I’m in the middle of of a class called “Contemporary Evangelism”. Rather than have us read and interact on a traditional textbook, they are having us read six different books with six different approaches to evangelism in the 21st century. I have particularly enjoyed the one I just finished reading called Concentric Circles of Concern by W. Oscar Thompson.
Concentric Circles of Concern defines “lifestyle evangelism” and explains a strategy for living it out. Thompson defines lifestyle evangelism using the concept of seven concentric circles: circles of different sizes that all have the same center. Each circle represents a category of relationship: 1) self; 2) family; 3) relatives; 4) friends; 5) neighbors and associates; 6) acquaintances; and 7) person X.
The Gospel, Thompson argues, flows most naturally and effectively along these lines of relationships that are already established, starting with the people we are closest to and ending with those we know the least. He challenges the reader to consider this natural order when approaching evangelism. We ought to begin with ourselves and our family rather than focusing our attention on how to reach someone we may meet only once. It is hypocritical to think we can effectively share the Gospel with strangers when we cannot first tell those closest to us. On the other hand, once we have reached those closest to us, reaching the next set of relationships will be more natural, effective, and "honest".
I would HIGHLY recommend this book if you have trouble figuring out how to live, work and pray in such a way that you can eventually introduce Jesus to the people closest to you.
