by Greg Ogden and
Gregory J. Ogden
InterVarsity Press
Downer’s Grove,
2003 US$ 12.00
Reviewed by Claire L. Eva, Assistant Director, General Conference Stewardship Ministries
The subject of the book, Conspiracy of Kindness by Steve Sjogren, could best be described as ?servant evangelism.? The author defines servant evangelism by using this formula: ?servant evangelism = deeds of love + words of love + adequate time? (p. 22).
In other words, Steve Sjogren and the members of his church, Vineyard of Cincinnati, believe that loving deeds performed by unassuming Christians do more to convince people of the love of God than all the words in the world.
Says Sjogren: ?So many of us feel like failures when we try to share our faith—all but the few who can really do it well.? But Christians who have entered into ?servant evangelism? have new hope and inspiration for sharing with others. ?Instead of just telling the gospel, we are bringing the gospel to people. Our society expects to be preached at by enthusiastic Christians. It is almost shocking to unbelievers when we break that expectation by offering simple, practical demonstrations of God’s love? (p. 31).
This is an essential book for those churches and individual members who are serious about wanting to share their faith with those around them—a book for those who truly want to make a difference in the world for Christ.