Christians often make evangelism into an awkward experience. We host evangelism events and rehearse three-step plans, but we struggle to relate to non-Christians or to tell our own stories in an authentic way. Get Real calls us to live out what Christ modeled—a lifestyle of actively sharing the good news in our relationships. John Leonard—pastor, seminary professor, and former missionary—shows how Christ's own example releases us to love, listen, pray fervently, and respond faithfully to opportunities everyday. When we get real, we are free to share our everyday faith with the people God places in our lives.
"If evangelism seems difficult, or if you have ever said, 'I don't have the gift of evangelism,' you will wish you had read this book a long time ago. The Get Real paradigm is anchored in the Scriptures, and especially in the Gospel accounts of Jesus's own process of evangelism. Get Real explains in easy-to-understand-and-apply ways that evangelism can be a natural part of a Christian's daily routine. Get Real is the material we use to train our missionaries at Mission to the World, and it is appreciated by the missionaries because it works."
Paul Kooistra, Coordinator, Mission to the World
"If you have one book on evangelism in your library, it should be this one. It's not what you expect. It's about life, relationships, and godly inefficiency—and it's about a God who loves us so much that it shows. This is 'real deal' evangelism that breaks the rules and opens a floodgate of love and mercy to a desperate and needy world. Reading Dr. Leonard's book is like a drink of cold, clear water refreshing a thirsty soul . . . ours and theirs."
Steve Brown, Key Life radio program Bible teacher; author of Three Free Sins
"John is a gifted evangelist, which could be intimidating as we watch him in action, but somehow he immediately inspired me. As I was reading I got excited about all kinds of conversations up ahead. Being real, listening, and always looking for opportunities for a party—I can do that."
Edward T. Welch, PhD, faculty member at CCEF; psychologist; author of Shame Interrupted
"John Leonard's Get Real: Sharing Your Everyday Faith Every Day is a delightful read from a man who obviously delights in the gospel, loves people from all backgrounds, and rejoices in creatively and compassionately sharing the good news of grace in Christ Jesus as 'normally' as sharing a cup of coffee with a friend. Better yet, he teaches us how to do the same."
Bryan Chapell, Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Illinois; author of Christ-Centered Preaching
"Do you know why 'party evangelism' is more biblical than 'friendship evangelism'? Do you know why (and how) to 'evangelize Christians and disciple non-Christians'? Would you like a book about evangelism that is both solidly scriptural and thoroughly practical—and absolutely enjoyable to read? Then Get Real by John Leonard is the book for you. No question, this is one of the best books ever on evangelism."
Samuel Logan, PhD, author, theologian, and International Director of the World Reformed Fellowship
"It's always puzzled me how Christians who believe totally in the true humanity of Jesus should use such dehumanized methods to introduce him to others. Thankfully, Leonard has written this excellent book that takes the real Jesus as guide and example to liberate us from all those techniques, and to excite and motivate us to be truly 'personal' in our evangelism. Every evangelist—every Christian—needs to read it."
John D. Nicholls, DMin, Former Chief Executive, London City Mission, UK
"This is simply the best book on personal outreach I have ever seen. John Leonard has written for the evangelistically ungifted. Especially beginning in chapter 4, I sensed, 'This material is going to change me.' And it has."
Steven Estes, Pastor; coauthor of When God Weeps and author of A Better December: Proverbs to Brighten Christmas
"This is a disturbing book . . . in all the right ways. John Leonard brings his considerable wealth of personal experience, cultural awareness, and biblical savvy to this eminently practical guide. Evangelism in Leonard's approach is less daunting, less frightening, and less awkward. What is disturbing is that we can no longer hide behind either bombastic boilerplates or timid excuses. What is comforting is that it allows Christ to do all the heavy lifting. If you are looking for the best resource for training in outreach, both personal and corporate, look no further."
William Edgar, DrTheol, Professor of Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary; author of Truth in All Its Glory
"Like most in the church, I believe in evangelism but am honestly reserved about (afraid of?) practicing it with strangers. (Does teaching and caring for a Sunday school class weekly count as evangelism? I sure hope so!) John Leonard passionately believes in, practices, and teaches many creative ways of doing evangelism. If the world is as desperately in need as our Scripture instructs us it is, then John Leonard's challenging book can teach us bravery. Taste and see!"
Fredrick Dale Bruner, Professor Emeritus, Whitworth University; author of commentaries on Matthew, John, and the Holy Spirit in Acts
"Grace-driven evangelism as a lifestyle versus guilt-driven evangelism as a structured event. John Leonard helps us understand how to be 'real' and 'natural' and 'normal' in sharing the grace and gospel of Christ with others. Jesus loved people and openly shared his life with them as he met them in everyday life. We should do the same, and this book will help you do so more naturally and effectively."
Robert C. (Ric) Cannada Jr., Chancellor Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary
"When is the last time you talked to someone about Jesus? What comes to mind as you think about that question? Guilt? Frustration? Read John Leonard's Get Real to encourage you to think differently about the people and opportunities Jesus brings into your life. Hear great stories from John's experience reaching out to Muslims in France and as a church planter in Philadelphia. Read this book if you want to fall in love with the grace and power of the gospel all over again."
Tim Witmer, Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia; author of The Shepherd Leader
Apply coupon code MIXNSAVE to your shopping cart
*Some exceptions apply
This book talks you through how to live your life for God's glory and draw others to God without being an offensive jerk.
This is an easy read that challenges you to get real! If you think evangelism is only for a few with “a gifting,” you need to read this book and be encouraged!
A “must read” for any Christian longing to be a natural, winsome witness to the life and power of Christ! Highly recommend!
This book is a great resource for Christians unsure how to share their Faith but also for any who want to know what the big deal about Christianity is.
There’s a term I learned a long time ago and still resinates with me today, “Keep it Simple Stupid” - This Book does just that. In a world that has turned to its own system of the Gospel and to men with “inching ears” I found the principles in this book relevant, true and simple. It certainly gives a system of how to deliver the Gospel, but keep in mind not an in-depth teaching on the gospel itself. I believe if you read the book by John MacArthur, “The Gospel According to Jesus” and then read and implemented this book, you would have quite the advantage. Of course with the Holy Spirits leading...
Leonard's book contrasts traditional evangelism and what he calls "real" evangelism - traditional evangelism being what so many of us learned to do, with a rote gospel presentation, sharing our testimony about how we were saved, etc. "Real" evangelism, however, focuses more on the needs of the person you're talking to - how does the gospel apply to them personally and specifically instead of how do they fit into the rote presentation we've memorized? I love this book and can see coming back to it again. It started a little slow, but around the middle picked up the pace with chapters that each addressed a specific idea on how to evangelize. His chapters on how to disciple non-believers, how to make yourself approachable so people will want to talk to you, and how to talk to people of other faiths were worth the cost of the book. Some of his ideas are somewhat counter-intuitive because of how many churches have taught people to evangelize, but his reasoning makes a lot of sense. Every Christian should read this book.
I enjoyed this book, it gave a lot of new and refreshing concepts towards sharing the gospel with others. I like the perspective it spoke from and how it helped identify ways we come across as Christians to non-believers even though we are well meaning.
Very good book on a subject that needs to be discussed in the church. The author does an excellent job at making simple yet profound points. Very easy reading but packs a punch. Our Sunday School class is going through this book chapter by chapter as group and are loving it.
I want to be an evangelist, but I’m awkward, chicken, inept. BUT! The Gospel is such great news, and I want to share it. So, introduce yourself to John Leonard, who helps the reader “get it”. Be kind, be interested in people’s lives, listen more than you speak, ask questions, and reallly listen to people. Next time you see them, ask how that issue is, that they spoke of last time you saw each other. Get to know their names. Your whole life as a believer is a testimony of God’s gracious working in your life - every day, not just the one day you “prayed the prayer.” Chap. 11 ends with this gem: “In a real testimony, you make it clear that your life right now would be a mess if it wasn’t for Jesus—that you would be in the exact same position as the person you are speaking to (and in some ways, still are), if it weren’t for Jesus. You’re not good, but Jesus is great. It is a different kind of testimony. It is not a testimony of your goodness. It is a testimony of God’s grace.” This book is just what I’ve needed for a long time. Maybe it won’t suit you, but at 99 cents, you can at least check it out and see. The Good News of Jesus is so important, we cannot keep it to ourselves. Here is some fantastic counsel that will help you get out there and live the kind of life that will make it more natural to share it.
Overall the book describes a philosophy of evangelism that is useful for most people in their everyday life. It was a good read. Some of the author's examples were a bit awkward, but overall his point is very useful.