Andy Bannister

Foreword

Undercover Christian

The Sum of All Fears

The First Steps to Fear-​Less Evangelism

Evangelism in Everyday Places

The Power of a Good Question

Learning Questions from the Master

A Toolbox for Evangelism

The What Question

The Why Question

The Wondering Question

The Whether Question

Five Simple Steps for Answering Tough Questions

Bringing It Back to Jesus

How Not to Be a Crunchy Christian

Foolish Evangelism

Acknowledgements

Appendix 1 A Handy Cut-​and-​Keep Guide1

Appendix 2 Books and Resources to Help You Continue the Journey

Notes

Discussion Guide

About the Author

Why is it so difficult to talk to our closest friends about what's most important to us? Our true identity? Our hopes and dreams? Our true purpose and faith?

Andy Bannister struggled with that question himself. As a twentysomething, he operated as an Undercover Christian at his job. He knew it didn't make sense, and he spent the following decades helping countless people find easy, natural ways to discuss the fundamental questions of life with the ones they love. How to Talk about Jesus without Looking like an Idiot explores:

\- why you don't need to be afraid or uncomfortable,

\- the four questions that help people open up,

\- the five steps to respond to tough questions,

\- and how to effortlessly bring faith into a conversation.

It doesn't need to be awkward. Let Andy help you find easy ways to talk about the true meaning of life with your friends and family.

\["For those struggling to talk about faith.","Helps you discuss life's fundamental questions.","Brings ease to faith conversations."\]

"I love this book. It is simple, practical, and fun. The chapter on asking good questions is worth the price of the whole book. If you're looking for a way to have more meaningful spiritual conversations with people, How to Talk about Jesus without Looking like an Idiot will do exactly as the title suggests."

__- Sean McDowell, PhD, professor at Biola University, popular YouTuber, and the author or editor of over twenty books, including A Rebel's Manifesto__

"With his unique blend of humour, wit, and incisive analysis, Andy helps us navigate the opportunities and pitfalls of sharing faith today. This accessible book is a must-read for all Christians who want to talk about Jesus with greater confidence and winsomeness."

__- Amy Orr-Ewing, PhD, author, speaker, and theologian__

"We all want to live in such a way as believers that our words and our lives match so that our walk is the same as our talk. But the subject where we see the greatest gap between what Christians say is vital and how their lives reflect that is evangelism. That's why Andy Bannister's book is so refreshing. His humor is infectious, but don't let it fool you. There is a wealth of wisdom and insight in these pages, with some of the most honest, practical, and helpful tools I've seen in a book on evangelism. Read it and laugh at Andy's wit, then put his teaching into practice. The Good News in Jesus is too good not to tell, and Andy will help you."

__- Ed Stetzer, PhD, Wheaton College__

"Having worked with Andy Bannister on various evangelistic events for years, I can confidently say that he knows how to talk about Jesus without looking like an idiot. In this book, he teaches the rest of us how to do the same. Besides being highly entertaining, this book is an accessible treasure trove of real-world insight and practical tips. If you love Jesus and want to share that love naturally and effectively with others, this is a must-read and reread!"

__- Andy Steiger, PhD, founder and president of Apologetics Canada and author of Reclaimed__

"There is an idiom we use in the UK, "to throw the kitchen sink" at something. It means to try everything; exhaust all energy and resources in order to achieve something or to solve a problem. . . . Andy "throws the kitchen sink" into evangelism and apologetics. . . . Once again Andy is giving his very best to what matters most to him, helping people like you and me introduce others to Jesus. I honestly can't recommend this book highly enough. . . . There are over three hundred books on evangelism and apologetics around my study, and as a resource to the church, I'd confidently put this in the top five. From new Christians to seasoned pilgrims, this is a wonderfully emotive and empowering read."

__- Mitch Crown, evangelist/CEO at Crown Jesus Ministries, Ireland__

"Not for the first time, Andy Bannister has written a book which is as witty as it is accessible. His modest tone and laconic style undergird a razor-sharp mind and robust intellect. It's always a pleasure to read his work and to feel excited about where this book may end up."

__- Andy Kind, comedian and author__

"Andy has produced an accessible, insightful, and culturally savvy text on sharing the gospel in our increasingly hostile, post-Christian setting. But it’s not just how he, with all his years of experience, can do that - but how we can too. Andy demonstrates a love for the lost and a love for the people of God as they navigate these tough times in which gospel fruit seems less likely and the chance of being viewed as a bigot or weirdo more likely. Most of all, he shows a love for Jesus that drives the desire to evangelise in the first place. This book takes modern objections to the gospel seriously yet demonstrates how, through clear strategies, biblical instruction, and helpful examples, these objections can be met. Written in plainspeak, it offers compelling reasons as to why, when done thoughtfully, the good news "hits different" in a culture which thinks it knows why it has left Christianity behind yet can't come up with a satisfying alternative."

__- Stephen McAlpine, Director of Cultural Engagement for City to City Australia__

"With humor, wit, and an unsinkable sense of spiritual buoyancy, Andy Bannister unpacks practical ways to share your faith with the people around you, and he peppers these pages with real-life stories that bring his principles to life. This book will help launch you on the unparalleled adventure of influencing others for Christ."

__- Mark Mittelberg, author of Contagious Faith and executive director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University__

"In my experience, telling other people about Jesus is one of the greatest causes of anxiety for the average Christian. But fear not, help is at hand. Delivered with Andy's inimitable sense of humour, this book is a brilliant guide to sharing your faith naturally and confidently. It won't magically turn you into a super evangelist (as Andy explains, they don't really exist in real life), but it will help you to face your fears, start conversations, and simply talk to people about Jesus . . . without looking like an idiot."

__- Justin Brierley, author, broadcaster, and host of the Unbelievable? show__

"Is it fitting for evangelism to be, dare we say, enjoyable? In my experience, Christians can unintentionally take the delight out of evangelism by the way we approach it. Enter Andy Bannister, whose jovial jesting and humorous life stories, combined with a depth of knowledge and experience, demonstrate a true compassion for, and enjoyment of, his fellow humans. His book is overflowing with evangelistic expertise alongside well-crafted suggestions that are simple to implement and easy to remember, encouraging and empowering you to naturally share your life and faith with others."

__- Mary Jo Sharp, assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Christian University and author of Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist's Reckoning with the Bad Reputation Christians Give a Good God__

Discover natural ways to discuss life's core questions and talk about Jesus with ease in "How to Talk about Jesus without Looking like an Idiot" by Andy Bannister.

Dr. Andy Bannister is the Director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, speaking and teaching regularly throughout the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA, and the wider world. From universities to churches, business forums to TV and radio, he regularly addresses audiences of both Christians and those of all faiths and none on issues relating to faith, culture, politics and society.

Susan Batten

Easy to read and humourous. Useful tips on overcoming shyness and starting conversations that may encourage people to get to know Jesus.

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How to Talk about Jesus without Looking like an Idiot

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