The Soul-Winning Church

Rico Tice

I think this will become the key book on mobilising the local church for evangelism in the English-speaking Western world over the next ten years. It’s short (I read it in one sitting). It’s crystal clear on the essential stepping stones we need in place for an evangelistic culture in the church. It’s realistic about the difficulties as we seek to mobilise the church and individuals. And it’s clear that Christ is the treasure we hold out. The authors have spent decades getting their theology and practice clear—we need to take advantage of their hard-won wisdom.

Steve Robinson

Every godly pastor and planter wants their church to have a genuine gospel-sharing culture that sees souls regularly being won for Jesus. But for some leaders, it seems like a pipe dream, or it’s an area that just doesn’t seem to get any traction or something that seems to drop down the priority list. It’s because of this reality that I am so thankful that Jeff and Doug have written The Soul-Winning Church. It’s clear, gracious, and challenging, and I would encourage every church leader to read it, adopt its principles, and lead their church in the wonderful privilege and honour of sharing Christ with those who are desperate for him.

“good principles but not necessarily practical for implementation”

I think every single church has dealt with disappointment or failed expectations in relation to evangelism. This book goes through several principles that allow a church to develop a culture of people who love and enjoy sharing the Gospel.

The book is structured with an introduction, six chapters, conclusion, and multiple appendices. The chapters discuss in length and detail Medders & Logan's principles for sharing the Gospel as a church. A few include:

- Where the Harvest Begins

- Salt and Light

- The Beginning, not the End

Although these principles are biblical and it's easy to read a book that gives you advice and tips, it's a completely different story to implement those ideals. It's a lot of work and takes an army of people to change an entire culture of a church. I feel like this reality is missing from the book. Changing a church culture starts with prayer and touching the hearts of its people. That's a huge task but definitely not one that God can't handle.

They do include an appendix that touches on putting the principles into practice. This delves into my frustration noted in the previous paragraph.

They also include two additional appendices: A Liturgy for the Lost and Areas to Cover with New Believers.

The concept and principles discussed throughout the book are good and beautiful, but I struggle with the step by step processes presented in books when the Gospel is powerful and unique in every single church and life.

I received a copy of this book from The Good Book Company in exchange for an honest review in exchange for an honest review.