Models of Evangelism

I am grateful for Priscilla Pope-Levison's book. "Models of Evangelism" has been an accessible and engaging read for my undergraduate students at Azusa Pacific University. I teach courses in evangelism and discipleship. I found the straightforward organization of each chapter--biblical basis, theological themes, historical discussion (the focus is North American contexts), practical steps, and appraisal--made it easy to plan lectures and discussions. I especially appreciate Pope-Levison's intentional emphasis on women as examples for each model.Pope-Levison's research is marked by a refreshing ecumenism. She treats the various models--including models frowned on in some evangelical and mainline circles (e.g. church growth and revival models)--with respectful appreciation. This appreciative tone feels appropriate in light of the conviction (a central conviction in her work) that God's Spirit works through imperfect, broken, hurting, missing-the-mark people like me. This said, Pope-Levison's appraisal segment in each chapter highlights important questions and areas of concern within the models of evangelism. Again, she does this in a way that is at once gracious and penetrating.Pope-Levison's writing is easy to read, yet it is by no means simplistic. For those who might question the scholarly/academic quality of the text, the rich citations should put their fears to rest. Pope-Levison is a scholar. I found the footnotes very helpful in preparing for class discussions as they offered numerous avenues for deeper research. I also found the discussion questions at the end of each chapter helpful.I recommend this text for professors teaching college courses in evangelism, missiology, practical theology, discipleship, or church renewal. "Models of Evangelism" would be beneficial in many other contexts as well, like graduate courses on evangelism, small group Bible studies, and church leadership teams.

This book, Models of Evangelism, was very helpful to me in my studies. It was required reading for a course on evangelism, and it provides a good overview of eight different ways of "doing" evangelism. I am still in the process of acquiring knowledge and focusing my attention on what I will need to become a faithful and effective online evangelist--a "career aspiration" that is God's idea, not mine. Reading this book and discussing it with my classmates is giving me a better picture of what God "is getting me into." I especially enjoyed being able to participate in a zoom meeting with Priscilla Pope-Levison as part of the course, so we could ask her questions about how the book came to be, how changes since 2020 might be reflected in a later revision, and how she herself would probably begin a new evangelism effort. In line with my own prospects, I plan to delve more deeply into the model of media evangelism. There appears to be great potential for effective outreach in this model!

This book has singlehanded transformed the way I approach my role as a lay person within the church setting. I realize I had so many preconceived ideas about topics, and Pope- Levison’s book waded through all of those thoughts and led me safely back to God’s goodness. My experience with this book began as required reading for a MDiv class at Duke Divinity School, and two semesters and 21 required books later, it still remains my favorite and most transformational. This book is useful for individuals struggling with church hurt, for laity or church leadership looking at new ways to do big things, for church goers needing renewal and new purpose for the ministry of Jesus, and for middle-aged, retired teachers who felt God’s call into the ministry and decided to start over on a new faith journey. Thanks be!

In this well-written volume Priscilla Pope-Levison offers an excellent introduction to the range of evangelistic models. She includes biblical, historical and theological background along with practical suggestions for implementation of each model. Yet, Models of Evangelism is not simply a "how-to" book; it offers real and balanced insights into each model. Pope-Levison articulates with appreciation the contributions of each model, as well as addressing thoughtful and constructive criticisms and concerns. As I read, I kept thinking that Models of Evangelism provides a brief insightful overview of evangelism that will be of benefit to students, pastors and laity seeking to advance the evangelistic outreach of their congregation.

this book is a great resource to anyone curious on how to get creative with sharing the gospel!!Not only was the content of this book super helpful an easy to digest, Levison was even kind enough to zoom with our class and answer questions in follow uptown her wisdom shared on paper. She was delightful and this boo kid one that will stay on my shelf as I continue my career into ministry!!!!! Thank you!!!