Many of us find reading a good book a great-encouragement as a starting point or ‘top-up’ of our confidence and competence in sharing the gospel. We asked experienced evangelists and local church leaders for their ‘go to’ book recommendations (and why these are their top picks).

Being the Bad Guys: How to live for Jesus in a world that says you shouldn’t
Stephen McAlpine
Our reviewers said...
“Good insights into understanding our culture and how to do local church evangelism in that context.”
“He shows how we have arrived at being the bad guys and how to live in this hostile environment. An excellent book.”

Evangelism
J Mack Stiles
Our reviewers said...
“Must-read for church leaders on establishing a healthy culture of evangelism in the local church.”
“Very helpful, from someone who is doing it and passionate about it.”

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
JI Packer
Our reviewers said...
“A timeless classic that with Biblical clarity shows how a robust understanding of God’s sovereignty is not a barrier to our responsibility to evangelise but is instead a huge incentive and encouragement.”

Evangelism in a Skeptical World: How to make the unbelievable news about Jesus more believable
Sam Chan
Our reviewers said...
“Wide-ranging from apologetic to practical advice, even on how to prepare an evangelistic talk.”
“This is a more robust, technical version of ‘How to talk about Jesus (without being that guy)’ more aimed at church leaders and people really serious about evangelism.”

Have No Fear
John Lennox
Our reviewers said...
“Short and simple encouragement in sharing the gospel.”
“Tips on being a winsome witness from a seasoned practitioner.”

Honest Evangelism
Rico Tice
Our reviewers said...
“A great and sympathetic book by an experienced evangelist who knows how tough it can be.”
“Humble and realistic, yet very motivating.”

How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy)
Sam Chan
Our reviewers said...
“Accessible top-tips for investing in intentional relationships with unbelievers and pointing them to Jesus.”
“Very easy to read. Great principles and practical ideas.”

Intentional
Paul Williams
Our reviewers said...
“Very easy and short read. Very helpful and practical in terms of the importance of and how to take the conversation to Jesus.”
“Written by a minister who knows how to engage personally in evangelism.”

Questioning Evangelism
Randy Newman
Our reviewers said...
“An engaging read that demonstrates using questions in evangelism.”
“Masterful at showing how to engage with people by asking questions as Jesus did.”

Stay Salt
Rebecca Manley Pippert
Our reviewers said...
“She is great at applying the gospel to everyday life.”
“Her classic updated to give us confidence in today’s hostile world. A must-read!”

Story Bearer: How to share your faith with your friends
Phil Knox
Our reviewers said...
“Sharing and discovering stories is a wonderful way to approach evangelism.”
“An engaging must-read book showing how to be a story for Christ today.”

Tactics: A game plan for discussing your Christian convictions
Greg Koukl
Our reviewers said...
“Good for helping people who have got stuck in a rut with unbelieving friends. Good to mine for training tools.”
“Particularly good at showing how to ask strategic questions which he calls the ‘Colombo’ effect.”