Letters to a Young Evangelical (Art of Mentoring)

Tony Campolo
Basic Books (2006)
ISBN 0465008313
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (2/07)

Just as Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy to guide and educate him, Tony Campolo is motivated to write to Christians today.  “Paul wanted to keep Timothy from being swept up in movements within the church that distorted the Gospel and justified destructive behavior.”

Much of the successful growth of Evangelicalism over the last half-century was in part determined by the preaching crusades of Bill Graham.  “His message was a rather simple explanation of what a person must believe and do in order to be ‘born again.’”  Billy Graham showed the world that the best of the Evangelical movement is one of intensive zeal for winning people to Christ.  “The zeal and urgency Graham brought to the Evangelical movement transformed the movement from within.”

“Evangelicals are distinct from other Christians in several important ways.  To be Evangelical is to believe in the Apostles’ Creed.  The Apostles’ Creed is a statement of beliefs that has been recited in churches for many years.”  Evangelicals believe the scriptures are divinely inspired.  They also believe in a personal, intimate and transforming relationship with the living Christ.

“There are 3 essential means by which an Evangelical will develop into a mature Christian,” Prayer, Scripture, a Support Group.  Prayer is more than a wish list for God.  Prayer is spending time with God without the distractions that surround us.  We should meditate on the scriptures, read and contemplate the words.  We need a support group that will hold us accountable.”  Without these three essential keys you will not be able to grow spiritually.

It is essential that we be witnesses and shares the Good News of Jesus Christ.  However, it takes more than just being a living witness.  We should use every opportunity presented to us to testify.  But we do not want to alienate ourselves from others either.  We must allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in witnessing.

Many young Evangelicals are “leery of the church as an institution.”  We need to recognize the importance of ritual and remember where we first learned about Jesus Christ.   Usually Sunday School is the first place where we are taught about the life of Jesus and how he was resurrected.

Tony Campolo shines light on issues that are facing young Evangelicals today.  Abortion, Gay Marriage, the War in Iraq, and women in the pulpit are some of the topics he addresses. 

Tony Campolo is a seasoned author that once again serves Jesus Christ the living Lord, by presenting readers with a book where the guidance and education is laid before them in terms that are easy to understand and that inspire.  His views recognize the equality of all people in Jesus Christ.  I enjoyed reading this book and found myself pondering the hot topics.  Writing letters to young Evangelicals is a very effective style of sharing.  Mr. Campolo offers hope.  His words are even-tempered and comforting.  It is with great honor that I highly recommend “Letters to a Young Evangelical”to all readers.

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