David Geisler - Conversational Evangelism: Connecting with People to Share Jesus

What Christian Leaders in the East and West Are Saying about Conversational Evangelism

I believe that every church would benefit by integrating the concepts of Conversational Evangelism into its existing evangelistic programs and strategies!

J OSH M C D OWELL

Josh McDowell Ministry

Conversational Evangelism is a winsome and effective presentation of how skeptics perceive the gospel and how we might help them discover its truth for themselves. While recognizing the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the process, the Geislers illustrate how asking probing questions and pointing out the inconsistencies between belief and behavior till the ground and help remove long-entrenched barriers to the gospel. I enthusiastically recommend their pre-evangelism methodology.

R AVI Z ACHARIAS

Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

Truth is best communicated in the realm of interpersonal relationships. And the best conduit for establishing relationships is the fine art of soul-searching conversation. As such, Conversational Evangelism is a vital tool for communicating the Gospel in a nonthreatening, pre-evangelistic manner. This fresh pre-evangelism model is seeker-sensitive, Word-centered, and purpose-driven. It is designed to win a hearing, much as Jesus did when He engaged in conversational evangelism with the Samaritan woman at Jacobs well (John 4).

R EV . E DMUND C HAN

Global discipleship leader and author of Growing Deep in God and A Certain Kind

This father-son combination in apologetics and evangelism is unique in recommending evangelistic principles to highly personalized approaches, given the worldview of the hearer. Norm Geisler, with his significant influence on almost all leading Christian apologists of the day, and David, who trains pastors and people to be better witnesses in the everyday opportunities of evangelism, have mixed expertise and experience in this thoughtful, readable, even self-directed-learning book. I highly recommend it to trainers who want additional material to develop small groups into maturity in evangelistic ministry.

D R . R AMESH R ICHARD

President, Ramesh Richard Evangelism and Church Health
Professor of Global Theological Engagement and Pastoral Ministries, Dallas Theological Seminary

Learning to carry on a conversation with lost people and learning to ask cogent questions that most of them have never considered are keys to effective evangelism that simply cannot be overestimated. Norman and David Geisler, father and son, have provided a superb book for all those interested in being obedient to the Great Commission of our Lord.

D R . P AIGE P ATTERSON

President, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Conversational Evangelism is a great tool for parents to equip their sons and daughters to reach their culture with the Gospel one home at a time.

A LEX K ENNEDY

Senior pastor, Carmel Baptist Church, Matthews, North Carolina

Yes! That was my reaction when introduced to this book. It admirably teaches all of us how to build bridges to unbelievers in such a way that (1) they will not be needlessly alienated and (2) they will actually listen to what we have to say. These writers follow the lead of Jesus by teaching us how to stimulate thought and awaken people to their need by asking provocative questions. In short, here is practical instruction on how to introduce the Gospel into the marketplace of ideas without awkwardness or fear.

D R . E RWIN L UTZER

Moody Church, Chicago, Illinois

Conversational Evangelism is refreshing in its format and content. I have not found anything that comes close to dealing with the legitimate barriers that most people have before they can give the Gospel a hearing.

E RIN K ERR

Former Evangelism pastor, Saddleback Church

If youre looking for a book that will help you share your faith more effectively, Conversational Evangelism is a great choice. It contains no gimmicks or slick methodologies, just thought-provoking and practical ideas on how to spark engaging dialogue that will help you sow the Gospel into the hearts of others. We have used Conversational Evangelism as a springboard for our weekly roundtable discussions among our pastoral staff. I believe this book is a must read for every pastor and anyone who seriously desires to win souls.

L LOYD P ULLEY

Senior pastor, Calvary Chapel, Old Bridge, New Jersey

I recommend Conversational Evangelism to anyone wanting to clearly understand the nature of personal evangelism. I particularly enjoyed the section on how to ask the right questions, listening to a persons worldview, and then providing answers that connect them with the truth of Scripture.

S KIP H EITZIG

Senior pastor, Calvary of Albuquerque, New Mexico

Conversational Evangelism is an instructive, informative, and compelling read. In a remarkably accessible and comfortable manner, the Geislers demonstrate how God can use every Christian to witness much more effectively to the people they encounter every week and every day. Reading this book will make you a better and more frequent witness for the Savior and His Kingdom.

D R . R ICHARD L AND

President, Southern Evangelical Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina

Conversational Evangelism hits the mark! Similar to leading seeker small groups, this approachasking relevant questions so seekers can discover biblical truths for themselvesis one of the most effective and powerful ways to reach out and help seekers cross the line of faith.

G ARRY P OOLE

Evangelism director at Willow Creek Community Church and author of Seeker Small Groups

Conversational Evangelism is one of the most helpful and practical books on personal evangelism Ive ever seen. It makes evangelism seem as easy as having a conversation with a friendwhich it is. The book gives so many ideas on starting conversations that dont shut people down. Students want to tell you what they think and sometimes dont care what you think. These tips give me ways to keep a conversation going with a student who doesnt seem to care. It is well-written and easy to put into practice. When I think of some of the training times I have had with staff in the past, I wish I had had this book for them to read.

W ARREN C ULWELL J R .

Campus Crusade, Red River regional team, Austin, Texas

Successful evangelism is measured today by how many meaningful spiritual conversations you had with non-Christians in the last six months. It is often hard to start those conversations, to know where to begin, how to bridge barriers to the gospel. Conversational Evangelism is a great resource to help Christians effectively do that. There is room for this resource in any churchs outreach or evangelism process.

E D N EWELL

Shepherding Network leadership team, The Navigators

Most of us live in postmodern, multicultural, and pluralistic religious societies. Understanding the worldview of our audience is essential for good communication. The Geislers are audience-sensitive and their book is relevant to situations we face today. Many books on evangelism, though helpful in parts, assume that the Gospel is powerful enough and will do its work when we proclaim it. This book makes it clear that evangelism is a process of bridge-building and breaking down barriers and bringing illumination to the truth of the Good News.

J IM C HEW

Regional coordinator, Asia-Pacific Missions Leader, The Navigators

Living in Singapore for seven years, David Geisler has fine-honed his pre-evangelism conversation skills with people from probably the most pluralistic city in the world. Conversational Evangelism has identified why Ive been frustrated and ineffective in conversational pre-evangelism with folks who have no sense of need or desire to know Christ, and it has given me plenty of help (if I intentionally work hard at it), to train myself and others.