Bestselling New Faith-Sharing Book based on Four Year, Lilly Endowment Study

by Martha Grace Reese, MDiv, JD, with an afterword by Brian D. McLaren

Unbinding the Gospel: Real LIfe Evangelsm is a book for pastors who want to know the truth about the state of evangelism. It is a book for Christians who want a hopeful, powerful, joy-filled way to learn to share their faith. (It's also a book for people who cringe when they hear the "E" word!) Based on thorough research, sparkling with life and practicality, and steeped in spirituality, this workbook for congregational use has been enthusiastically endorsed by 7 heads of denominations, professors of evangelism, and leading experts, and pastors.

Martha Grace Reese, pastor, attorney and author, interviewed over 1200 pastors, lay leaders and new Christians with a wide range of theological beliefs. Her team visited 50 congregations, combed through statistics and conducted a national survey of leaders and new Christians in 150 mainline congregations that are doing the best statistical job of reaching unchurched people.

The research resulted in Unbinding the Gospel and the upcoming Real LIfe Evangelism Series, which will help your entire congregation begin to discover and develop their faith, to pray and to start to engage in authentic faith sharing. Used prayerfully and thoughtfully, the Series will spark fascinating discussions, encourage prayer,and help your congregation reach out to others in a way that fits your personality, theology and faith.

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"I expect E-vents (the Real Life Evangelism Series' all-congregational studies) to move at least 20,000 churches into their first invitational foray in the community in anyone's memory. "

George G. Hunter, Distinguished Professor of Evangelization,
Asbury Theological Seminary

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“Martha Grace Reese gently but persistently lures the Mainline back to the ministry of evangelism that is the heart of the church. Based on careful research and extensive listening, Unbinding the Gospel avoids gimmicks and the trap of the latest church growth fad, inviting pastors and members instead to a relationship with Christ that overflows the banks of our often cautious and reserved congregations. Filled with helpful suggestions for getting started, this book can convert even the most "evangelism-cautious" Christians into eager disciples who love others enough to tell them why Jesus is the answer.”

John H. Thomas, General Minister and President,
United Church of Christ

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"This book should be required reading in all mainline churches. Our continuing existence may depend upon it."

Richard Peace, Professor of Evangelism and Spiritual Formation,
Fuller Theological Seminary