Street Fisher: A Book Review

Evangelism is a continuing education. As long as we remain teachable, we can always learn new ways to approach people and respond to certain situations. I’ve written a book on the topic, but take time to read those by other evangelists like the one by my mentor Nick Kinn. This past week, I read another book about soul-winning.

Last Monday, I went to a church service in Arcade, New York. Guest minister Kevin Riordan had a table filled with copies of his book “Street Fisher: Living on Mission for God.” At the end of the meeting, I asked Kevin if electronic versions are available to download. He offered me a complimentary printed copy. I soon learned from his book that we come from similar backgrounds. Kevin and I were 27 when we committed our lives to the Lord. Both of us received salvation in March (although his conversion happened nine years after mine). 


Many tips shared in “Street Fisher” are similar to what I teach in my evangelism seminars. Kevin includes many of his experiences. Two of which stood out to me. One was when God used a Guns N’ Roses song to minister to someone. The other was the time he witnessed to a homosexual at a gay pride parade. Instead of blasting sinners with the gospel, Kevin first looks for common ground before bringing up the need for salvation. The book also has chapters about deliverance, something not done enough in our Western churches. As Jesus said in Mark 16:17, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons...”


There were a couple of things in the book I disagree with. In the chapter “How to Not Love Your Life Even Unto Death”, Riordan wrote against a “false American gospel” and stated, “Christianity is not about living your best life now.” The latter comment was likely a response to the best-selling book by Joel Osteen. Yes, someone living for the Lord will encounter persecution and other challenges. At the same time, God desires us to prosper (3 John 2) and enjoy ourselves on earth (John 10:10) as long as He’s first place in our lives.


Riordan also criticized churches using fog machines, laser light shows, and state-of-the-art video backdrops that make some services resemble rock concerts. I agree those devices cannot take the place of God’s presence. Still, they can be tools to enhance a meeting and reach people who might not walk into a church otherwise. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:22, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”


Differences aside, I believe “Street Fisher” will be helpful to experienced evangelists and those who are about to step out in obeying the Great Commission.


“...the devil is not afraid of Christians. Nor is the devil afraid of Christians who know they have authority. The devil is afraid of Christians who know they have authority and use it! You will see the sick healed and demons leave when you start praying like you believe that sickness and demons must do what you say in Jesus' name.” - Kevin Riordan

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Gospel Soul Winning Script

Image
During my early days with evangelism, I developed an approach called the Survey Technique . By asking short direct questions, you can maintain control of the conversation and find out quickly what a person’s spiritual beliefs are. Although the Survey Technique has helped me lead thousands to the Lord, I’m still open to utilizing new methods in reaching people with the gospel. Rodney Howard-Browne 's ministry uses a tool called the Gospel Soul-Winning Script , which originated during their Good News New York campaign in 1999. I became familiar with it a few years later during evangelism outreaches with Rodney’s church in Tampa, Florida. At first, I resisted using the script. I found it restrictive and thought sinners wouldn’t be receptive to me reading the whole thing to them. Then while taking part in a 2009 outreach with Rodney’s ministry in Washington, D.C., my team leader asked me to “stick with the script.” Wanting to maintain unity, I complied with his request. Initially it fe
Read more

Toking the Ghost Revisited

Image
Back in February 2007, a fellow missionary I was traveling with started talking about “smoking the weed from heaven.”   He would pretend to have a joint of marijuana between his fingers and have “smoke breaks with Jesus.”   He also encouraged other believers to take “hits.”   I was a bit uncomfortable with this idea but didn't contest it. Then in October of that year, I heard John Crowder preach on “toking the Ghost” at a church in my hometown of Fargo, North Dakota.   I was inspired to make a video with John to share with my missionary friend.   During the filming, I experienced much laughter. I decided to make the video public figuring other people might enjoy it also. Two weeks later at a church in Minnesota, I heard Benjamin Dunn share testimonies of people getting healed from “toking the Ghost.”   This was just before he and John Crowder started ministering together.   I believed this was God confirming His word in the mouth of two or three witnesses.  
Read more

Is That Gold Dust Real?

Image
Twenty years ago I made my first visit to Calvary Campground in Ashland, Virginia. One of the speakers for their Winter Campmeeting was a Brazilian named Silvania Machado. After standing on the platform for about twenty minutes during praise and worship, Sister Silvania brushed gold dust out of her short blonde hair plus had oil flow from her hands. I didn’t dismiss these signs but questioned the purpose of them. A few people in the congregation later testified of being healed. I’ve seen gold manifestations at other places. The year before during a church service in Oklahoma, the fillings in my mouth changed from black to a whitish-gold color. Other people supernaturally received gold teeth (I later met a man in Germany who received four of them). I’ve also seen gold dust appear on ministers such as Joshua Mills while they are preaching. Although I don’t seek after signs like this, gold dust has shown up on my face and in my Bible. One time with the latter, I found some w
Read more