In daily life, it can feel as if there's a loss of Christianity all around you. Better put, a loss of "Christendom" from all corners. With the rise of secular ideas and the "nones" pulling away from any religion, how can you find a common ground to talk about Christianity? What ways can you reach out and speak about Christ with compassion?
Author Chad Lakies brings a new perspective to the discussion about outreach and witnessing, one that is aware of the hurt felt on both sides and aims to find healing through what Christ brings His creation. First, he acknowledges the current and rather new reality and the ways in which the church has reacted thus far. Then, he explores the challenges Christians face in today's world and ways you can navigate these experiences. Finally, he asks you to turn back in time to the practices of the early church in order to find better ways to interact with the world today.
Let Christ's light shine through you to your neighbors and understand how to reflect it toward others. Bridge the gap from a society that's fractured and divided to building a community of believers who uplift each other together.
About the Author :
Chad Lakies (MDiv, PhD) is Vice President for Ministry Engagement within the United States at Lutheran Hour Ministries. His former life as a nonbeliever provides exceedingly relevant experience for thinking about how to engage with friends and neighbors outside the kingdom of God. He and his wife, Bethany, have two daughters, Anabel and Daphne.
Review :
"People are deeply hurting in this current age, when the convergence of individualism and the unending quest for personal meaning has paradoxically led to widespread loneliness and despair. The Christian Church, when embodying Christ's mission of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration, offers a potent remedy. Dr. Lakies rightly calls the church to lean into this challenge and bring the Gospel to bear, for a relationship with Christ and His church provides what the culture cannot: identity, restoration, hope, and belonging."
- Michael A. Thomas, PhD, president, Concordia University Irvine
"Dr. Chad Lakies calls Christians back to bold and resilient faith. Exposing flawed responses to a confused and chaotic culture, Lakies helps believers see and articulate the saving voice, wisdom, and ways of Jesus. This book guides readers through the storm of societal upheaval and provides resources for the church to bring Jesus, the friend of sinners, to the world."
- Rev. Michael W. Newman, president, LCMS Texas District; author of Hope When Your Heart Breaks: Navigating Grief and Loss
"Beyond tired outreach programs and scripted evangelism conversations, this book is exactly what the church needs in the here and now into which God has placed us. Lakies diagnoses the hostile culture that surrounds us without calling for a war against it. Instead, his insight into the culture, blended with some of the best practices of the early church, gives Christians a way to talk about the faith authentically with the people in their lives."
- Rev. Grant A. Knepper, pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, Modesto, California
