Talking About God by Steve and Cheri Saccone

Talking About God: Honest Conversations About Spirituality by Steve and Cheri Saccone teaches readers through observation, rather than directives, how to talk about God and share the Good News with people around them.

Talking About God is not the typical book about evangelism or how to lead someone to salvation. The book begins with a prologue, is filled with lengthy conversations the Saccones have had with friends, and concludes with some notes in the afterward. At first, I merely observed the conversations, but by the time I read through a few, I began to glean nuggets of wisdom out of each conversation. One nugget example: We are partnering with God when we reach out to people with the message of salvation. It's too easy for me to think that if I just say the words perfectly, things will work out and I will get them to be saved – as if I have control over anyone else's salvation... No, God prepares others and then brings us in and partners with us for the benefit of ourselves and the other person. Also, another nugget: Prayer laced through the conversations.

As I previously mentioned, most of the book consists of the reader observing, rather than being directly instructed. However, the prologue and afterward do give some pointers. In fact, there is an intensive, almost overwhelming, over-two-pages-long list of Do's and Don'ts in the prologue. Fortunately, it's not required to memorize these as most of them fall under: (1) Engaging people who need to come to know God. (2) Treating the person with respect and dignity even when they may not agree with us. (3) Being emotionally honest.

Talking About God by Steve Saccone and Cheri Saccone offers readers a different perspective than most books I've read on this subject. I found the book encouraging because the authors share their nervousness, insecurities, even occasional missteps and how God can use imperfect people to share the Good News of salvation. I think this book best fits with people who want to reach out to their friends, co-workers, and acquaintances who don't know God. It doesn't really address family members and the extra issues that can go along with that.

Read an excerpt from Talking About God by Steve and Cheri Saccone on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."