Equipped to Evangelize: A Review

Evangelism. A word that sends paralyzing chills down the spines of many Christians. This gospel message has fueled the deaths of martyrs throughout church history and yet, in our modern day, has caused many to buckle under milder circumstances. How can the same gospel motivate some to give up their lives while others quiver at the thought of proclaiming the best news the world has ever heard? Rob Ventura's forthcoming book Equipped to Evangelize: A Biblical Foundation emphasizes a biblically grounded approach to evangelism, moving beyond pragmatic methods to a deeper understanding of its rich theological foundations.

In the opening chapter, Ventura argues for a clear definition of evangelism, emphasizing that it is primarily the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. This proclamation is necessary because Adam’s sin plunged our world into its fallen condition. This biblical definition of evangelism starkly contrasts many distorted and misguided views within various circles. Tragically, the success of evangelizing is often judged by outcomes like conversions, church growth schemes, or how many decisions were made, which can lead to manipulative or watered-down gospel presentations. Ventura writes, “For those who understand and define evangelism as seeing converts, decisions, or tangible results, what is generally bound to happen? They will begin to manufacture them.” He rightly concludes that faithfulness in sharing the message is the key measure of success, not immediate results. In God’s wisdom, this liberates Christians from feeling pressured to manufacture conversions.

In chapter two, the book stresses that the scope of evangelism is universal—to all people everywhere. This challenges biases and prejudices that might limit our willingness to share the gospel with specific groups. Pastor Ventura graciously but boldly challenges the reader to evaluate our motivations. Do you only share the gospel with those you perceive to be worthy? All Christians, especially gospel ministers, must proclaim the gospel to all peoples. The example of the early church's initial reluctance to evangelize Gentiles illustrates this point. Old Testament prophecies and Jesus's Great Commission in Matthew 28 reinforce the idea that the gospel is for all nations. The doctrine of election should motivate evangelism, not hinder it, as it is through the gospel that the elect are saved.

In chapter three, Ventura demonstrates that the primary motivation for evangelism should be the glory of God, followed by a genuine concern for the eternal well-being of others. This vertical and horizontal dimension ensures that evangelism is not merely a humanistic endeavor but a God-centered act of obedience and love. A true love for God will naturally lead to a desire to share the gospel with lost people. The book also highlights the importance of understanding hell and the seriousness of the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ.

In chapter four, the book emphasizes that every believer is called to be an agent of evangelism. God uses human instrumentality to spread the gospel. This rejects hyper-Calvinistic views that minimize human involvement. While methods may vary, the centrality of the biblical gospel must remain constant. Whether through personal conversations, tract distributions, or public proclamation, all Christians have a role in sharing the good news.

The pinnacle of the book is chapter five. In it, Ventura answers the most vital question: What is the gospel? It encompasses four key elements: God, the Righteous; Man, the Rebel; Jesus, the Redeemer; and our Right Response to the message. Understanding God's holiness and His wrath against sin is crucial for appreciating the depth of Christ's sacrifice. The message about man emphasizes the reality of human sinfulness and separation from God. The message about Jesus highlights His deity, His substitutionary atonement, and His resurrection. The message about our proper response emphasizes the need for repentance and faith. Evangelism produces a twofold effect: salvation for those who believe and condemnation for those who reject the gospel. This reality should not discourage evangelism but motivate believers to share the truth with zeal and urgency. The emphasis is on faithfulness in proclaiming the gospel, trusting God to bring about the desired results. The book also stresses the importance of integrating new converts into biblical church membership for discipleship and sanctification.

The book concludes by emphasizing that the power for biblical evangelism comes from the Holy Spirit. Every believer receives the Holy Spirit at conversion, empowering them to be witnesses for Christ. The Holy Spirit's ministry includes illumination, fruit-bearing, and filling, enabling believers to overcome their limitations and effectively communicate the gospel.

Equipped to Evangelize provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and engaging in biblical evangelism. By emphasizing theological foundations, a universal scope, God-centered motivation, the role of every believer, a clear gospel message, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, the book equips Christians to confidently and effectively share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world.

The gospel is the most glorious news this world has ever known. Pastor Ventura rightly captures the duty, responsibility, and privilege that belongs to every believer. Evangelism should not cause paralyzing fear but an all-consuming zeal to see the nations glad in Jesus Christ. I pray that in our current secular age, Equipped to Evangelize will strengthen God’s people to take the gospel boldly and courageously to lost friends, family, and neighbors, even to the furthest confines of the Earth. I commend this book to every believer as a valuable resource of encouragement and to motivate an evangelistic spirit.