How to Reach More People
Jerry Wilkins. New York: Page Publishing, 2017. 179 pp. (Paperback).
I have lost count of the number of books Jerry Wilkins, retired director of missions for Tuscaloosa Association, has written but they just seem to keep coming. They also seem to be getting better and better. One of the things I like about his books is that they tend to be practical, offering useful advice. “How to Reach More People” is no exception.
Wilkins recognizes that only the Holy Spirit can draw people but he points out that we are commanded to plant seeds and water them. After several chapters of laying out the argument for building a comprehensive communication strategy, the book gives tips and ideas on how to do the planting and watering, mainly through effective communication — not just through sound preaching and teaching, which are givens (I hope!) but through outreach to those inside and outside the church.
One of my favorite chapters is on the use of technology — the Internet, websites and cellphones. Wilkins reminds the reader that a lost generation can be found on social media, where many spend a great deal of time. He goes so far as to suggest that pastors would do well to spend as much time on the Internet reaching out to people as they do delivering their Sunday sermon.
Even if your church is doing a good job of communication, there are bound to be some helpful ideas here you haven’t thought about yet. It is not too often that I say buy a book but if you are in charge of communication for your church, you should buy this book.
Reviewed by Martine Bates Fairbanks, Ed.D.
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