Witness Essentials: Evangelism That Makes Disciples
Had a chance this week to make my way through Witness Essentials: Evangelism That Makes Disciples by Daniel Meyer. Based on the simple observation that “in much of the Western world…Christian witness is obviously struggling, churches are shrinking and the credibility of the Christian message is sinking,” this study aims carefully at a doubly important topic and hits the bullseye. If you’re looking for a study that both examines our role as witnesses and delivers the practices and tools needed to move from belief to action, Witness Essentials is a great addition to the toolkit.
The format of the study is the same as that of an important 2011 review: The Essential Commandment by Greg Ogden. Twelve chapters, the study can be used in a number of ways. Although it can certainly be used by an individual, it is primarily intended for group study and includes a set of activities that provide a rich experience. While it can be done effectively in twelve 90 minute sessions in a class format or a small group format with an experienced and disciplined facilitator, many groups will choose to do the study over an extended season, completing each chapter at a relaxed pace.
Published by InterVarsity Press, each of the Essentials studies are based on a framework created by Greg Ogden and contain:
- a core truth: serving “as the nugget around which each lesson is built”
- a memory verse: allowing “God’s viewpoint on life to slowly become ours”
- an inductive Bible study: guiding the “discovery of reality from the only perspective that counts…the Bible”
- a reading on one aspect of the Great Commandment: providing a “contemporary discussion of the eternal core truth that will challenge our lifestyle and stimulate our thinking”
Witness Essentials provides a resource that will help develop effective witnesses. The study is challenging and quite meaty. If you have groups looking for deeper content that provides great application, you can add this volume to your recommended list. Great content, delivered in a well thought out style.
