Title: The Master Plan of Evangelism
Author: Robert E. Coleman
First published November 30, 1962
142 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780800786243 (ISBN10: 0800786246)
Rating: 4.09
Overview
Are you struggling to share the message of God with your neighbors? With so many evangelism resources available, it can be difficult to know where to turn.
But fear not, Robert E. Coleman has the ultimate solution.
In The Master Plan of Evangelism, Coleman turns to the Bible and the example set by Jesus Christ to provide timeless advice on how to share the Good News with others. This classic book has been challenging and instructing readers for over forty years, with over three million copies sold.
Now repackaged for a new generation, The Master Plan of Evangelism is just as fresh and relevant as ever. Join the movement and discover how you too can minister to the people God brings into your life.
About the Author
Many people recognize Robert E. Coleman for his work as a disciplemaker and evangelist.
He has been a leader at the Billy Graham Center Institute of Evangelism at Wheaton College and the International Schools of Evangelism for many years. Coleman has written 21 books, including the popular The Master Plan of Evangelism, which has been translated into 100 languages.
He and his wife, Marietta, live in Deerfield, Illinois and have three adult children and seven grandchildren.
Editoral Review
In 1962, Robert E. Coleman published a book that would become a classic in Evangelical circles, titled “The Master Plan of Evangelism.” The book was aimed at fostering theological discussions about the importance of evangelism in Christianity, and its central themes resonate within the Evangelical community to this day.
In this classic book, Robert E. Coleman provides a compelling philosophical treatise on what he calls the “Master Plan of Evangelism.” Through a series of lessons based on the life of Jesus, Coleman argues that the way to assimilate new converts into Christianity is through one-on-one discipleship.
The author begins by examining the relationship between Jesus and his disciples, and how Jesus maintained a small but very devoted following. Coleman’s central thesis is that, contrary to the prevailing wisdom of the day, Jesus chose to focus on a few people and train them to become his disciples.
He argues that Jesus’ approach provides a model for how the church should approach evangelism today.
The book is a cohesive, well-structured argument that follows a logical progression.
Coleman’s writing is clear and accessible, though at times it can feel a bit dry. The strength of the book lies in the depth of its theological insights, rather than the writing style.
The book is divided into chapters, each of which is dedicated to one of the lessons that Coleman extracts from the life of Jesus. Each lesson is then explained and amplified with examples from the Bible.
This structure is simple yet effective and has helped the book to endure as a popular reference work within the Evangelical community.
One of the book’s main strengths is its practicality.
Coleman provides a blueprint for discipleship, outlining the steps that he believes are necessary for effective evangelism. This guide is invaluable for anyone looking to develop a more robust understanding of the role of evangelism in the church.
However, there are some criticisms that can be leveled at the book. While the book’s focus on individual discipleship is compelling, it can feel a bit narrow at times.
The book’s central thesis is that the church should focus on training up individual disciples, but it doesn’t always offer a thorough critique of other evangelism strategies. Additionally, the book’s focus on male leadership can feel dated, although this was likely not controversial in 1962.
Overall, “The Master Plan of Evangelism” is an important book that still resonates within the Evangelical community. Although it has some limitations and narrowness, it provides valuable insights into the practical application of evangelism.
I would recommend this book to pastors, evangelists, and anyone interested in the mechanics of successful evangelism.
Score: 4 out of 5 stars.
