Pastors

Organic Outreach for Ordinary People

A book review.

Most evangelism books are riddled with gimmicks. Ask this question. Say this prayer. Give this speech. Maybe that’s why Organic Outreach for Ordinary People: Sharing the Good News Naturally (Zondervan) by Kevin G. Harney is so refreshing.

Organic Outreach for Ordinary People: Sharing Good News Naturally Kevin G. Harney Zondervan, 2008 256 pages; $14.99, paper

Harney urges readers to toss the scripts and concentrate on fostering red-hot excitement for the gospel in their own lives, and then to share the faith in natural language. He stresses that evangelism isn’t the exclusive domain of the “superspiritual, the velvet-tongued, and the hyperextroverted.” It’s for average Christians willing to incorporate biblical practices into their daily lives.

Harney illustrates his thesis will stories of ordinary outreach done by regular folks. He also challenges readers to determine their “outreach temperature” and engage in activities (such as praying, telling stories, contemplating eternity, etc.) to raise their temperature one degree per day. OK, that’s a little gimmicky, but it’s an evangelism book. What did you expect?

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal.Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.

Also in this issue

The Leadership Journal archives contain over 35 years of issues. These archives contain a trove of pastoral wisdom, leadership skills, and encouragement for your calling.

Our Latest

From Our Community

A Commitment to the Gospel Is A Commitment to Diversity

Caitlin Edwards

Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero shares how the Gospel teaches us to love our neighbors and build bridges.

A Memoir of Exvangelical Anger—but Not for the People in the Pews

Journalist Josiah Hesse discusses his new book on poverty, Pentecostalism, and the politics of the Christian right.

News

Nigerian Christian Schools Fill Gaps for Students with Disabilities

Emiene Erameh

Many public schools can’t offer special education, so churches offer needed resources and community.

The Russell Moore Show

Moore to the Point: Why Christians Ignore What the Bible Says About Immigrants

Believers can disagree on migration policies—but the Word of God should shape how we minister to vulnerable people.

Studying Pain ‘Causes Me to Pine for Eternity’

Interview by Yi Ning Chiu

A clinical psychologist explains her research on the brain, suffering, and culture—and what she’s learned about God’s beautiful design.

Being Human

Adam Young on Trauma and Theology: Why Your Certainty Might Be Just a Fancy Disguise

Can exploring the impact of trauma on our lives lead wounds to wisdom?

 

The Bulletin

Venezuelan Oil, LA Fires Aftermath, and Revival In America

Mike Cosper, Clarissa Moll, Russell Moore

The global aftershock of military action in Venezuela, California churches rebuild one year after LA fires, and the possibility of revival in America.

What Christian Parents Should Know About Roblox

Isaac Wood

The gaming platform poses both content concerns and safety risks that put minors in “the Devil’s crosshairs.” The company says tighter restrictions are coming.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube