Concentric Circles of Concern

by W. Oscar Thompson, Carolyn T. Ritzman, W. Oscar Thompson, et al.

Book Overview

In this stylish re-issue of W. Oscar Thompson's classic book on evangelism, Thompson shows Christians how to spread the love and good news of Christ by building and repairing personal relationships.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805462333
• ISBN13: 9780805462333
• Release Date: January 1981
• Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 2.01 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Timeless Book on Relationship Evangelism

Thompson explains evangelism in a very personal way, demonstrating the responsibility each believer has to share the love of Jesus with everyone they know, from their family to total strangers. He discusses the circles of people with whom every believer interacts, beginning with self, and moving out to "Person X" (p. 111). King introduces the concept of stages in making disciples, and provides practical applications for individuals and small groups at the close of each chapter. Thompson's desire as communicated in this work is that believers would be obedient through building relationships with believers and unbelievers, in order that God might be glorified. The additional material provided by King contributes in a practical way to this goal. The book achieves this desire. This book would be an excellent resource for personal or small group study in a church setting. The concepts in this book have shown this reviewer that being an effective witness is simple but not easy. Simple, because one only need look to his own family and friends to see opportunities to witness; however, it is not easy, because the flesh wars against the spirit and we must daily bring our troubles to the cross and lay them down. Concentric Circles of Concern: Seven Stages for Making Disciples will be another tool in the box for the work of ministry. This book was required reading for a class, and it is one I will be keeping. I enjoyed it so much, that I have purchased it for a couple of my interns for a practical reading assignment. In spite of the age of the material, every bit is still for today. This is a classic in relational evangelism.

Concerned About Me and My Community

Are you concerned about the salvation of your family, friends, neighbors and community as well? Then this book is a great starter for people who enjoy sharing the Gospel in their homes and community. This book has diagrams and pictorial effect that aid the reader in developing a home mission plan that permeates throughout their neighborhood and eventually to the world. Thompson takes the reader through a seven stage process of relationship building that is so effective that members of ones' household become disciples that are productive in producing more disciples. The author concludes that healthy, loving relationships will be generated as a result of understanding and implementing each stage in the process of making disciples, by first starting at home. This author's proposal begins with the discipleship of family members. This is unusually heard of, often times missionaries, preachers and evangelist start outside their home - however, the author has demonstrated that the real need for a loving family relationship begins with the person seeking to develop a clear conscience by knowing and loving God first, then self, then family , then others for the purpose of making disciples

Well worth your time

There are so many books on the market right now on every topic. This one seems no different. It is hard to choose which books are worth your time. I was required to read this for a Christian Discipleship class in college. It completely changed my life. I have given it to friends and family. Many of them are busy people, but I give it to them with a promise, "This is worth every second you spend on it; this will change you life." Oscar Thompson gives you a glimpse of the heart of God towards people. It is not another "method" to seek converts. He shows you how to effectively love people. Read this book. It is worth every bit of your time and money. Evangelism starts in the heart of God. Be a person after His own heart.

New Paradigm For Evangelism

This book is helping change our church and the way we do outreach and evangelism. The author's premise is that we cannot reach the world for Christ if we are not reaching our families, friends or inner-circles first. If there are any broken relationships or "ruptured relationships" in a christian's life, then we are not able to go and share the gospel message honestly with anyone. It is a powerful book that is very blunt and sometimes slaps you in the face with the honesty and insight of the author.

Concentric Circles of Concern

I read this book in school and I was blown away. The book made me think! It has radically changed the way I treat my family, neighbors, and those I may only meet once. This book also made me rethink ministry and do things 180 degrees differently. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn how to better deal with people, and who wants to grow in wisdom and sensitivity in the area of people skills. It will give you a passion for your life and ministry. As I teach others how to minister to people and how to tell others about Jesus, I use the principles in this book.