Mere Evangelism: 10 Insights From C.S. Lewis to Help You Share Your Faith

by Randy Newman

Overview

Evangelism is an extraordinary task; it’s what God uses to bring people from death to life. But it has always been difficult.

C.S. Lewis was used by God in the conversions of countless people, from friends and acquaintances in his own lifetime to modern-day readers of books such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity (the most influential Christian book of the 20th century). As Tim Keller comments, “C.S. Lewis was incredibly skilled at getting Christianity across in a way that’s powerful to thoughtful people." So, if we want help with evangelism, there is much we can learn from the clarity and imagination of this hugely influential Christian writer.

You may feel inadequate to the task; after all, there is only one C.S. Lewis. But evangelist Randy Newman skillfully helps us to apply the methods Lewis used (storytelling, humor, imagery and more) in our own conversations.

You will be equipped to talk about your faith and engage with unbelievers wisely, whatever their attitude towards the Christian faith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784986445
Publisher:	The Good Book Company
Publication date:	09/01/2021
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.33(d)

About the Author

Randy Newman was the Senior Fellow for Evangelism and Apologetics at The C. S. Lewis Institute in the Washington, DC area. He also taught at numerous theological seminaries and colleges. After serving for over 30 years with Campus Crusade for Christ, he established Connection Points, a ministry to help Christians engage people’s hearts the way Jesus did. He wrote a number of books and articles about evangelism and other ways our lives intertwine with God’s creation. He was also the host of Questions That Matter, a podcast of the C. S. Lewis Institute. He was married to Pam and lived in Annandale, VA.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. The Necessity of Pre-evangelism
2. The Appeal to Clues
3. The Honoring of Objections
4. The Stirring of Uneasiness
5. The Centrality of the Gospel
6. The Value of Imagery
7. The Reality of Opposition
8. The Power of Prayer
9. The Timeliness of Pushback
10. The Call to Respond
Conclusion: Stopping to Stare

Editorial Reviews

Dr. Randy Newman has pulled off a rare feat. He’s written a book on evangelism that is both practical and beautiful. He adeptly pulls out valuable insights from the writings and life of C.S. Lewis on how to be an effective witness for Christ, yet does so with imagination and grace-full prose. If you desire to tell others about Jesus, this book will help you tremendously. Read it and prayerfully apply its principles, and I know that others will be drawn ‘further up and further in.’

Joel Woodruff (President

Mere Evangelism combines an articulation of C.S. Lewis’s art of translating the Christian faith in ways that make sense to the ordinary outsider with a realistic approach to evangelism from our current starting point in an increasingly secular world. Shaped by its insights, we will be better equipped to accompany the Spirit’s work in nudging others along on their journey to Jesus.

David Thompson (Secretary

Combining the rich wisdom of C.S. Lewis with the experience (and wit) of evangelist Randy Newman—what a great idea for a book! It is a stimulating combination that I trust will yield much spiritual fruit.

Bill Kynes (Pastor

I have read quite a few books on evangelism (including more than a few by this author), but this stands out. Newman performs a real service to the reader by mining the riches of C.S. Lewis’s works and making them immediately applicable to the gospel conversations we are having (or wanting to have) with our friends and family every day. As I read, I found myself informed, encouraged, and excited to engage more people with the good news. I have no doubt that I will often have occasion to recommend this book to others.

Mike McKinley (Pastor of Guilford Baptist Church

Randy doesn’t pretend evangelism is easy. In fact, he states the opposite. But even if he can’t make it magically easy, he does make it desirable and realistic. His blend of experience, clarity, and contagiousness make him compelling like few others on this topic. Randy’s writing will help break the spell the secular age is trying to cast on us to keep us quiet about Jesus. Perhaps this book is just what you need for the post-COVID world and its new evangelistic opportunities.

David Mathis (Executive Editor at desiringGod.org and author of Habits of Grace)

Conversion, Lewis once remarked, “does not occur without the intervention of the supernatural”. He knew that only the mysterious action of divine grace can finally change someone’s heart, and his humility before that mystery underpinned all the extraordinary efforts in evangelism that characterised his life and work. Mere Evangelism examines Lewis’s example in a thorough and thoughtful manner and reflects the same spirit of humility, the sine qua non of the whole enterprise. I warmly recommend it.

Michael Ward (Fellow of Blackfriars Hall

Every Christian willing to admit that evangelism is difficult will identify with Randy and benefit from his well-written study of C.S. Lewis’s strategies and biblical teaching on this topic. He comes alongside us to offer practical application steps that lead to conversations about God and the gospel and motivate us to share the good news with the people around us.

Lin Johnson (Director

C.S. Lewis wrote, ‘If Christianity is untrue, then no honest man will want to believe it … if it is true, every honest man will want to believe it.’ From that secure footing, Randy Newman’s highly readable book translates Lewis’s approach to evangelism effectively for today’s contemporary audiences.

Max McLean (Founder & Artistic Director

Randy Newman has done it again—but even better than before. His descriptive prowess and ability to turn a phrase shed new light on the passion, burden, and intelligence of C.S. Lewis’s arguments for the faith. A must-read for all who are committed to proclaiming the gospel today.

Mitch Glaser (President

A first-rate book on personal evangelism. No modern Christian in the English-speaking world has reached as many people with the gospel as C.S. Lewis, and Dr. Newman provides the reader with ten insights on how Professor Lewis fulfilled the Great Commission.

Lyle Dorsett (former Director

This book challenged, refreshed, and inspired me. Randy Newman is a compelling guide and writes with clarity. He does more than tell us to share the good news—he makes us want to do it and helps us become better at it. (Bible Teacher

Not since Manley Pippert’s Out of the Saltshaker and Chapman’s Know and Tell the Gospel has a book on evangelism so captured my imagination and warmed my heart. In Mere Evangelism the intertwining of the imaginative apologetic of C.S. Lewis and biblical principles is unique and masterly. Newman highlights the brilliance of Lewis without eulogising and is careful to ensure that the book is replete with Scripture. Mere Evangelism will prove a tremendous resource in helping Christians to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.

Edwin Ewart (Principal

Randy Newman has dug deeply into Lewis’s works to unearth and display treasures that are often overlooked. Throughout, he sprinkles the text with helpful tips that will both motivate us and help us more effectively engage our friends with the message of the gospel.

Gregory E. Ganssle (Professor of Philosophy

Most of the time, evangelism does not take place in a single conversation. It is a process of bringing the truth of the gospel into an encounter with someone in need of grace. Using C.S. Lewis as a shining example, Randy Newman takes us through this process, from clearing away obstacles to calling for response. Mere Evangelism is a wonderful resource, full not only of evangelistic principles but also of evangelistic passion.

Trevin K. Wax (author of Counterfeit Gospels and Holy Subversion

A beautiful book that weaves together the best of C.S. Lewis’ creative storytelling and wisdom with Newman’s vast experience and theological underpinning for evangelism. It culminates in a wonderfully well-rounded and easily accessible book that leaves you feeling more joy in the gospel yourself and excited about taking the gospel to those around you.

Chris McBurney (Christian Unions Ireland)

One of the most helpful, concise, and inspiring books on evangelism I’ve read. Using C.S. Lewis’s winsome rhetoric and joy-based apologetics as a model, Newman offers a roadmap for effective evangelism in a secular age—one that engages the head and the heart to persuade skeptics that the gospel is too beautiful and too good not to be true.

Brett McCracken (Senior Editor

This book challenged, refreshed, and inspired me. Randy Newman is a compelling guide and writes with clarity. He does more than tell us to share the good news—he makes us want to do it and helps us become better at it.

Alistair Begg (Bible Teacher

Reading Mere Evangelism was a bit like being given a code book by a genius to help me unlock the minds and hearts of my dear non-Christian friends! It really was thrilling to read such a surprising and joyous book that trains me for evangelism. If you don’t believe me, just read the first paragraph of Chapter 1. It made my day.

Rico Tice (Founder

Reading Mere Evangelism was a bit like being given a code book by a genius to help me unlock the minds and hearts of my dear non-Christian friends! It really was thrilling to read such a surprising and joyous book that trains me for evangelism. If you don’t believe me, just read the first paragraph of Chapter 1. It made my day.

Rico Tice (Christianity Explored Ministries; Senior Minister

I have read quite a few books on evangelism (including more than a few by this author), but this stands out. Newman performs a real service to the reader by mining the riches of C.S. Lewis’s works and making them immediately applicable to the gospel conversations we are having (or wanting to have) with our friends and family every day. As I read, I found myself informed, encouraged, and excited to engage more people with the good news. I have no doubt that I will often have occasion to recommend this book to others.

Mike McKinley (Pastor

Randy Newman has dug deeply into Lewis’s works to unearth and display treasures that are often overlooked. Throughout, he sprinkles the text with helpful tips that will both motivate us and help us more effectively engage our friends with the message of the gospel.

Dr. Gregory E. Ganssle (Professor of Philosophy

Mere Evangelism combines an articulation of C.S. Lewis’s art of translating the Christian faith in ways that make sense to the ordinary outsider with a realistic approach to evangelism from our current starting point in an increasingly secular world. Shaped by its insights, we will be better equipped to accompany the Spirit’s work in nudging others along on their journey to Jesus.

Rev. David Thompson (Secretary

A first-rate book on personal evangelism. No modern Christian in the English-speaking world has reached as many people with the gospel as C.S. Lewis, and Dr. Newman provides the reader with ten insights on how Professor Lewis fulfilled the Great Commission.

Dr. Lyle Dorsett (former Director

Randy doesn’t pretend evangelism is easy. In fact, he states the opposite. But even if he can’t make it magically easy, he does make it desirable and realistic. His blend of experience, clarity, and contagiousness make him compelling like few others on this topic. Randy’s writing will help break the spell the secular age is trying to cast on us to keep us quiet about Jesus. Perhaps this book is just what you need for the post-COVID world and its new evangelistic opportunities.

David Mathis (Executive Editor

I have been waiting for a book like this for years. Mere Evangelism introduces the work of C.S Lewis, equips us in evangelism and educates us about today’s ever-changing culture. I didn’t anticipate it being better than Randy’s Questioning Evangelism. It is! If C.S. Lewis is the ‘steak’ of apologetics, this book is the new go-to plate, knife, fork, french fries, salad and sauce. There simply isn’t another book quite like it.

Mitch (Evangelist; Co-Founder

Most of the time, evangelism does not take place in a single conversation. It is a process of bringing the truth of the gospel into an encounter with someone in need of grace. Using C.S. Lewis as a shining example, Randy Newman takes us through this process, from clearing away obstacles to calling for response. Mere Evangelism is a wonderful resource, full not only of evangelistic principles but also of evangelistic passion.

Trevin Wax (Author

Dr. Randy Newman has pulled off a rare feat. He’s written a book on evangelism that is both practical and beautiful. He adeptly pulls out valuable insights from the writings and life of C.S. Lewis on how to be an effective witness for Christ, yet does so with imagination and grace-full prose. If you desire to tell others about Jesus, this book will help you tremendously. Read it and prayerfully apply its principles, and I know that others will be drawn ‘further up and further in.’

Dr. Joel Woodruff (President

I have been waiting for a book like this for years. Mere Evangelism introduces the work of C.S Lewis, equips us in evangelism and educates us about today’s ever-changing culture. I didn’t anticipate it being better than Randy’s Questioning Evangelism. It is! If C.S. Lewis is the ‘steak’ of apologetics, this book is the new go-to plate, knife, fork, french fries, salad and sauce. There simply isn’t another book quite like it.

Mitch Crown (Evangelist; Co-Founder

Reading Mere Evangelism was a bit like being given a code book by a genius to help me unlock the minds and hearts of my dear non-Christian friends! It really was thrilling to read such a surprising and joyous book that trains me for evangelism. If you don’t believe me, just read the first paragraph of Chapter 1. It made my day.

Rico Tice (Senior Minister (Evangelism)

This book challenged, refreshed, and inspired me. Randy Newman is a compelling guide and writes with clarity. He does more than tell us to share the good news—he makes us want to do it and helps us become better at it.

Alistair Begg (Truth For Life; Author

A beautiful book that weaves together the best of C.S. Lewis’ creative storytelling and wisdom with Newman’s vast experience and theological underpinning for evangelism. It culminates in a wonderfully well-rounded and easily accessible book that leaves you feeling more joy in the gospel yourself and excited about taking the gospel to those around you.

Chris Burney (Christian Unions Ireland)

Most of the time, evangelism does not take place in a single conversation. It is a process of bringing the truth of the gospel into an encounter with someone in need of grace. Using C.S. Lewis as a shining example, Randy Newman takes us through this process, from clearing away obstacles to calling for response. Mere Evangelism is a wonderful resource, full not only of evangelistic principles but also of evangelistic passion.

Trevin Wax