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The Mystic Way of Evangelism: A Contemplative Vision for Christian Outreach Paperback – October 1, 2008

by Elaine A. Heath (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 94 ratings
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Although each generation searches for effective ways to be salt and light, Elaine Heath argues that the church is currently in an especially difficult place--a dark night of the soul. She calls the church to embrace, rather than ignore, its difficulties and find different ways of doing outreach.

Heath brings a fresh perspective to the theory and practice of evangelism by approaching it through contemplative spirituality. By looking to mystics, saints, and martyrs of church history--such as Ignatius of Loyola, Julian of Norwich, St. Francis, John Wesley, Mother Theresa, and Henri Nouwen--she suggests we can discover ways of thinking about God that result in a life of outreach.
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  1. Print length
    208 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Baker Academic
  4. Publication date
    October 1, 2008
  5. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    080103325X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0801033254
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Elaine Heath argues that the church is in a dark night of the soul. It has thus lost its prophetic voice--its effectiveness in proclaiming the good news of redemption. Rather than resisting or decrying this state of affairs, the church, says Heath, ought to embrace its situation as a starting point to renew its vitality and consequently, its witness. A solution is proposed in the wisdom and contemplative spirituality of the great saints and mystics--people such as Julian of Norwich, Ignatius of Loyola, Phoebe Palmer, Henri Nouwen, and others.

This book brings fresh insights to the theory and practice of evangelism by examining it through the lens of the classic threefold path of purgation, illumination, and union. Different ways of thinking about evangelism are drawn from the lives and teachings of the mystics, and different ways of practicing evangelism are then proposed via narrative theology. The result is a holistic perspective, offering a corrective to programmatic and consumeristic forms of evangelism so prevalent today. Here is a unique contribution to the discussion on evangelism in our postmodern world.

"A refreshing and profound contribution. With perceptive insight, Heath identifies issues facing the contemporary church in the West. She then responds to those issues with care and creativity, skillfully recovering the richness of Christian mysticism and its themes of holiness. Not many projects ably bridge the distance that can emerge between the study of evangelism and its practice in communities of faith--Heath's does."--Laceye Warner, Duke University Divinity School

"Elaine Heath is not afraid to name our demons and release our angels! She shows courage, honesty, and direction for the future in this very readable book. All Christian denominations are sharing common problems today and have a common future--a mystic future or none at all."--Richard Rohr, OFM, Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico

"Here's my hunch: for many readers, this will be the most important book they read this year."--Brian McLaren (brianmclaren.net), author/activist

About the Author

Elaine A. Heath (PhD, Duquesne University) is McCreless Associate Professor of Evangelism and director of the Center for Missional Wisdom at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, Texas. An ordained United Methodist minister, she has served several churches and has taught at several seminaries. She is also the coauthor of More Light on the Path.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Baker Academic (October 1, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 080103325X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0801033254
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 94 ratings

About the author

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Elaine A. Heath

Elaine A. Heath

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Dr. Elaine Heath's scholarly work is interdisciplinary, integrating pastoral, biblical, and spiritual theology in ways that bridge the gap between academy, church, and world. Her current research interests focus on community as a means of healing trauma, emergent forms of Christianity, and alternative forms of theological education for the church in rapidly changing contexts.

Heath’s vocational journey includes having served as Dean of the Divinity School at Duke University, and the McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. She is a pioneer in new forms of theological education. In that capacity Heath is co-founder of the Missional Wisdom Foundation, a non-profit educational organization that equips clergy and laity to develop diverse forms of community and social enterprise, and Neighborhood Seminary, a contextualized model of missional theological education for laity. Heath is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and served in pastoral ministry prior to her academic ministry.

Publications include:

Healing the Wounds of Sexual Abuse: Reading the Bible with Survivors (Brazos, 2019), The Mystic Way of Evangelism: A Contemplative Vision for Christian Outreach, 2nd Edition Revised and Updated (Baker Academic, 2018), Five Means of Grace (Nashville: Abingdon, Fall 2017); God Unbound: Wisdom from Galatians for the Anxious Church (Nashville: Upper Room, 2016); Missional.Monastic.Mainline: A Guide to Forming Missional Communities in Historically Mainline Traditions (Eugene: Cascade, 2014); We Were the Least of These: Reading the Bible with Survivors of Sexual Abuse (Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2011); The Gospel According to Twilight: Women, Sex, and God (Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 2011); Longing for Spring: A New Vision for Wesleyan Community, co-authored with Scott Kisker, (Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2010); Naked Faith: The Mystical Theology of Phoebe Palmer, Princeton Theological Monograph Series (Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2009); The Mystic Way of Evangelism: A Contemplative Vision for Christian Outreach (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008); and More Light on the Path (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1998), co-authored with David W. Baker.

Some of Elaine’s favorite activities include hiking, camping, kayaking, flea markets, music and watching movies.

Elaine holds a BA in English from Oakland University, an MDiv from Ashland Theological Seminary, and a PhD in theology from Duquesne University.

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4.4 out of 5 stars
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Customers find the book insightful, particularly noting how it connects holiness with evangelism in a helpful way. They appreciate its readability.

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12 customers mention "Insight"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, particularly noting how it connects holiness with evangelism in a helpful way. One customer describes it as a blueprint for the future of the Christian church.

"...If you are interested in a helpful, meaningful, and profound approach to relational evangelism - or even in contemplative Christianity - I highly..." Read more

"This is an excellent book. Elaine Heath shows a workable way of sharing the Faith that doesn't rely on formulas or strong-arm tactics." Read more

"...The book did have some excellent points, and some great insight, so it is worth a read, but maybe not a preeminent position on the bookshelf." Read more

"I highly recommend this book. It is part of a blueprint for the future of the Christian church." Read more

5 customers mention "Readability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one describing it as interesting.

"This is an excellent book. Elaine Heath shows a workable way of sharing the Faith that doesn't rely on formulas or strong-arm tactics." Read more

"...Now it was an interesting book. It was full of wonderful stories about the mystics of earlier days. Some of these lives and stories are amazing...." Read more

"Great book, with lots of insights and information about how to "rethink" church." Read more

"...this book in an Episcopal Church book club and have found it a good read, provoking lively discussion." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • David A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars a tremendous read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I chose to read this book after reading another text on evangelism in a contemplative (Celtic) Christian context. Heath's work here is extremely thoughtful and compassionate. She emphasizes the relational nature of evangelism, and she connects holiness with evangelism in a very helpful way. Heath expresses some concern that the organization of her book - into three major sections (purgation, illumination, union) commonly associated with the contemplative path - will distract the reader, but I did not find this structure to be a problem. Heath's concern is for the church, especially the church in the United States, to reclaim a holistic approach to sharing the good news with a postmodern world.

    If you are interested in a helpful, meaningful, and profound approach to relational evangelism - or even in contemplative Christianity - I highly recommend this book to you.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Randy
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent Book
    Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This is an excellent book. Elaine Heath shows a workable way of sharing the Faith that doesn't rely on formulas or strong-arm tactics.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Matthew Morine
    4.0 out of 5 stars Too High of Expectations
    Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    This book was recommended by someone who reads a lot, so I felt like this was going to be a worthy read. Maybe the expectations were too high, but instead of feeling that this book was transformational, it was just another book on evangelism. Now it was an interesting book. It was full of wonderful stories about the mystics of earlier days. Some of these lives and stories are amazing. These individuals sacrificed a lot in the name of God. Sometimes these expressions of services were odd, but you must respect the heart that desired these actions. The book focuses more on the character or ethic of Christian people than the approach. The author writes much on love and holiness as the means of attraction for unchristian people. She does this through a story about a certain man's journey into the church. Some of this story is reactionary as it seems to pit the old style churches against newer (perhaps) emergent churches. I think sometimes she goes too far in criticizing the churches of the past and exalting the churches of today. It almost seems that she feels that a conservative church cannot be loving and accepting. I am not sure this is the case as I have been in numerous conservative churches (all of Christ), and these congregations were loving. Maybe this book was not as radical for me because I have been spending much time on these issues and this approach, maybe the book was a little too emergent for me, or maybe I just expected too much. The book did have some excellent points, and some great insight, so it is worth a read, but maybe not a preeminent position on the bookshelf.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • RevTommy
    5.0 out of 5 stars insightful and inspiring
    Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2015
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    I found it inspiring to learn about the connection I have with persons who struggled as I have with following Christ in a world that would rather not be bothered with the struggles of others.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kevin McGrane Sr.
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to see the future, read this book.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I highly recommend this book. It is part of a blueprint for the future of the Christian church.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Great book, with lots of insights and information about how to "rethink" church.
    Helpful
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  • Lee Young
    1.0 out of 5 stars Overreaction
    Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This book teaches a new way of church focused on social justice and environmentalism. These are not bad however, what is defined by this book is relative. The author states that a person cannot call themselves a Christian if they do not practice conservation Conservation is good by all means but it is not the determining factor of faith in Christ. I was very disappointed in this book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Carol Riddick
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Different Way of Looking at Evangelism
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2014
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    We are reading this book in an Episcopal Church book club and have found it a good read, provoking lively discussion.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Elizabeth Raine
    5.0 out of 5 stars inspiring read
    Reviewed in Australia on May 21, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed learning some of the history of mysticism, and how that can be used to reinvigorate our churches with spirit-filled faith. Thought provoking and insightful.
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  • Lucky Eddie
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is excellent. It says that before one can begin to ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book is excellent. It says that before one can begin to share faith, one must have the right foundation. To discern this the author draws on those from the past whose legacy in writing reveals a God of love and therefore an agenda of love. She draws on Julian of Norwich, Phoebe Palmer, Henri Nouwen, John Woodman and many others. These writers are presented in a challenging and accessible way and through them a holistic rather than a narrow view of mission.
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  • Oseias Da Silva
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible book...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed to read it... It is theological, pastoral, above all, it is moving.... I highly recommend it... If you are thinking to see community different why not to read this book...
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