Abstract
John Marsh, a retired Church of England priest, tells us that this is an updated version of a book published in 1988 under the title So I Send You. It might be interesting to compare the texts, to see what has changed, but unfortunately I do not have a copy of the original.
This is not an academic book – we see no index or bibliography, and only occasional footnotes. It is very much based on Scripture, and few other authors are quoted. It reads much like a series of sermons, preached to convince a congregation of the importance of faith-sharing ‘today’. Although ‘today’ could still be 1988.
The theology could be characterized as evangelical charismatic in the Watson–Wimber tradition. Each chapter covers its topic exhaustively, with a plethora of biblical references, such that I sometimes found myself responding, ‘The point has been made, move on!’
In Chapter 8, ‘Sent … to heal’, I took issue with a mention of ‘growing limbs’ among other New Testament healings. Yes, some lepers were made whole, and the ear of Malchus was restored, but to assert ‘growing limbs’ as part of the healing ministry in the New Testament struck me as over the top. I most enjoyed Chapter 9, ‘Sent … to serve’, and Chapter 11, ‘Sent … fully equipped’ – perhaps these included stories from the author’s own life, alongside the biblical teaching.
Overall, this is a very readable, comprehensive and timeless treatise on full-blooded evangelism: evangelism with biblical foundations and carried out in the power of the Holy Spirit. However, it may not help readers looking for ways to fruitfully share the eternal truths of the gospel in the varied cultures of the modern world. For that they will need to look elsewhere.