Have you ever wondered why evangelism seemed to come so naturally to you when you were first converted to Christ but then over time became increasingly difficult? This is the common experience of Christians. Rico Tice has some answers and help along this way. And Rico is apt to help us. He is a minister at All Souls Langham Place in London and the Founder of Christianity Explored Ministries. He has served as an evangelist who equips Christians for gospel ministry for decades.
In his book Honest Evangelism Rico intends to be honest with us. He shoots straight: we don’t like getting hit. He is saying “hit” metaphorically of course. His point is we don’t like the negative pinch that witnessing brings. It causes a strain on relationships, brings awkwardness with strangers, and it could even bring about more extreme unpleasant consequences. However, says Tice, most people don’t like the gospel. They don’t agree with what the Bible says. There are going to be strains on relationships. Therefore, if we are going to be faithful with the gospel we must be willing to cross, what Tice calls, “the painline”.
This sounds unpleasant, doesn’t it?
Exactly. Rico would say that now we are onto something.
“….whenever I tell someone the gospel message, and get hit (metaphorically speaking) there’s a temptation either stop saying anything, or to change what I’m saying. I know there’s a painline that needs to be crossed if I tell someone the gospel; but I want to stay the comfortable side of the mainline. Of course I do!” (15)
Once we experience this painline we get discouraged because either we think it (the gospel and our evangelism) is not working or it is not worth it. So we go silent.
To aid us in this problem Tice properly diagnoses the problem as loving and obeying someone or something other than God. Our lack of evangelism is actually idol worship (p. 43). Until we slay this idol of self we will not speak on behalf of our Savior.
Along these lines the author reminds us of who God is and what he has done for us in Christ. He shows us again the beauty and grace of God in Christ. This is attractive to the Christian; he wants to brag on or boast in Christ.
Further, Tice reminds us what our job really is. It is tremendously liberating and encouraging to remember that we do not do the converting!
“Our job is not to convert people. It is to witness to Christ. Conversion isn’t the mark of successful witness—witnessing is…You have not failed if you explain the gospel and are rejected. You have failed if you don’t try.” (p. 56)
Rico pivots out of his persuasive encouragement to equip us to share this gospel with us. He helps us to (re)start in our mission of evangelism. Providing memorable hooks to hang the key gospel points on, Tice reminds us again that it is not hard to communicate the gospel. It is simple and beautiful. He provides encouragement for the task.
One big strength of the this book is how the author weaves in various illustrations and examples from decades of personal witnessing. His discouragements and encouragements serve the reader well. He reminds us that we can do this.
The best books on evangelism are the ones that encourage you to go and talk to people about Jesus. Not only does this book do that, but it tactfully and truthfully addresses the reasons why we do not. The beauty of this is not that he provides us with new content, but that he helps renew our commitment to evangelism. I’ve been blessed by reading it and look forward to passing it on to others.
Discounted copies of Honest Evangelismare available at Amazon (kindle version available)
