Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith

Different perspective but it works…

It seems fair to say that most Christians feel bad about their ineffectiveness or complete avoidance of evangelism. Many books have been written to motivate Christians to have a heart for people far from God, and some have provided helpful tools. But I think that Bill Hybels has offered the most practical and accessible evangelism book that I've read for quite some time.If you've ever heard Hybels speak, you know that he is burning with a passion to bring Jesus into the lives of those who do not yet know Him. One of the first things that this book does is translate that passion for the reader. I think that anyone who reads his call to evangelism will be drawn into the game.Having convinced the reader that evangelism is worth pursuing and actually essential for Christians of every personality type, Hybels then spends the rest of the book describing what that can look like. What I most appreciate is the breadth of acceptable evangelism that he describes. Without ever letting us off the hook, Hybels is careful to explain that door-to-door witnessing or tract distribution are not the only ways to share Jesus with the world. In fact, those standard approaches are usually less effective than simply walking across the room and entering into the life and world of hurting, lost individuals who need to know God.What Hybels does best is tell stories. As he shares example after example, mainly from his own life, the reader is drawn into the excitement of seeing God at work. Yet, there's never a sense of watching a super-Christian at work. Instead, we are left with the assurance that we can do this, we can partner with God, in response to the promptings of the Spirit, to draw people to Himself.There were a few instances when I felt that Hybels was unnecessarily harsh and even mean-spirited towards certain types of well-intentioned, if evangelistically ineffective Christians. I also felt like a few chapters were less engaging than others, giving the entire book a rather uneven feel. And there are some theological assumptions in this book that will make a Calvinist's skin crawl, but that's not unexpected from Hybels.Nonetheless, I give this book a high recommendation. I'm glad that I've been challenged to step up my own evangelism efforts. I'm glad that I've written my 100-word story. I'm glad that I've been inspired to just walk across the room and look forward to watching God honor those steps of obedience.

I got this book for a prayer group reading at church.

Being alone in a crowd without anyone talking to you is a sure way to un-invite a person to return. Bill Hybels has written a searching and challenging book about being real in our Christian walk and not come off as a "religious snob. I first learned about this approach by reading a book published by The Salvation Army titled "SAY SOMETHING - Tell them. Win Then. Establish Them." by Stephen Banfield and Donna Leedom.Although there are those who seek God as a result of evangelistic services at a local church, most often it is because someone in their past has told that person about God over the years. I remember addicts who grew up in the influence of a Godly parent or grandparent. After they "hit bottom" in their life and heard of this same God, they were eager to accept God and begin living the Christian life.I have personally tried many of the "hottest approachs" to evangelism over many years. Some worked short term, but checking one to two years later so many of the new converts were no longer visible in the church providing follow up ministry. Many churches have a "our doors are open - they can come to us" attitude.I have purchased the Participant's Guide and the teaching DVD. I am studying the whole set of material for my personal devotional and learning experience and hopefully I will be able to teach it to fellow church members.

With tears in my eyes I can't even begin to tell you what has happened to me. I see all people differently, all believers no matter how they are affiliated. I was raised a Baptist, in a pastors home. I married a Baptist pastor. But now after 55 years of marriage. our lives have so opened up to all other believers and this book is the crowning of our life. We are so open to the Lord to lead us wherever He leads us to whatever He wants to say. I listen more to Him and pray diligently " Lead me to one soul today. Teach me, Lord, just what to say. Friends of mine are lost in sin and cannot find their way. Few there are who seem to care and few there are who pray. Melt my heart and fill my life give me one soul today." A precious song I learned as a teenager and have not sung or thought of it for many years and now it is my theme.

This book clearly articulates our role as believers. It identifies that without a doubt we are here to in some way lead others to God....share our faith, and let God take care of the outcome. His Spirit was with us as others led us to understand Grace. His Spirit is here now to prepare us for the doors He specifically opens for us to walk through. When there is a whisper prompting us to walk, I can no longer say I don't have a role. Pray and ask Him to lead and let him control my steps, my listening and my tongue. God bless you Bill for your servant leadership. I enjoy your writing style, the personal frame of mind you offer, the challenges we should not shy away from and always the benefit and nourishment to our soles. I've been to Willow. Done leadership conferences there and have been truly blessed. I've visited with Bill personally even though he likely wouldn't remember me from Adam. Bill is the real deal.

Thank you Trinh Ho ... everything with this shipment was good. Can't wait to read the whole story ... the few chapters I've already read are great! Thanks for your help.

I have been working through 'Just walk across the room' (book, participant's guide and DVD) in an Anglican home group. The course does contain a couple of valuable ideas and guidance for those sharing their experience of Christian life with non-believers, but for me the experience of a wealthy American church populated by unnaturaly gregarious men (mostly men) doesn't find an easy parallell in a more reserved British setting. Bill is trying to remake all Christ followers (he never uses the word Christian) in his own image - and there are just not enough points of contact with my world to make work for me.

Really love this book. It's challenged me and inspired me in equal measure. Hybels' style has always grabbed me. He approaches things very differently to me, but I find him helpful nonetheless. The church he has grown in Chicago is a million miles away from my experience here in England, but I feel there's much to be learned from him.We have take our church small group through the book - although slightly differently to how Bill sets it out - and it has reaped rewards. Various members of the group have really changed their thinking and their approach to evangelism, and have taken giant steps 'across the room' having been challenged by what they've read.Sure, it's cheesey and corporate in places, but Bill uses story after story to illustrate his points and the book is so easy to read.Great stuff.

When it comes to the perceived pressures of personal witnessing, and all the many good systems of evangelism that leave so many feeling cold, nearly useless and guilty, "Just walk across the room" seems to me to be a breath of fresh air and is a great help to avoiding the "Guilt trip" pressures and giving hope and expectation that God can use any christian to commend Christ to others without the tendency to think that "it all depends on my enthusiasm and dedication!"We are using the DVD and study guide in our Home Group and we are finding it most helpful.

Written in such a light tone, with focus on ministry to others, alongside really practical everyday, every person application. As well as being useful, was also a joy to read.

A really good book, easy to read and there are many good tips towards evangelising