Yearning for the Vast and Endless Sea

<p><span style=color: rgba(33 37 41 1)>Evangelism is a contentious word conjuring up all sorts of assumptions. It can create suspicion or imply tribalism or can be seen as a desperate response to falling numbers. For some the term has become irredeemably polluted. But what if we recovered an authentic understanding of evangelism as good news that enables people to know that they are drenched in the love and grace of God? And how do we do that? </span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(33 37 41 1)>This is a book for everyone who wants to share the gospel but who cannot relate to what evangelism has become. Its title is taken from Saint-Exupery 'If you want to build a ship don't drum up the people to gather wood and give orders. Instead teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.' </span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(33 37 41 1)>Drawing on writers like Bonhoeffer Newbigin and Pope Francis' landmark Euangelii Gaudium Chris Russell aims to redeem evangelism from its present predicament. He sets it in a deeper and richer theological context asks how the church and individual Christians can communicate the love of God in language and action and explores how the good news is received.</span></p>