Afterword

When Alvin Reid first asked me to do the afterword for this book, he referred to it as his magnum opus. His use of the word magnum was no exaggeration. This is easily the most comprehensive book on the subject of evangelism I have ever read.

Again and again I was impressed with the minute details of virtually every aspect of evangelistic ministry. The reader cannot help but be impressed with the soundness of the biblical and theological aspects of this book. But Alvin has a way of making theology come alive, and one of the strengths of this book is the combination of inspiration and theology. The illustrations employed in the book are to the point and gripping in their interest.

Another significant fact about the book is that to Alvin, evangelism is more than some mechanical operation which is humanly contrived. The Holy Spirit’s work and the prayer factor on the part of the church are constant themes on these pages.

It is refreshing to read a book that comes to the rescue of what some regard as obsolete methods in evangelism. The author still strongly believes in assigned visitation as a part of the evangelistic planning of a church. He is unashamed to say that most churches that are strong in evangelism are churches that are unafraid to knock on doors with a view to sharing the message with those within. Chapters on the evangelism of children and young people are especially strong.

There is an unusual fairness in assessment of what is workable in contemporary evangelism and what is not. As far as telling the truth about evangelism today, this book certainly carries with it the ring of the real.

Roy Fish

Distinguished Professor of Evangelism Emeritus

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary