Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 128:510 (Apr 1971)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

---

BSac 128:510 (Apr 71) p. 153

Book Reviews

Saturation Evangelism. By George W. Peters. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1970. 237 pp. Paper, $3.45.

It is exciting and invigorating to see in a single volume some of the profound insights and thoughts of Dr. George Peters, professor of World Missions at Dallas Theological Seminary. The theme of his new book is embodied in its title—Saturation Evangelism, which, says Dr. Peters, “is not an innovation but a transformation, a return to the New Testament.” The author shows that this modern day transformation has been and is taking place in many parts of the world under various sponsors and has taken on various forms and structures. The conclusions are based on nearly four years of extensive research involving field studies as well as analysis of reports, records, and written evaluations.

To qualify as “saturation evangelism,” Dr. Peters has stipulated that there must be at least four distinctives characterizing a movement. First, there must be an attempt to present the gospel in spoken and written form to every people of the land, to every strata of society, to every home and individual.

Secondly, the church must become an “invading church” rather than an “inviting church”—a church that moves out from the church building to win people rather than inviting people to the church building to hear the gospel.

Thirdly, saturation evangelism follows a predetermined and coordinated schedule of simultaneous activities, including organizational meetings, orientation sessions, inspirational programs, intensive instruction, numerous prayer cells, and meetings which are all culminated by a concentrated evangelistic thrust.

Fourth, an evangelistic endeavor that can be classified as “saturation evangelism” earnestly endeavors to enlist in the movement as many churches, missions, and denominations as will cooperate in an evangelical

BSac 128:510 (Apr 71) p. 154

and evangelistic program in order to express the unity of the body of Christ.

Though this study-report draws upon data from many parts of the world, two major movements have been researched in great detail. Dr. Peters first reports on Evangelism-In-Depth in Latin America and secondly, New Life for All in Nigeria. Both movements are treated at length allowing the reader to view each in broad perspective, including historical developments, basic philosophy, objectives, organizational patterns, and the tangible results of each. Each movement is then evaluated by the author resulting in specific recommendations for improvement.

The report on the study of these two movements just described comprise the central portion of the book....

visitor : : uid: ()