You’ve seen the DVD, now read the book! One of the most popular and effective recent evangelistic tools has been Dominic Steele’s professionally produced DVD Introducing God (a simple, obvious, but oh-so-clever title). Together with Melinda Chiew, Dominic has transferred his video series into an engaging book. Those who benefited from the series will find Dominic every bit as winsome an author as a speaker.

The book faithfully follows the DVD course, beginning with Dominic’s first talk built around the Apostle Paul’s address in the Areopagus, and then an examination of human autonomy, and so on until the concluding chapter which asks, Are you thirsty?

It is now well known that Introducing God is an attempt – and a highly successful one – to combine the theological strengths of Two Ways to Live with the sociological wisdom of the Alpha programme, that is, meeting regularly with people in the context of a meal to discuss the Christian faith. Dominic adds to the mix his great ability at illustration, and his familiarity with the wider culture. Each chapter concludes with a series of questions for discussion and a story from someone, male/female, young/old, Anglo/non-Anglo who at some time has been introduced to God. We all love people’s stories, and these are a fine addition to the book.

For some years now Dominic has been the director of Christians in the Media. As an ex-journalist his passion remains winning people from this highly influential section of our community. Those in this industry are typically well educated, critical and, to varying degrees, erudite. The book, like the video series, is aimed at this sort of person. On the opening page we find ourselves catapulted immediately into the ‘Council of the Philosophers’. Stimulating stuff for Joe the Journo, but probably not Bob the Builder. This is certainly one of the best ‘give away’ books on the gospel available anywhere. If you haven’t yet run Introducing God in your church this should whet your appetite.

Michael Raiter is principal of the Bible College of Victoria.

Originally published in SydneyAnglicans.net.