ADVERTISING
We live in a society in which admitting one’s own sins is seen as a sign of weakness.
What can you do when people just don’t seem interested in good books?
Photo: Jessica Ruscello Unsplash (CC)
Perhaps you’ve been running the bookstall in your church for years, but your congregation hasn’t caught the vision. What can you do when people just don’t seem interested in good books?
1. Stop reviewing, start plugging. What’s the book about? Is it written for people like me? How long will it take me to read? What difference will it make to my life? If you tell people anything more than this, they’ll switch off!
2. Keep your bookstall fresh. Nobody gets excited about a bookstall when it has ten dusty old titles that haven’t moved since the Reformation. Look out for new releases and good deals to get new titles on there regularly!
3. Know your audience. You might love reading Carson’s treatise on the authority of Scripture, but most others probably won’t be ready for that just now. Find books that engage with people where they’re at, and answer the questions they’re asking… and engage the heart not just the head.
4. Show them why. If people have never read Christian books before, it’s likely they don’t see the point. Show them how books have answered your questions, inspired you, and changed your life.
5. Teach them how. In an age where some people don’t read anything longer than 140 characters, teach them how to enjoy a book. Suggest they try to read 15 minutes per day, or read on the bus, or on holiday.
6. Make reading part of church life. Why not read books as a congregation? Start a book group to discuss what you’ve read. Or get people to read in twos and threes. Or create a Facebook group for people to share their thoughts.
7. Create a reading culture. People are much more likely to read when everybody else is doing it. Why not try a £1 book of the term? If it goes well you could progress to something a bit meatier!
How will you get your church reading?
Beth Calder, Customer Development Officer at 10ofthose.com
As a relict species it has only managed to survive on a handful of isolated mountain-tops.
There are certain things which seem to open suddenly a new dimension to us: a brief moment of eternity.
Nothing can change the certainty that God is at our side. Always, without exception.
Ruth Valerio: A lifestyle that cares about creation
Are Christians called to make a difference in environmental care? What has creation care to do with "loving our neighbours"? An interview with the Global Advocacy and Influencing Director of Tearfund.
Kathy Bryan: Online sex trafficking in the USA
“Prostitution is nobody’s dream, it’s a very traumatic lifestyle”, says Kathy Bryan, director of the Elevate Academy. She mentors former victims.
Christians in politics?
What is the role of Christians serving in politics? An interview with Auke Minnema, the new General Director of the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM).
Michael Ramsden: Communicating the Gospel in today’s societies
RZIM International Director Michael Ramsden responds to questions about the secularisation of Europe, the role of Christians in public leadership and the new ‘culture of victimism’.
Michael Schluter: Relationships are the key to build Europe
The economist summarises the manifesto “Confederal Europe: Strong Nations, Strong Union” and explains why personal relationships should be at the centre of our economy, education and democracy.
Efraim Tendero: Relationship with Roman Catholicism and other current issues
The World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General participated in the Italian Evangelical Alliance assembly (Rome, 8-9 April). In this interview with Evangelical Focus, Bp Tendero talks about the need to listen to local churches and to face challenges like the refugee crisis and climate change.
Greg Pritchard: European Leadership Forum
Pritchard explains the vision of ELF, comments on the 2015 event in Poland and reflects on what it means to have an "evangelical identity".
Analysing current issues in the light of the Bible
At the 2018 Apologetics Forum in Comarruga (Spain), Michael Ramsden, Pablo Martinez, Ruth Valerio and José de Segovia analysed how society and the Bible approach the issues of personal identity, integrity, sexuality, pop culture, and environmental care.
European “Bridges to Inclusion” gathering 2018, in Riga
The network of Christian ministries working for the inclusion of people with disabilities, celebrated its tenth continental meeting in Latvia with the participation of 12 countries.
Coexistence in the church - a model for society
“Gospel, identity and coexistence” were the themes of the General Assembly of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance. Two days in Palma de Mallorca to reflect about the role of evangelical churches in society.
'Ungi kulimi changana'
Educator and journalist Jordi Torrents shares images of the Sekeleka social centre in Mozambique. About 50 children live there, many with some kind of disability. All photos were taken with permission.
The President in an evangelical church on Christmas Eve
For the first time, the President of Portugal attended a worship service in an evangelical church. It was in Sintra, on Christmas Eve.
Stamps to commemorate the Reformation
Poland, Lithuania, Namibia and Brazil are some of the countries that have issued special stamps on the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses.
Trailer: “The Peace Between”
A film about the experience of refugees in Europe. Churches, small groups and individuals are encouraged to use it during Refugee Week: 17-24 June.
How can churches better support singles?
Tina Tschage, on some areas in which other Christians can encourage singles.
The Church of Scotland debates historic doctrines
The Kirk has begun official procedures to investigate the status and the role of the Westminster Confession of Faith within its denomination.
Be safe on social media
A video about the way traffickers target teenage girls online, produced by anti-slavery gorup Abolishion.
In Mission
A 360º lyric video about how all followers of Jesus Christ are called to serve God. Duo in Spanish (Alex Sampedro) and Portuguese (Marcos Martins).
Heart
A short animation film by Swiss cartoonist Alain Auderset tells the message of the Bible in four minutes.
Philip Yancey interview
An 8-minute interview with Philip Yancey on the role of Christians in a secularised society. Recorded in Madrid, September 2016.
An interview with Prof. John Lennox
New atheism, the definition of "faith", Christianity in Europe, the role of the Bible in mission, and the need to listen more. An exclusive interview recorded at "Forum Apologética" (Tarragona, Spain) in May 2016.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
If you want to comment, or