Christians have been sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with nonbelievers for two thousand years. Within this deep history is wisdom for today--including numerous models for understanding what evangelism is and how it should be done. In Gospel Witness through the Ages, David Gustafson introduces readers to evangelism's noteworthy persons, movements, and methods from the entire scope of church history--including both examples to emulate and examples to avoid. With this thorough historical approach, Gustafson expands the reader's conception of the evangelistic task and suggests new ways to shape our identity as gospel witnesses today through the influence of these earlier generations of Christians. With discussion questions for further reflection and primary sources from major evangelistic figures of the past, Gospel Witness through the Ages is the most definitive history of evangelism available--essential for understanding how Christians today can continue proclaiming the gospel to the whole world, as Christians have in every century past.

A definitive history of Christian evangelism—including noteworthy persons, movements, and methods from the past Christians have been sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with nonbelievers for two thousand years. Within this deep history is wisdom for today—including numerous models for understanding what evangelism is and how it should be done. In Gospel Witness through the Ages, David Gustafson introduces readers to evangelism’s noteworthy persons, movements, and methods from the entire scope of church history—including both examples to emulate and examples to avoid. With this thorough historical approach, Gustafson expands the reader’s conception of the evangelistic task and suggests new ways to shape our identity as gospel witnesses today through the influence of these earlier generations of Christians. With discussion questions for further reflection and primary sources from major evangelistic figures of the past, Gospel Witness through the Ages is the most definitive history of evangelism available—essential for understanding how Christians today can continue proclaiming the gospel to the whole world, as Christians have in every century past.

In light of our increasingly post-Christian Western contexts, David Gustafson offers a mission-oriented ecclesiology that moves from missional theory to practices of missional engagement. Introducing “God’s human drama” as a way to explain the gospel within God’s redemptive story, he outlines specific ways for pastors and church leaders to shape a “gospeling” culture within their congregations. Gustafson expertly lays the foundations of and approaches to evangelism that are seminal and apt for the church today.

Ministers and other speakers will discover a wealth of illustrative and inspirational messages for sermons and every day living. Any Christian with a gift and calling for evangelistic witnessing will find themselves caught up in how the Good News of Jesus has been passed down through time. John Mark Terry recounts the fascinating story of Jesus and His saving power in a warm, clear, and interesting manner. Read how the Gospel message has been communicated in a variety of times and cultures and by various means.

Encounter North American evangelism from the Great Awakening to the present day A History of Evangelism in North America guides readers on a tour through circuit riders and tent meetings to campus evangelism and online ministries. Academic research combines with gospel faithfulness and love for the lost in this historical survey. Encountering these prominent evangelism movements will inspire innovation and courage in the call to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Few Christians recognize the historical backgrounds of various evangelistic ministries, their theological traditions, or their guiding principles. A History of Evangelism in North America explores evangelism methodologies and legacies from the early 1700s to today. Experts deliver current scholarship on twenty-two evangelists and ministries, including the following: John Wesley and itinerant preachers The camp meeting movement The American Bible Society and Bible distribution evangelism The Navigators and personal discipleship Billy Graham and crusade evangelism Campus ministries The Jesus Movement 21st-century evangelistic approaches A History of Evangelism in North America promises to have lasting value for those who study evangelism, missions, Christian history, and the church in North America.

Verbally sharing the gospel is only part of evangelism, asserts author David Gustafson. We must also live out the good news, both as individuals and as communities. In this book Gustafson expertly lays out the foundations of and approaches to evangelism that are crucial for the church today. In light of our increasingly post-Christian Western contexts, Gustafson offers a mission-oriented ecclesiology that moves from missional theory to practices of missional engagement. Introduc-ing "God's human drama" as a way to explain the gospel within God's redemptive story, he outlines specific ways for pastors and church leaders to shape a "gospeling" culture within their congregations. Gustafson's biblical, theological, historical, cultural, and practical approach will make this book an ideal text for evangelical pastors, professors, students, and Christian leaders.