I have heard it said that there is one thing that Christians and non-Christians have in common: they both hate evangelism. At first it might seem a strange thing to say, but on reflection many of us will agree with this. Have you ever felt uncomfortable about how to witness, or felt that people are trying to get you involved in evangelistic efforts that make you cringe inwardly, but you daren't say anything for fear of being considered a second class Christian? If so, there is hope for you in this book.
From a biblical perspective and illustrated with many stories from their own and others' experience, Bill Peel (pastor and theologian) and Walt Larimore (a doctor now working with 'Focus on the Family') demonstrate that evangelism is a process, not an event. They go on to show that not only can we get involved without feeling like a square peg in a round hole, but that there is an essential role for each one of us. The church's goal should not only be to get the community into church but to get the church into the community and that's where the ordinary working day comes in.
Taking a farming illustration that Jesus used, they help us to see that a prolonged but essential period of cultivating and then sowing may be needed, before the season for harvesting comes in a person's life. Little by little as we get to know people in our daily work and as we pray for them, we can see what God is doing in their lives and be able to help them to take the next step towards a relationship with God.
This book is readable, full of biblical teaching, and will encourage you to believe that God can use you. Much of its practical application for Christian doctors and healthcare workers is found in the Saline Solution conferences that CMF is taking around Britain, but Going Public with your Faith is for all Christians in every walk of life and I plan to give several copies away as presents this year.