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a.k.a. Lost: Discovering Ways to Connect with the People Jesus Misses Most
vBulletin Book Store > vBulletin books beginning with A
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a.k.a. Lost: Discovering Ways to Connect with the People Jesus Misses Most |
Author: Jim Henderson
Published: 2005-06-07 |
List price: $12.99
Our price: $5.20
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As of: December 03rd, 2008 04:01:34 PM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 Transformational
Written by one of the few guys who "gets it." He also "lives it" and is dedicated to infecting those around him with the same. Read this book. Give it to a friend as a gift. The truth can be dangerously transformative.
 where is the rest of the story?
I agree that Jim Henderson presents a likeable, ordinary, friendly, compassionate, loving, meeting needs, accessible Jesus.All of the things he shares are fine and wonderful attributes that everyone including Christians, should be demonstrating in this world. My question: what happened to Jesus - WHY did He go to the Cross? What happened after that? What is the message of the Cross if being a nice, friendly, accessible, ordinary guy is all there is? Maybe Jim Henderson gets around to all that in his ministry, but he did not let me know anything about that in his book. Where is the rest of the story? I am still waiting.
A challenging and encouraging view of evangelism
Some types of evangelism techniques have gotten a bad rap because they use a blend of aggressiveness and fear tactics to try to convert someone to their own beliefs. As a result, some Christians are weary of evangelism all together. But Jim Henderson breathes life and hope into the idea of fulfilling the Great Commission for even the most timid believer in his new book, a.k.a. "LOST", which argues that evangelism can be as normal as asking questions, listening to people and being responsive to their needs.
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br /Henderson's approach to evangelism is as simple as a-b-c and 1-2-3. He doesn't believe in looking at people who aren't Christians as "lost" but prefers the term "missing persons." This may seem like semantics, but it represents a larger paradigm shift in the way people are approached. No longer is it our duty to "save" people, but rather to recognize them as individuals God is passionately pursuing. This helps erase any sense of superiority and invites Christians to partner with God to nudge others toward a real relationship with Jesus.
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br /He writes, "When it comes to evangelism, we can be our ordinary selves, and it turns out to be good enough. It turns out that all Jesus needs are the five loaves and two fish of our lives --- something we already have. Rather than trying to escape the ordinary, we should exploit it and attempt something small for God, something ordinary."
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br /The style of evangelism that Henderson encourages is refreshingly simple and literally anyone can do it. He encourages readers to develop "the art of noticing" by simply reflecting on the people in their lives and celebrating moments with them. He suggests asking questions about faith and spirituality and listening to people's answers --- without trying to share your own beliefs right off the bat. He encourages small talk, avoiding Christian clichés and saying "Wow" when you don't know what else to say. For some, that may seem like common sense 101, but Henderson is somehow able to communicate these basic truths with a contagious sense of compassion and love.
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br /The book itself is dotted with stories of everyday people who are impacting their world one conversation and one day at a time. Most of these stories don't end with the dramatic convert falling on their knees and becoming a Christian. Rather they demonstrate people coming one click closer to a relationship with their redeemer. For those weary of traditional evangelism approaches, the message is both freeing and compelling.
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br /With chapters including "Boldness Is Overrated," "Do What's Doable" and "Out of Religion and Into Reality," readers get the sense that even the biggest scaredy cat can be brave when it comes to sharing their faith. Each chapter ends with a section on "Attempting the Ordinary," which provides very practical ideas on how to live out the message of the book.
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br /Overall, a.k.a "LOST" is a refreshing read. The book moves forward at a comfortable, conversational pace. If the idea of evangelism leaves you shaking in your boots, you'll find yourself both encouraged and challenged by this book.
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Finally...
Way to go Jim Henderson for finally affirming that it all counts! Evangelism isn't the sealing the deal, its being part of the process God has an individual on. Thanks for challenging my thoughts and making me laugh with your stories. This is THE BOOK I'm encouraging leaders in ministry to read.
 A word from one of 'the missing'
I read this book both as a librarian and as an individual, so my review has two components. First, the review a librarian would write for library book selection:
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br /This slim volume is designed to help Christians reach out to
br /non-church goers in ways that are comfortable and genuine. Written by Jim
br /Henderson, the director of a unique Christian organization called Off the
br /Map, the book emphasizes the effectiveness of small acts of kindness and
br /reaching out through listening. The text includes scriptural references and
br /also guides readers to other useful books. All historical and supportive
br /materials are footnoted. Strongly recommended for church libraries, and
br /public libraries where the community includes a strong Christian component.
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br /And my personal reaction to a.k.a. Lost:
br /This book may have been written to encourage Christian outreach, but everyone should read it. Really--if we all model this behavior in our daily living, and listen to each other with true interest, offer each other small acts of kindness and provide community wherever possible as Jim Henderson advocates, we will improve our own lives and the lives we touch. Our society has moved beyond the caring interest of the neighborhood or the village, and we are suffering for it. I recommend this book enthusiastically, and I believe I qualify as one of Henderson's 'missing."
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