Witnessing 101

by Tim Baker

Book Overview

Teens talk to their friends about sports, fashion, and relationships. But how do they talk to their friends about their most important relationship-with Jesus Christ? Witnessing 101 is a fast-paced... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0849944163
• ISBN13: 9780849944161
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Teaches Long-haul Evangelism With a Modern Voice

"Witnessing 101" by Tim Baker is refreshing. Many churches, he says, tell us that witnessing is more of a speech told at people. Tim Baker says it is more about a long-haul relationship in which a person intentionally share their faith, and in doing so, is more honest, loving and accurate. He takes standard ideas on sharing one's faith and presents them in a way that can be understood by junior high school age and above. With punchy language indicating he is hip to what it means to be a teenager, Baker shows he is current with what today's youth are dealing with in their Monday-Saturday lives. I wish he translate this book into something we 30-somethings can readily understand, as the ideas here are no different that will be found in any solid adult evangelism program. Baker's goal is to remove the barriers that teens have in sharing the gospel effectively with their friends. He honestly explains how it is easy to irritate others by being a know-it-all, how there is no need to cuss just to be connect with someone, and how tempting it is to follow those friends into parties or cults experiences and wind up in terrible trouble. One theme Baker keeps returning to is the teen's testimony. He explains that there is no such thing as a boring testimony, and to avoid embellishing it to make it sound more exciting. He provides several exercises for thinking through and outlining what a testimony should and shouldn't say. A challenge that runs through the text is to ask ourselves what stops us from sharing the Gospel, and how can we get past that. Do we need to know everything about theology? No. Does tolerance mean everyone gets into Heaven, even those who despise Christ? No. Will we be ready for every question the other person has in response? No. Will God help us? Yes. He gets into a chapter on what the Gospel is, and what it isn't, and the core truths we know of God. He lists several commonly heard lies about God, like "The earth is God," and "There are many paths to God." Similarly, he lists lies about Jesus, Heaven, sin, Satan, salvation and humans. Fans of Josh McDowell or Norman Geisler will connect with these chapters. When thinking of what to say to whom, he suggests the following questions, followed by why they are important to ask: * Who (pick someone) * Are you their friend? * What do they already know? * What do you need to say? * Before, during and after, after, after... These are based on being a real friend, and considering who they are before trying to tell them what you think. He discourages dating nonbelievers, and explains why. He makes his point while describing the pitfalls of justifying dating as an opportunity to build trust. The pretense is false and dangerous on many levels, and so Baker cautions accordingly. Throughout, Baker depends on Scripture. Bible verses are quoted and referenced to for every point, always bringing Christ as the focus. He writes humbly, noting his life and troubles, as well as how his faith deve

Excellent Resource!

Like many people I have difficulty telling others about my faith. I don't mind that people know I'm a Christian, but I secretly hope they don't ask me questions about what I believe or why. I'm amazed by this book. It helped me feel more comfortable with sharing my faith. It helped me put together my testimony in a way that makes sense. It helped me know how to start a conversation about God with someone. It even has steps with scriptures you can lead someone through to accept Christ. This book is extremely practical and written in a way that makes sense. If you're scared about sharing your faith you need to get this creative, practical and well written book. I highly recommend it!

A great tool kit for the new witnesser

If you are like me, one of the toughest parts of being a Christian was being unable to share with others the joy and peace my faith has brought me. I'm kind of quiet to begin with, and feel like I don't always know the best way to say things. I know I am not alone in feeling this way, but I was surprised to find out that a couple of my more outgoing confident friends even had the same problems.I need to tell you that "Witnessing 101" has made it a whole lot easier for me to spread the Gospel. Mr. Baker really knows what I was up against, and the book made it easy for me to get over, around and through my roadblocks. I think the best part is where he explains what NOT to say. That has made me a lot more confident, and I think it could help any teen or young adult to follow his suggestions.