The Evangelizing Church: A Lutheran Contribution - Bliese, Richard H., and Craig Van Gelder, eds. Augsburg Fortress, 2005. 176p. $18.00, Paperback. ISBN 0806651091. 266’.41 Evangelistic work. Lutheran Church—Doctrines.

This is a challenging book for any member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America as it accuses Lutherans of shying away from their roots to evangelize to all people. Six experts (seminary faculty members, a church-wide agency staff member, and a local pastor) gathered to analyze the current state of the ELCA and found it lacking in many core areas of the faith. What has caused Lutherans to hide their faith from others? Why are Lutherans one of the least likely denominations to invite others to worship and share their faith stories with others? Although the book gets a little heavy at times, it would be great for pastors and church councils to read together and complete the study included at the end. While the book raises many questions, it also offers suggestions for spreading the good news of salvation through grace and not through works alone. To quote from the forward, “We need to pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to confront the obstacles that get in our way and to find the courage to live out that call.”

Marian Peck
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Gibsonia, Pennsylvania