Review of:  The Reluctant Witness: Discovering the Delight of Spiritual Conversations

Don Everts.  IVP Books, $17.00 (200p) ISBN 978-0-8308-4567-5

From ordained pastor and award-winning author of I Once Was Lost, Everts brings Christian readers a timely look at the nature of spiritual conversations in today’s American culture.  Packed with original research, the work offers practical insights for those seeking more effective witness.  Everts proposes that readers first evaluate their efforts to share the gospel [pp. 13-38].  Research findings indicate that Americans today are having fewer spiritual conversations, feel more uncomfortable about them, and when they do engage in them, it is more frequently via digital platforms [pp. 13-28].  This is due to Christianity falling increasingly out of season in the postmodern era [p. 45] with the result that Christians are afraid of causing offense if they talk openly about their faith [pp. 44-57].  However, Everts shows that spiritual conversations, when they do occur, are not as fraught with negativity or complications as is often feared [pp. 61-87].  He debunks several myths, including:  spiritual conversations are conducted in special locations by trained clergy [p. 68]; they are serious and involve conflict [p. 71, 78]; that Christians must be able to give right answers [p. 76]; and they end up being painful and regrettable [p. 81].  Everts looks at the characteristics of eager conversationalists and finds they have several things in common that make them feel prepared to talk about their beliefs [p. 98].  This group of people are more actively involved in faith practices such as attending church, praying, and reading the Bible [p. 99], than are reluctant conversationalists.  They expect spiritual conversations to happen in everyday life [p. 128] and are open to sharing their faith in a variety of ways [pp. 131-142].  Awkward moments also do not bother or deter them [p. 145].  The work will be an important resource for Christians seeking more authentic and effective ways of sharing their spiritual beliefs. 5 stars