Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels

Starred Review. Evangelism is as simple and as scary as walking across the room, according to Hybels, well known senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill. His heartfelt burden for sharing the Christian message is clear as he guides readers to a new understanding of why and how they can help others meet God. He offers solid advice on evangelism, yet does so without sounding like he's checking off items on a spiritual list. His form of evangelism is relational, what he calls "Living in 3D." Hybels enlarges on the three Ds—develop friendships, discover stories, discern next steps—in a clear, conversational way, all the while challenging Christians to move beyond their insulated "evangelism-void vacuum." He encourages Christians to explore "the power of story" and to learn how to tell their own spiritual narratives concisely and effectively. Readers will find inspiration and honesty in this book that mirrors Hybels's personal convictions and those of his church as well: "It really is true: the spread of the gospel... boils down to whether you and I will continue to seek creative ways to engage our friends, inviting them to explore the abundance of the Christ-following life...." (Aug.)