Since its publication in 1986, the message of Power Evangelism has been embraced around the world. Terms such as power encounter, divine appointment and signs and wonders are now common among Christians from a variety of different traditions. Countless books and reviews have been written defending or attacking its concepts, and seminaries have held theological symposiums to debate the pros and cons of power evangelism, which Wimber defined as a presentation of the gospel that is rational but that also transcends the rational . . . a spontaneous, Spirit-inspired, empowered presentation of the gospel [that is] preceded and undergirded by demonstrations of Gods presence.
John Wimber believed that God called rank-and-file believers to a powerful influence on the world, and in this revised and updated version, he and Kevin Springer describe the releasing of Gods power through signs and wonders to refresh, renew, heal and equip His people. Drawing from the teaching of the New Testament, and with illustrations from his own experience, Wimber demonstrates how the incredible power of God can manifest in our world when we submit control of our lives to the Holy Spirit. This new edition also includes chapter-by-chapter study guides for group and individual use and updates on how power evangelism is being used in the Church today.
Table of Contents
Preface
How to Use the Study Guide
Introduction
Part 1: The Kingdom Has Come
Chapter 1: A Powerful Experience
Chapter 2: The Kingdom of God
Chapter 3: Caught Between Two Ages
Chapter 4: The Gospel of the Kingdom
Chapter 5: Power and Authority
Study Session 1: The Kingdom Has Come
Part 2: The Power Encounter
Chapter 6: The Fight
Chapter 7: A War Zone
Chapter 8: Christians, Too
Chapter 9: Fearing Gods Power
Study Session 2: The Power Encounter
Part 3: Power Evangelism
Chapter 10: A Remarkable Encounter
Chapter 11: Power Evangelism
Chapter 12: How I Discovered Power Evangelism
Chapter 13: A Growing Church
Study Session 3: Power Evangelism
Part 4: The Divine Appointment
Chapter 14: Gods Appointment Book
Chapter 15: The Process of Conversion
Chapter 16: Launching Points
Chapter 17: Winning Whole Households
Study Session 4: The Divine Appointment
Part 5: Signs and Wonders and Worldviews
Chapter 18: In the Eye of the Beholder
Chapter 19: The Excluded Middle
Chapter 20: How Do Westerners See the World?
Chapter 21: How Jesus Saw the World
Chapter 22: Power Wrapped in Love
Study Session 5: Signs and Wonders and Worldviews
Part 6: The Works of Jesus
Chapter 23: Glimpses of Gods Love
Chapter 24: Power Over Demons
Chapter 25: Power Over Disease
Chapter 26: Power Over Nature
Chapter 27: Power Over Death
Study Session 6: The Works of Jesus
Part 7: Signs and Wonders in the Church
Chapter 28: Christs Method of Discipleship
Chapter 29: Keys to Discipleship
Chapter 30: Commissioning Ministry
Chapter 31: Transferring Ministry
Study Session 7: Signs and Wonders in the Church
Afterword: What Shall I Do?
Appendix A: Signs and Wonders in Church History
Appendix B: Signs and Wonders in the Twentieth Century
Appendix C: Turning the Evangelical Key
Appendix D: Power Evangelism and the Megachurch
Endnotes
Selected Bibliography
Acknowledgments
About the Author
John Wimber (1934-1997) was one of the founding leaders of the Vineyard Movement. He pastored Anaheim Vineyard Christian Fellowship from 1977 to 1994 and was a well-known speaker at international charismatic conferences, focusing on power evangelism and healing through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Kevin Springer is president of PRISM Leadership Group, a consulting ministry devoted to helping pastors and churches clarify their dreams and visions and assisting them in fulfilling them. He and his wife, Suzanne, also conduct marriage seminars and retreats.