A cynic once asked, "What in the world are you Christians doing?" I can think of no more relevant question for the church here at the beginning of the twenty-first century. When an individual comes to Christ, they enter into the greatest task in the world. Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
No book on personal evangelism can be approached strictly from an academic viewpoint or even from a "how-to-do-it" approach. There is always a sense of the presence of the supernatural when God allows us to be actively present when the Holy Spirit does His mighty work in the heart of someone who is responding to Christ. C.S. Lewis was correct--when an individual comes to Christ, the only and best description is JOY!
This book has been divided into three sections dealing with the aspects that describe disciplemaking in the Great Commission. The first section ("GO") outlines a biblical understanding of evangelism and the difficulties and opportunities encountered as we take the gospel to our postmodern, post-Christian culture. In the second section ("BAPTIZE") the author brings together our understanding of the Bible and our society to determine what methodology will help us to maximize our efforts in carrying out the Commission. In doing so he then examines different models of evangelism, centering on the lifestyle approach as best suited to most contemporary Christians as well as the needs of postmodern Americans. This section also examines the biblical model of accepting Christ as Savior and shares numerous approaches for sharing the biblical teaching in practical presentations. The final section ("TEACH") will emphasize the importance of a followup structure to be put in place by the local congregation to ensure the baby Christians receive nurture in their new walk with the Lord.
The Commission is clear! We are to make disciples! The good news is...the seekers are our there and they are ready! "Lift up your eyes, the fields are ripe for the harvest." It is time to get involved in the joy!
Click here for the Table of Contents.
About the Author...
Terry A. Bowland has been professor of New Testament and Christian Ministries at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO since 1993. Prior to his teaching career, Brother Bowland was involved in the preaching ministry for 17 years in churches in Nebraska and Illinois.
Dr. Bowland holds a B.A. and B.th. from Nebraska Chrisitian College, a M.A. and M. Div. from Lincoln Christian Seminary and a D. Min. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He was Selected as an Outstanding Youn Man in America in 1987 and appears in the Who's Who in American Education in 1994 and Who's Who in the World in 1997. Since coming to Ozark Christian College, Dr. Bowland has traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad preaching and leading in seminars. He has published works in numerous religious journals.
Terry has been happily married to his wife, Carol since 1975. They have two daughters, Crystal (Mrs. Andy Melton) and Tiffany, and one granddaughter.
