Synopsis "Talking about Jesus, Small Group Study Leader Edition (in English)"
Talking about Jesus' story with others is designed to be a joy-producing experience for his followers, not to mention those hearing his story. Unfortunately, the prospect of talking about Jesus' story strikes fear into the hearts of many believers. Whether they're afraid of saying something wrong about their Lord or fearful of rejection, the anxiety of legions of Christ-followers over mentioning Jesus in conversation leads them to avoid an experience that is meant to create glad hearts all around. Talking about Jesus: Discovering the Joy of Sharing Jesus' Story helps to instill confidence in seizing opportunities to introduce Jesus' story into conversations in natural and healthy ways. This brief, approachable resource helps believers to develop a simple framework that increases their comfort level in the joyful mission of sharing a little of Jesus' story. Along the way, readers will learn some important teachings concerning Christ that will delight their hearts. This small-group study-leader edition includes a detailed set of lesson plans for leading an eight-session study of Talking about Jesus: Discovering the Joy of Sharing Jesus' Story. ""It's harder than ever to talk about Christianity. The word means so many opposite things to different people. But that makes it more important than ever to talk about Jesus. Dave Stratton's new book will help you rediscover the joy of talking with people you love about the person you love."" --Brian D. McLaren, author of The Great Spiritual Migration ""David Stratton has written a winsome, accessible entry point for those who might consider Jesus afresh. He does so with an easy, good humor. He is pedagogically aware so he helps a novice reader along. . . . In all, this is a valuable, helpful vehicle for fresh conversation."" --Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary ""Pastor Dave Stratton helps the church to find the right words to talk about a subject that's tough for us to speak about: Jesus! Here's a practical, concise presentation that will equip today's Christians to say to the world the most important word the church has to say to the world: Jesus! This book will enable us to say the truth that the world cannot say to itself: Jesus!"" --Will Willimon, Duke Divinity School, and United Methodist Bishop (retired) ""Dave Stratton offers a helpful way to engage others in conversations about faith by turning the focus from self and putting the spotlight on Jesus. . . . One thing is sure: if more people read Talking about Jesus, more people would be talking about Jesus, and that is Stratton's goal."" --Tony Cartledge, Campbell University Divinity School; contributing editor and curriculum writer, Nurturing Faith Journal and Bible Studies ""Talking about Jesus offers a simple, theologically credible, and understandable method to dialogue with nonbelievers and seekers regarding the Christian story. This text is biblically accurate and conversationally easy. Pastors and ministers will find this booklet most helpful. I recommend it highly."" --Michael G. Cogdill, Campbell Divinity School David M. Stratton has served as a pastor for nearly thirty years, and he is currently the senior pastor of Woodhaven Baptist Church in Apex, North Carolina. He received his doctorate from Campbell University Divinity School.
