Bearing Witness in Acts and Today

""Anyone who reads this book will find help answering the call to be a witness for Jesus Christ. It names the reservations many have in speaking about faith and encourages the reader to find new ways to share the best thing the world has ever known. Troy's work is biblically solid, theologically Lutheran, and practically helpful."" --Phil Hirsch, executive director, ELCA Christion Community and Leadership ""A well-informed Bible scholar is a valuable guide for anyone eager to explore the ways ancient churches bear witness to Jesus Christ in the book of Acts. But you're going to want a sensitive and experienced pastor on hand to help you grasp how the most engaging stories in Acts might inspire churches' outreach today. Good thing Troy Troftgruben is both. His book combines his interpretive insight with his hunger for compassionate communities."" --Matthew L. Skinner, Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary ""It's no secret that the 'E' word raises anxiety in many church pews. Bearing Witness in Acts and Today acknowledges this reality about evangelism but offers a refreshing perspective for the church's call to witness the good news of Jesus. It is an ideal read for outreach committees and church leaders that desire to reclaim this discipleship practice in their congregations."" --Miguel F. Gomez-Acosta, senior director, New Ministry Development and Evangelism, CCL ""This terrific book offers a fresh look at Jesus' charge to his disciples to 'be my witnesses, ' deftly weaving scholarly insights from the Acts of the Apostles with reflections on the challenge of bearing witness in today's world. This much needed volume will be a great help to anyone seeking ways to faithfully and holistically respond to Jesus' call."" --Cheryl M. Peterson, professor of ecumenical theology, Wartburg Theological Seminary