The Invitation: A Theology of Evangelism

by Richard R. Osmer

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2021

Overview

Many Christians today are uncomfortable with older, simpler notions about evangelism as conversionism but see as insufficient the more progressive model of evangelism as hospitality. Transcending that dichotomy, Richard Osmer advances a theology of evangelism as a multifaceted act of invitation into Christ-following community.

Osmer begins by exploring references to evangelism in the New Testament—both in the Gospels and in the letters of Paul. He then enters into dialogue with Karl Barth to work through ideas of church witness and the relationship of evangelism to salvation. Finally, with lucid explanations and illustrative case studies, he offers guidance for pastors, laity, and students to use as they reimagine how evangelism might best happen in their churches and missional organizations. Osmer’s approach mirrors the conviction, stated in his introduction, that our concept of evangelism must be formed and constantly reformed by keeping the Bible, church doctrine, and practical theology in conversation.

Foundational to Osmer’s rendering of evangelism as invitation is the essential truth that it is Christ and the Holy Spirit who calls converts and makes disciples—not Christians. Thus, we can invite our neighbors to the wedding feast while remaining reassured that the table is already set.

• Explores references to evangelism in the New Testament
• Enters into dialogue with Karl Barth to work through ideas of church witness and the relationship of evangelism to salvation
• Examines how evangelism might best happen in churches and missional organizations

Contents

• Introduction: Evangelism as Invitation
• Part One: Evangelism in Dialogue with Scripture
• Part Two: Evangelism in Dialogue with Karl Barth
• Part Three: From Evangelism to the New Evangelization
• Appendix 1: The Motif of “The Jews” and the Theme of Conflict in John
• Appendix 2: Sample Cases

Product Details

• Title: The Invitation: A Theology of Evangelism
• Author: Richard R. Osmer
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2021
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Pages: 281
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subject: Evangelistic work
• ISBNs: 9780802876225, 0802876226
• Resource ID: LLS:NVTTNTHVNGLSM
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:00:52Z

About Richard R. Osmer

Richard Osmer is Princeton Theological Seminary’s Thomas W. Synnott Professor of Christian Education. He holds an M.Div. from Yale University and a Ph.D. from Emory University. His interests include the teaching ministry of congregations, practical theology, and interdisciplinary thinking, and his courses cover educational psychology and practical theology, children’s literature in Christian moral education, confirmation and catechism, and the social functions of religion, ethics, and education in theories of modernity and postmodernity. An ordained Presbyterian minister, he chairs the Committee to Write New Catechisms for the Presbyterian Church (USA).