Understanding Evangelism: Biblical Foundations, Historical Developments, and Contemporary Issues - Paperback

by J. D. Payne (Author)

Southwestern Journal of Theology 2025 Book Award (Evangelism / Missions / Global Church)

When seeking to understand evangelism, it can be difficult to know where to begin due to the wealth of written material available on the topic. This one-stop textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to evangelism from an evangelical perspective. It draws from the diverse and vast literature on the topic to help readers share the gospel at home and throughout the world.

Understanding Evangelism emerges from the author's experiences as a pastor, missionary, evangelist, and professor of evangelism and from his expertise as a scholar in the field. The book provides the necessary biblical knowledge, cultural awareness, and practical insights for every Christ follower to participate in the privilege of partnering with the Spirit in the world.

The first part of the book covers contemporary definitions of evangelism, the global status of world evangelization, and personal motives and ethics for evangelism. The second part addresses its biblical and theological foundations, while the third part offers a historical overview. The fourth part focuses on cultural contexts and effective communication of the gospel. The book concludes with contemporary issues that offer practical guidance in the ministry of evangelism. Pedagogical tools--including case studies, sidebars, figures, and reflection questions--help students retain information.

Back Jacket

"A key resource for anyone teaching or studying evangelism"

When seeking to understand evangelism, it can be difficult to know where to begin due to the wealth of written material available on the topic. This comprehensive introduction draws from the diverse and vast literature on evangelism to help readers share the gospel at home and throughout the world.

Understanding Evangelism emerges from J. D. Payne's experiences as a pastor, missionary, evangelist, and professor of evangelism and from his expertise as a scholar in the field. This book provides the necessary biblical knowledge, cultural awareness, and practical insights for every Christ follower to participate in the privilege of partnering with the Spirit in the world.

"Payne's work is a masterful and expansive journey into the heart of evangelism. With remarkable depth and clarity, he weaves together insights from diverse denominational traditions, cultural contexts, historical developments, and theological frameworks. The result is a rich and textured exploration that both informs and inspires. This book stands out as a key resource for anyone teaching or studying evangelism--offering the breadth and nuance so often missing in contemporary texts."
--W. Jay Moon, Asbury Theological Seminary

"In Understanding Evangelism, Payne provides an accessible textbook that combines solid biblical exegesis, theological rigor, and missiological grounding with hands-on evangelistic strategy and methodology. He interacts with diverse scholars and ideas to provide a valuable theoretical and practical guide that roots itself unabashedly in the evangelical tradition. His book is contemporary and contextual while remaining biblically faithful, delightfully engaging, and practically helpful."
--Anna Daub, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Author Biography

J. D. Payne (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Thomas Welby Bozeman Chair of Christian Ministry at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He has published 16 books, including Apostolic Imagination: Recovering a Biblical Vision for the Church's Mission Today and Theology of Mission: A Concise Biblical Theology. He has served for more than 25 years in theological education and has 19 years of experience in pastoral ministry.