Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus 3rd edition: A Review

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi

Last year noted author, apologist, and convert to Christianity from Islam finished his course after a battle with stomach cancer. Later this month a third edition of the book that explored his journey from Islam to Christianity will be released.

Like many Nabeel began his exploration of Christianity as one opposed to it and sought to disprove it, and it was his journey to disprove Christianity that led him to faith in Christ. As he explores his journey he provides the reader helpful background information on Islam and its belief system. In addition to his story of coming to accept Christianity as true, the appendix with supplementary material from some of the best Christian apologists. One contribution that I found particularly helpful was Josh McDowell’s chapter on the role of dreams in Muslim conversions to Christianity.

In a time when Islam is still growing and poses such a challenge for the church Nabeel’s testimony is powerful reminder of the transforming power of the gospel. While Nabeel has finished his course hopefully through this book and others he has authored his story will continue to impact others by demonstrating the truth and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

The Come Back Effect : A Review

The Come Back Effect by Jason Young and Jonathan Malm

This year has brought two great resources for understanding how to best reach out and engage with church visitors, the first resource was Becoming a Welcoming Church by Thom Rainer which I reviewed here earlier this year. The second is this title.

This book helps church leaders thing through the things they do to to engage and understand those they are seeking to create a meaningful connection with. It does so by focusing on the role of hospitality in the local church. Oftentimes in the church we view hospitality as what is done for those in the Bible, a concept alien to the New Testament. I think one of the most important chapters in this book and the most applicable to churches of all sizes is chapter 4. In this chapter the authors discuss the importance of as they call it “being fully present.” This chapter addresses the importance of verbal and nonverbal communication in conveying attention, cues that are applicable to any social interaction.

There are aspects of this book that are more applicable to larger churches but the general principles apply to all churches and all believers. It’s easy for church leaders to forget how someone coming to a church for the first time might see and experience things, this book explores the impact that taking those first impressions can have if done well.  If you’re trying to figure out why people visit your church once and never return this book will prove to be very helpful.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.