Socially Awkward Evangelism

“In Socially Awkward Evangelism, Mark Teasdale provides a rigorous and insightful account of Christian witness grounded in the conviction that God—through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit—is redeeming creation. Drawing on contemporary psychology, particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), he addresses the realities of anxiety, shame, and fear that often hinder evangelistic practice. Evangelism here is envisioned as virtue-shaped and trauma-informed formation that resists coercion, honors dignity, and cultivates ethical persuasion in community. This timely volume offers Christian and faith leaders concrete pathways toward non-defensive, authentic proclamation of God’s abundant life in Christ.”

– AHyun Lee, licensed clinical professional counselor and associate professor of pastoral theology, care, and psychotherapy at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

“The gospel message is timeless, but Mark R. Teasdale equips us to share it in a rapidly changing world. Blending the best of scholarship with the realities of daily life, this book speaks to the deep hunger for hope. Much like the Ethiopian eunuch’s question to Philip—’How will I know unless someone teaches me?‘—this work reminds us that faithful guidance remains as essential today as ever.”

– Clare Biedenharn, board-certified chaplain, author of Heart to Heart, and founder of Your Listening Partner, LLC

Mark R. Teasdale (PhD, Southern Methodist University) is E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. He is ordained in the United Methodist Church; has served as director of the Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity, and Missional Church Center at Garrett; consults with churches locally, nationally, and internationally; and volunteers on community boards and commissions in his neighborhood.

He is the author of:

• Evangelism for Non-Evangelists
• Participating in Abundant Life
• Go: Becoming a Great Commission Congregation
• Methodist Evangelism, American Salvation