide on how to effectively communicate the good news of the gospel. This is a book that will bear fruit now and for eternity!

Dean, Billy Graham School, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky - Paul Akin

I cannot recommend highly enough Dr. Tim Beougher’s Invitation to Evangelism. As I read this thorough treatise on the wonderful subject of evangelism, I thought about two words: anointing and favor. God has given us an anointed and helpful resource from the gifted mind and pen of Dr. Beougher. But that is not all. This book has the favor of God upon it, and I predict it will become the standard textbook for classes in evangelism at both the college and seminary levels. I recommend it to every pastor and student of the Word of God. You will be blessed, motivated, and challenged. I absolutely loved reading it!

Lead Pastor, Great Hills Baptist Church, Austin, Texas - Danny Forshee

Tim Beougher is ‘Professor Evangelist’—and not just the Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism at Southern Seminary. Since he began teaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary twenty—five years ago, Dr. Beougher has faithfully instructed countless students in the stewardship of evangelism. This book is the outpouring of Dr. Beougher’s sustained dedication and conviction. All Christians will greatly benefit from this vital book—a book full of gospel wisdom and practical help to overcome barriers to evangelism. I am proud to have Dr. Beougher on the faculty and I am proud to know him as friend and colleague. This timely volume will encourage Christians everywhere to engage in the task of evangelism with clarity and boldness.

President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary - Dr R. Albert Mohler

The litmus test for any book on evangelism is that it encourages the believer to go out and share with compassion, zeal, and urgency the good news of the gospel. Tim Beougher’s Invitation to Evangelism, comprehensively meets that test. Tim's book is theologically rich, equips the believer to share the gospel, and fosters a deep compassion for the lost. It is comprehensive but easy to read, and full of personal and practical illustrations that both inspire and challenge the believer towards active evangelism. This book will be a huge blessing to the church and will stir believers to take seriously the Great Commission given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ. I will be encouraging my network of churches to read this book.

Co—pastor at Niddrie Community Church, Director 20 Schemes. Edinburgh, Scotland - Andy Constable

The textbook that you need is from the learned man who practices what he teaches. Dr. Beougher offers the reader years of wisdom, understanding of evangelistic principles, and the practical application that you will you need when leaving the textbook. He is one of God’s gifts to us in this generation.

Senior Pastor, Springfield Baptist Church, Springfield, Tennessee - David Evans

When Jesus commissioned his followers to proclaim the gospel, beginning in Jerusalem and then to all nations, he was sending them first to the very people who had crucified him. The Roman soldiers who had spat upon Jesus, scourged and mocked him, driven nails through his hands and feet, were to hear of God’s love and Jesus’s atoning death. The scornful, self—righteous Scribes and Pharisees were to be presented with their need to repent and believe. Religious people who had bayed for Jesus to be crucified were to be told of forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. The ordinary people who had called out ‘Hosannah’ to the King of Kings were to understand that the risen, living Jesus could be their Lord and Savior. And sinners—every creature—in all nations should each know the most wonderful yet urgent message that Jesus saves. Tim Beougher has gifted to the church a ‘more—than—a—manual’, but a practical, down—to—earth primer on evangelism that will equip Christians in ensuring that every person, in every nation, in each succeeding generation hears the news that Christ can save. Invitation to Evangelism will stir and encourage any Christian in making Jesus known to all.

Evangelist based in Yorkshire, England - Roger Carswell

My understanding of evangelism was deepened more than two decades ago when I sat under the teaching of Tim Beougher as one of his Ph.D. students. His biblical exposition, clarity of thought, and personal example helped shape and strengthen my personal convictions. In Invitation to Evangelism: Sharing the Gospel with Compassion and Conviction, those lessons are now available to everyone, with no matriculation requirements. This book is a gift to the church and, prayerfully, will result in the gift of the gospel being offered to the lost.

President, International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention - Paul Chitwood

I have known Tim Beougher over the years in many capacities: as my professor, as one of my doctoral supervisors, and then as a colleague in the Billy Graham School at Southern Seminary. Dr. Beougher is the quintessential example of a scholar—practitioner in evangelism. He set the standard for teaching young theologues the practical art and the passion for evangelism. Personally, he not only teaches how to evangelize; he puts his words to action. This book is a necessary addition to anyone’s library who desires to learn, teach, and inspire others to be consistent and obedient in leading people to Christ.

Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Athens, TN - Bill Henard

In Invitation to Evangelism, Tim Beougher grants readers a solid biblical foundation for evangelism while at the same time equipping them to put their convictions regarding the gospel and making disciples into practice. He writes from the experience of an academician who is a serious student of evangelism and a pastor who lives out the Great Commission in his ministry. This book offers a well—rounded introduction to evangelism for students, pastors, and church members. I will be using it as my primary textbook in my evangelism classes at Anderson University. It’s that good!

Associate Professor of Youth Ministry and MissionsDirector of the Global Center for Youth MinistryCollege of Christian S - Tim McKnight

When Jesus commissioned his followers to proclaim the gospel, beginning in Jerusalem and then to all nations, he was sending them first to the very people who had crucified him. The Roman soldiers who had spat upon Jesus, scourged and mocked him, driven nails through his hands and feet, were to hear of God’s love and Jesus’s atoning death. The scornful, self-righteous Scribes and Pharisees were to be presented with their need to repent and believe. Religious people who had bayed for Jesus to be crucified were to be told of forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. The ordinary people who had called out ‘Hosannah’ to the King of Kings were to understand that the risen, living Jesus could be their Lord and Savior. And sinners—every creature—in all nations should each know the most wonderful yet urgent message that Jesus saves. Tim Beougher has gifted to the church a ‘more-than-a-manual’, but a practical, down-to-earth primer on evangelism that will equip Christians in ensuring that every person, in every nation, in each succeeding generation hears the news that Christ can save. Invitation to Evangelism will stir and encourage any Christian in making Jesus known to all.

Evangelist based in Yorkshire, England