Ancient-Future Evangelism: Making Your Church a Faith-Forming Community
How can evangelism produce not only converts but also disciples who grow in faith and become active members of the church?In Ancient-Future Evangelism, Robert Webber presents a model of evangelism and discipleship firmly rooted in Scripture, attested to in the history of the church, and authentic to the postmodern world in which we live.Webber surveys evangelism throughout the centuries, tracing the development of the ancient process of Christian formation. He translates that process for the twenty-first century, presenting four stages-conversion, discipleship, spiritual formation, and Christian vocation-that can easily be adapted to various church traditions. He also suggests three practical rites of passage to accompany this "ancient-future" practice of making disciples.Webber then underscores how the four-fold process of faith formation is interwoven with three theological themes: Christ as victor over evil, the church as witness to God's salvation, and worship as a witness to God's mission accomplished in Jesus."A simplistic and reductionistic understanding of salvation has led to an obsession with conversion to the detriment of discipleship. Robert Webber provides a helpful framework to all who desire a deeper perspective on this significant subject. Every Christian disturbed by the lack of depth in the church should read Ancient-Future Evangelism."- Appianda Arthur, president, Global Leaders Initiative, Colorado SpringsRobert E. Webber is Myers Professor of Ministry at Northern Seminary and the president of the Institute for Worship Studies. He is the author of a number of books, including Ancient-Future Faith.