The Unexpected Expected Adventure by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittleberg

I was a bit reluctant when I first picked up this book. There have been so many books already published on the topic of evangelism and outreach, how could The Unexpected Adventure be any different? Thankfully, I was surprised by this book and its compelling message of how sharing the Christian Faith should be exhilarating and adventurous. So often for many Christ followers evangelism is just one item on a long list of Christian duties that we must perform in order to be considered a "good follower".

This book was easy to get drawn into because of its unique primary objective of sharing real life stories to convey the message of the of the book instead of giving the message of the book and using the stories for illustration purposes. The Unexpected Adventure has 42 real life stories divided between both of the authors. My personal favorite was "Day 5", where Mark Mittleberg shared about an adventure in England where he was doused with a bottle of champagne while having dinner with an immigrant family he was seeking to share Christ with. This account had me almost falling off the couch laughing, but it also showed well how God redeems embarrassing moments to use for kingdom purposes.

In addition to this book focusing on sharing real life stories of what a life of natural evangelism looks like, the book also has a much needed message regarding the method of evangelism. So often evangelism is presented as a special shpeel we have to memorize to bring people to a point where they will pray a prayer of personal salvation. This book focuses on the need for life change starting with each individual Christian. True life change happens when Christ followers are infused with the power of the Holy Spirit to make a difference in the world. God is the evangelist! We are merely the tools he uses. Our role is to be ready and willing because God is always able. As we partner with God, His mission of redeeming the world will happen, one individual at a time.

The Unexpected Adventure poignantly reminds us that our focus in evangelism is to be alert for opportunities around us and to be sensitive the prompting of the Holy Spirit. If we are able to do this we will find appropriate ways to engage people in a natural conversation about Jesus and his transforming power. We need not worry about being perfect, God will use our meager efforts and turn them into something good.

The Unexpected Adventure has been riveting! This book has re-opened my eyes to the potential for life-change all around me. Strobel and Mittelberg write in a conversational, story-telling manner about their personal efforts in telling others about their faith. Their chapters were concise and on-point.

I expected that every chapter would end with the "success" of someone becoming a Christian because of their perfect efforts--but I was wrong! These men were self-effacing about their mistakes, empowering with their suggestions, and envisioning with their passion.

Bottom line: this is clearly the best book I have read on sharing one's faith in Christ. I have already begun recommending it to every Christian I can think of that they need to get and read this book this summer. I believe that this book has the potential to assuage the fears and fire up the apathy and of Christians who have been silent too long!