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Are We Getting Through?ARE WE GETTING THROUGH? Rob Lacey is a writer, actor and Christian radio broadcaster, obviously concerned that, by and large, churches are not reaching 'outsiders' effectively with the Christian message. For some years, Rob worked with the Trapdoor Theatre Company. The book is in three parts; the first looks at the culture today into which believers must take the message, and suggests that as Jesus taught by 'telling stories' so must we; the second offers some 50 scripts, giving examples - from Rob's own work - of how we might present the message creatively in sketch and poem; the third provides a recapitulation of the arguments of the book. At least we have here someone who is struggling with a problem which too many involved in Christian ministry are not honestly grappling with. His analysis of today's common culture is brief but excellent. And he does not suggest our creative skills will necessarily replace the essential Holy Spirit's ministry in evangelism. He regards his ministry as a faithful response to God's requirements of him as a communicator. However, there is perhaps the risk of oversimplification; it is true that Jesus told stories, but it is equally true that Paul and the other apostles apparently did not. That is a difference which is too significant to dismiss lightly. The book will challenge anyone for whom effective Christian ministry is a longing, but is not the last word on the subject. John Appleby© Evangelicals Now - November 1999 |