How to Talk About Jesus (Without being THAT Guy)

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

How to Talk About Jesus (Without being THAT Guy)

Author:

Sam Chan

Publisher:

Zondervan Reflective

Date:

October 20, 2019

Format:

Paperback

Length:

192 pages

OVERVIEW

Most Christians know they should be witnessing to their friends, but in a post-Christian world personal evangelism can seem insensitive. Simon Chan outlines eight effective techniques that Christians can use to talk to their non-Christian friends about Jesus:

• Merge Your Universes
• Go to Their Things
• Coffee, Dinner, Gospel
• Listen
• Tell a Better Story
• Tell Them Stories about Jesus
• Become Their Unofficial, De Facto Chaplain
• Lean into Disagreement

Chan writes in a very accessible way, but without watering things down. He admits that while evangelism happens best in the context of existing relationships, building relationships takes time and effort. He also highlights the vulnerability that’s needed to have conversations about spiritual topics. This makes the book a bit like an honest talk with a well-experienced youth pastor. It’s friendly, but careful to give you what you really need to know, not just what you want to hear.

This approach gives the book an interesting edge that similar books don’t have. Chan references a variety of excellent ideas that have been circulating in apologetics and evangelism circles. For example, he talks about getting people to ask questions and help them consider whether their worldview holds up (an idea Gregory Koukl delves into in his book Tactics). He also talks about the need to see Christianity provides a better narrative about how to live than other philosophies (Joshua D. Chatraw recently devoted an entire book to this, appropriately titled Telling A Better Story). However, many writers who are discussing these ideas are theologians and other specialists, people with a very technical bent to their writing styles. Chan’s personable writing style means that even though he doesn’t dive into the details as much as those writers, he brings those ideas to an audience that won’t read more technical works.

A discerning exploration of what it means to witness to people in a cynical age.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

4 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Christians looking for effective ways to do evangelism.

Christian Impact

This book will help readers understand the need to be personable and honest when witnessing to other people.