Randy Newman - Unlikely Converts: Improbable Stories of Faith and What They Teach Us about Evangelism

Randy Newman has done it again! His latest book on personal evangelism is so captivating and inspirational that I read it in one sitting.

Dr. Lyle Dorsett, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

This book left me confident in Gods creative ability to reach into difficult souls and woo them to the Savior. The stories of how real people encounter Jesus remind us that Gods work is a symphony. Different movements in the music move different people at opportune times. Newmans instructive comments amount to an on the job apprenticeship in evangelism. God continues to work in even the most unlikely places.

Gregory E. Ganssle, professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology and author of Our Deepest Desires

Looking for an infusion of hope and faith? Read Randy Newmans Unlikely Converts and you will be joyfully surprised. First that those youd least expect can come to saving faith in Jesus Christ, and second that God can use your prayers, life, and words to make the gospel known. Full of amazing stories of Gods pursuit of the lost and practical real-life application, Newmans warmth, humor, and storytelling make this an enjoyable and powerful read that youll want to share with others.

Dr. Joel S. Woodruff, president of The C. S. Lewis Institute

In the course of my ministry, I have benefited enormously from Randy Newmans insights into evangelism. Unlikely Converts is another delightful read. If you want to be freshly amazed at Gods power in the salvation of sinners, instructed in sharing the gospel with courage and clarity, and encouraged to faithfulness in your calling as an ambassador for Christ this is the book for you!

Mike McKinley, pastor of Sterling Park Baptist Church and author of Am I Really a Christian?

This book will be a massive help to me as I train my church family for evangelism in the twenty-first century. Why do I trust Randy Newman like no one else? First, I trust his theology: he knows the gospel is that Jesus is Lord. Second, I trust his anthropology: he knows how it feels during evangelism to be human and afraid. Third, I trust his historical and cultural engagement: he gets where we are at. And lastly, I trust his experience: hes been immersed in evangelism with coworkers, family, and friends for over thirty years. I am so grateful to God for this great gift to the church.

Rico Tice, senior minister of evangelism at All Souls Church, London, and coauthor of Christianity Explored

We need this book. Not because its author is a gospel guru, but because hes so much like us: a timid evangelist. Randy Newman writes that he cant remember sharing the gospel without fear, but that hasnt stopped his mouth or iced his heart. Few combine the heart for the lost, the patient ear, and the tongue of grace like Randy. He shows us how to let our speech always be gracious while still feeling unceasing anguish about hell-bound friends and family made in Gods image. Let a brother who knows reluctance help you walk faithfully forward in yours.

David Mathis, executive editor at Desiring God, pastor of Cities Church, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and author of Habits of Grace

Also by Randy Newman

Questioning Evangelism

Corner Conversations

Bringing the Gospel Home

Engaging with Jewish People

Unlikely Converts: Improbable Stories of Faith and What They Teach Us About Evangelism

2019 by Randy Newman

Published by Kregel Publications, a division of Kregel Inc., 2450 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwisewithout written permission of the publisher, except for brief quotations in reviews.

Distribution of digital editions of this book in any format via the internet or any other means without the publishers written permission or by license agreement is a violation of copyright law and is subject to substantial fines and penalties. Thank you for supporting the authors rights by purchasing only authorized editions.

To protect the privacy of each individual whose story is told in this book, names and identifying details have been changed.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

ISBN978-0-8254-4563-7, print

ISBN 978-0-8254-7548-1, epub

Printed in the United States of America

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Dedicated

to the memory of my father,

Marty Newman,

a most unlikely convert

who came to faith in the Messiah

a few short years before his death at age ninety

I thank my God at every remembrance of the many new believers who patiently told me their stories and answered my many questions about their paths to faith. They sacrificed time, energy, and, in many cases, tissues as they recalled emotional moments of Gods power and rescue.

Im deeply grateful for the friends who read portions of the book and offered helpful insights. Spencer Brand, Mark Petersburg, Patrick Dennis, Ben Hein, Jake Fritzke, and Bill Kynes all helped make this a better book.

My professors at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School challenged me and cheered me on as I pursued the research toward my doctorate, which sparked the beginnings of this book. Im especially indebted to my dissertation committeeCraig Ott, Rick Richardson, and Harold Netlandfor their dual commitments to academic excellence and the glory of God.

My good friend Diane Boucher spent seemingly hundreds of hours transcribing the interviews and told me many times how thankful she was for the front-row seat to such marvelous stories. She deserves a PhD in servanthood.

Many friends prayed me through the process of research and writing and kept reminding me of Gods call to put into writing the stories Id heard. Im surrounded by supportive friends at our community group from McLean Presbyterian Church and my co-laborers in the gospel at The C. S. Lewis Institute.

Once again, Im delighted to have the opportunity to work with Dennis Hillman and all the staff at Kregel Publications. They mix professionalism and personal care in joyful ways.

Most of all, Im thankful for my wife, Pam, and her patience and love throughout the writing of this book, the seminary work that preceded it, and all the days of our marriage. She believed in me when I had doubts, listened to me brainstorm ideas (both good and ridiculous), and celebrated many milestones along the way. By Gods grace, we still make each other laugh a lot.

D ont you just love stories? We sit on the edge of our seats to hear them. We download podcasts that feature them. We pay money to hear comedians tell funny ones. We wake up when a longwinded speaker breaks from explanations, elaborations, and emendations and says, This reminds me of a story.