Out of the Salt Shaker and Into the World

Out of the Salt Shaker and Into the World is a greatly practical book on evangelism.

In 2006, Christianity Today voted this title to be one of the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals! “Christians and non-Christians have something in common,” writes Rebecca Pippert. “We’re all uptight about evangelism.” So begins the bestselling book on evangelism as a lifestyle. Through stories, biblical insight and plain common sense, Pippert helps us feel relaxed and enthusiastic about sharing our faith. She offers an inspiring view of what effective, engaging evangelism might look like–for individuals as well as for churches through memorable stories.

Favorite Quotes

  1. Christians and non-Christians have something in common: we’re both uptight about evangelism (15).
  2. Our problem in evangelism is not that we don’t have enough information – it is that we don’t know how to be ourselves (22).
  3. I was also struck by the practical dimension of Jesus’ compassion (34).
  4. First, we must not be so anxious to get our friends across the goal line that we fail to present a clear and honest picture of Christianity (50).
  5. Our sociology reflects our theology.  The way we treat others reveals what we think God is like (62).
  6. Modern people just don’t grasp that there must be a connection between belief and behavior (72).
  7. When we begin to realize the reality and power of Jesus’ presence in our daily living, our evangelism takes on fresh force (96).
  8. Jesus wants to heal our sight.  He wants us to see that the neighbor next door or the people sitting next to us on a plane or in a classroom are not interruptions to our schedule; they are there by divine appointment (103).
  9. It is one thing when skeptics take offense at the gospel; it is quite another when their offense is over a blundering, aggressive, insensitive or even an apologetic style (118-119).
  10. Evangelism in its simplest form is introducing our friends to Jesus (133).
  11. We first arouse the curiosity of seekers so that they will want to hear the gospel (140).
  12. To proclaim the gospel involves telling “his story” primarily, for it illustrates the truth of what the gospel accomplishes (157).
  13. That is why our goal in evangelism is not merely to tell people about Christ; it is to lead people to Christ as well – so that their lives may be indwell and transformed by God’s Spirit, just as ours have been (176-177).
  14. There is a chasm between God and humans that has to be bridged, and the amazing news of the gospel is that God is willing to bridge it (195).
  15. Apologetics has a place so long as we recognize what it can and cannot do…Yet we do so remembering that no intellectual argument can ever induce conversion…only God can quicken the human will that has been deadened by sin (199).
  16. One effective way of communicating God’s truth is through the vehicle of storytelling – by telling God’s story from the biblical narrative, and by sharing our story as well (212).
  17. We should assume that God’s Spirit is at work in the lives of those people we meet, seeking to draw them to himself (223).
  18. Communities of Christians who practice what they preach arouse and stimulate curiosity in Jesus.  When the teaching of Jesus is heard and demonstrated, there will be an impact (234).
  19. We need a renewed vision of who Christ is and what he has come to do: to heal, restore and transform his creation (247)!