Permission Evangelism

This book is a good adaptation of the secular marketing book Permission Marketing by Seth Godin. The key concept I like most in this book is looking for the responsive. When I was an overseas missionary that was the biggest revelation for me, that my job was to identify the people who were open to my message. I see that marketing can help you invite response from the people you want to reach who are open. The people who are not open yet? I wait for them. I spend my time with the open. I think Jesus worked this way too. Read the book and see if you don't agree this makes sense.

While walking in a bookstore recently, the title of this book caught my eye..."Permission Evangelism." What did that mean? Having grown up being taught formulas and stratigies to share your faith and reach those who don't have a true relationship with Christ, this book was refreshingly accurate. WE are NOT the ones who bring people to Christ. Jesus does that Himself, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, what is the believers role in evangelism? I can answer in one word...obedience. That was the most refreshing message of the whole book. If someone walks away from you, without you giving them the gospel message...that's okay! AS LONG AS YOUR WERE BEING OBEDIENT TO CHRIST AND WAITING FOR HIM TO MAKE SOME CHANGES IN THEIR LIFE. IT'S NOT OKAY IF YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO SHARE AND DIDN'T. Some will say this book is very logical and common sense. Any mature Christian should know it. However, if that's true, why don't more people discuss evangelism this way? Thank you Michael Simpson for sharing your heart for the lost with us. May we all strive to be obedient in ALL circumstances, especially those that can have eternal significance.

The concept of this book should be common sense that most resonable Christians already understand, unfortunately they do not. This book is a well needed reminder to those Christians who do get Simpson's concept, and a fresh approach for those well-intended Christians that do not, which in my experience is the vast majority of Christians.My entire life, countless people have walked up to me and passed out Jesus literature, and then walked away, thinking they had done something good (rather, made themselves feel good). I currently live in the buckle of the bible belt, and experience hit-and-runs of this type all of the time. While, this example is simplistic, it is to make a point...Most of the Christians I've encountered in my life time have intelligence and common sense, yet they continue to miss the boat when it comes to evangelism. While their intentions may be good...the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Simpson's wisdom and intelligence leap out from every page of this well-written book. It is a must read for mature and new Christians alike, and I look forward to his next book!

Simpson brings an uncommon clarity and depth to both the theology and strategy of evangelism. Important read for anyone interested in being available to share the hope offered by Jesus, and a MUST read for anyone who has crashed and burned in a faith conversation. This unique Christ-imitating model puts the joy back in being a witness!

I was one of those Christians that felt the burden of guilt and duty that Simpson mentions. This writing has proved to free me and everyone I've introduced it to from that burden, and even make us more effective. I've been to tons of evangelism classes and read tons of books, but now, because of this, I have more conversations than ever before and don't feel like a failure when someone walks away. Guess what - they usually come back because of what this book teaches. Leaving the door open isn't hard, but allows the Holy Spirit to lead. This work was truly inspired by God and is well written. This isn't a how-to book on evangelism or a bunch of tricks to get people into conversations, as you might think. This is about connecting your heart with God's passion for the lost, aligning your motives with His, and experiencing God in every conversation. Also, if you ever get a chance to see him speak, it is a must! Truly inspiring and not just a rehash of the book. Lots of new insights from his experiences teaching to churches all over.