Do not be fooled by this book's eyebrow-raising title. The authors advocate a lifestyle that they call "kindness evangelism" among those whom Christian congregation traditionally have not included in our churches. Addressed to those who identify themselves as Christians who believe in Jesus, the authors write this book not to impart information or to entertain. They challenge us to lives of selfless, loving, service to our neighbors, no matter how they have treated us. Christ, the authors contend, using many examples of "kindness evangelism" from their own lives, will be more and more seen in us as we implement these principles laid out here.
When I began reading this book, I thought this would be a work of a person who left the stripping industry, met Christ as Savior and Lord, and wrote this to inspire the Christian community to show Biblical love to those often looked on as "outsiders." It is indeed a challenge to sacrificial, loving service to those in our lives but is written by a Pastor and his wife. I found myself quite challenged by this book and by the rigorously Christian call to selfless commitment in all areas of my life, no matter what the cost in comfort, time, convenience or even money. This book is easy to read but not easy to apply to one's life! Finding nothing here that I didn't already know, the "lifestyle kindness evangelism" advocated by the Stevens is both easier and more challenging than traditional Christian service and evangelism model I have been taught. As I read, I found my mind forming "yes buts" and most (not all) my objections were addressed. Though the writing is interesting, conversational and appealing, the calls to action can be overwhelming without a grasp of God's enabling grace.
As this is a limited book centered on outreach, there is little here about worship or discipleship. I wished that the authors had not placed the chapter on prayer at the end of the book. This chapter placement sends the wrong message about prayer and can drown out the Stevens' words about our need to make prayer and our relationship with God central to our outreach. Not only do I wish that they had placed this chapter at the beginning of this book, but I would have liked to see more stress on our own relationship with God and the need to be motivated and empowered by His grace. If you want to say in your comfort zone and see the local church as a place that exists for you, you will dismiss this book's message. But this book has a message that most in the Western Christian community need to read, share, and apply.
I received a complimentary copy of this book by Booklook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a favorable review.
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