Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism, 2nd Edition

Unbinding the Gospel, Real Life Evangelism, Martha Grace Reese, Chalice Press, St. Louis, Mo., 2006.Who says mainline churches can't do evangelism? Former pastor Martha Grace began a Lilly grant study to prove some can and do. Several years later she has come to the conclusion that though they can they need conversion themselves, first. The purpose of the mainline evangelism project was to find churches that are doing effective evangelism. What she found was that only 150 out of 30,000 mainline churches were. That's a demoralizing one half of one percent. Enough to dull the edge of anyone's resolve, but Martha Grace was convinced that things could be different, and that there are actions that every church along the full spectrum of theology and styles could take to reverse the sad trend of the last four decades. This book will convince you that she is right! And will (more importantly) inspire you to act on what you have learned.From the bad news statistics we move quickly to "three stories of victory" that show us how evangelism is being done in "real life," in some mainline churches throughout North America. The inspiration these real churches provide help us to understand what new members want and need and how they are finding it in the transformation of their own lives by the gospel of Jesus Christ. What we find here is not more idealistic rhetoric but natural, proven ways and concrete examples of some of our churches that are really touching their communities with Christian hope and making a definite difference in their neighborhoods.The last section of the book helps us work confidently and effectively with our congregations as they re-pattern themselves for ministry in the 21st Century, praying their way through changes that can drive them forward with confidence instead of just trying to survive. Here is sound advice for pastors to lead out of example and stay long enough to see their congregations change.Each chapter of this compelling book ends with "honest to God" discussion questions to be answered first personally, and then in small groups. Suggestions for concrete action also help us move from clear, biblical motivation to the world of real church and community.There is enough fertile ground here for any pastor and her/his church leaders to plow for at least a year. It would make a dynamic Lenten or Fall study for any group or a whole congregation. And those who sow are bound to reap in this soul searching and hope-filled guide to mainline church life in the days ahead.Don't miss this one!Bruce Laverman

This book is rooted in extensive research into the reality of the slow demise of the mainline Christian movement with extensive insight into the faith life fostering the limited success stories. She writes in a very readable manner and the major themes come through loud and clear. The book has some very practical suggestions and presents a programmatic approach for a congregation to begin its spiritual journey which if faithfully undertaken will remove the barriers and negativity mainliners attach to the idea of evangelism.But behind it all is her take on some dialogue from Ann of Green Gables. Speaking of a very sick friend "Oh," Susan said, "I'm afraid she is going to have to rely on the Lord now." "Oh, no!" Miss Cornelia responded, "Surely it isn't as bad as all that?" The author adds, "Our denominations and many of our congregations have been on a downward path for decades. It would take a miracle to turn things around. It will take a miracle to turn things around. Isn't that what God promised to do through us?" The foundation for the miracle is prayer and God's leading of anything we do as a faith community. Evangelism is not a program; it flows from an abundant personal and congregational spiritual life and strong relationships with those in the community. So get ready for a totally different look at the whole idea of evangelism as you read this practical, spiritual and inspirational book.

Martha Grace Reese has written Unbinding the Gospel based on solid research of over 1000 interviews of Churches doing great Evangelism. Yet her book is about prayer and spiritual development of the individual. It is easy to read and understand for the common layperson. The book is great, but the 40 day prayer journal is better. Prayer is central to a relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Following the outline of reading a chapter, prayer journal, and small group meeting to discuss the ideas will change you and bring you closer to your maker, your people in the small group, and to yourself. If followed through the other books in the series the Unbinding process will change your church. Our church started with one, grew to two, then a small group and now a whole church study. It is amazing what God can do with so little, faith like a mustard seed will reap hundred fold in your church too.

They are very evangelism resources, especially the "Love it" rate.I recommend strongly the A rated, because they are different ways to share the Good News of Salvation, from God through His Son, Jesus Christ, with the power of the Holy Spirit of God for the transformation of the world.

This is the most upbeat book that I've read on Evangelism in Mainline Churches. That may not seem like a great recommendation but I have read more than a half dozen books on the topic in the last 6 months and none of them comes within a light year of this book in terms of good motivation, practical ideas and good theology.The vast majority of books don't communicate either the joy of successful evangelism or the sense of NOT being on your own in a vast wasteland that this book does.This is a good book for both professional clergy and the lay (or unpaid staff as another book calls them).

This is a book that every mainline pastor needs to read (and it will also be helpful to pastors of non-mainline churches as well). Reese did a massive study of growing churches to find out what they had in common. Her findings might surprise you! She takes those common characteristics and helps church leaders develop ways to grow those characteristics in their own churches. But this book is not another evangelism program to try. It is about helping people find their own motivation for doing evangelism - their experience of a vibrant faith!

Thoughtful, worth exploring

Mainline church members can have hope for the future. The Spirit is at work! What an encouraging read.