Summary of The Spy, The Rat and the Bed of Nails: Creative Ways of Talking about Faith by Mark Roques, Thinking Faith Network, 2017
Why is it so easy to talk about James Bond but so hard to talk about God and Jesus? Is it possible to introduce the Christian faith to our friends and work colleagues in ways that aren’t cringeworthy and emotionally harrowing? Can we find a fresh, more imaginative and less embarrassing way of talking about the gospel? Can we rediscover boldness and confidence in our God-talk?
In this book we will show you how to begin a conversation that goes from something non-threatening and enjoyable like a Bond film and takes you and your listener on a journey where you can talk naturally and engagingly about your Christian faith. Here is an example of one of these creative ‘spiels’:
“Rats scuttle happily in a temple in India, where they are worshipped, fed and adored. They have the best buffalo milk in town and full-time chefs produce superb food for them. There are four ways of looking at rat worship. Some say the rat worshipper is a lunatic and he should pack it in and go shopping. Others deeply admire the authentic faith of the rat worshipper. Some believe it is totally right to worship rats and appease the rat goddess. Some say – don’t worship rats! Worship Christ the Lord. He made rats in the beginning (Col 1:16).”
So we go from stories about rat worship, footballers, James Bond and the Duke of Edinburgh etc and we lead people to Jesus the Lord and Saviour.
In the final chapter of the book we will lay out 32 spiels which will help you to talk credibly, confidently and creatively about Jesus and His kingdom.
Endorsements
“Mark is one of the most brilliant gospel communicators I know. He challenges, provokes and inspires us to find creative ways to share with others. I loved this book and you will too!”
Mark Russell, CE, Church Army
“This is a great little book that gives creative insight into how to go about sharing your faith. If you struggle to talk about your faith, then I totally commend it to you.”
Barry Woodward, Director of Proclaim Trust
“Storytelling is a vital part of communication – especially in evangelism. Mark’s book goes further and blends story with persuasion and insight. This will be a real resource for many.”
Elaine Storkey, Sociologist, Author and Journalist
“Was Jesus’ storytelling as zany as Mark Roques? I think maybe it was. Mark is so good at helping us to recapture the storytelling method. It might mean people will enjoy listening to us when we talk about Jesus.”
Geoff King, Leader, South Parade Baptist Church, Leeds
Mark is a lively storyteller and the author of four books, including The Spy, the Rat and the Bed of Nails: Creative Ways of Talking about Christian Faith. His work is focused on storytelling and how this can help us to communicate the Christian faith. He has written many articles for the Baptist Times, RE Today, Youthscape, Direction magazine and the Christian Teachers Journal.
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