Vol. 38 (2024)

I am excited to release the thirty-eighth volume of Witness. The past year has seen changes in our world and developments in the theory and practice of evangelism. This current issue examines evangelism from various angles.

Mark Teasdale writes from the perspective of a professor training students to share their faith. He highlights the anxiety many students experience about evangelism, and offers paths forward based on tools from the discipline of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Dawit Terfassa traces the fascinating history of the largest Lutheran denomination in the world, the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus. Terfassa focuses on the EECMY’s transformation from a mission field to its role as a powerful participant in mission and evangelism, both within and beyond the borders of Ethiopia. Bruce Gale explores the concept of kerygma and its influence on the ministry of the Apostle Paul. He examines the content of Romans 10 and reviews various perspectives about kerygma. He argues that it was fundamental to Paul’s methodology and outlines a five-point approach describing this which is valuable today. John Thompson paints a picture of a New Testament culture in which shame and honor were prominent. With these concepts as a backdrop, he examined the words and practices of Jesus, pointing out how he honored those who were often disregarded. Thompson connects Christ’s actions with those of his followers today, challenging us to reflect on how we treat others, including the marginalized.

Some articles explore the actions of Jesus and Paul in New Testament times but provide implications for us today. Other authors reveal methods of mission and evangelism in various locations, ranging from the open spaces of Ethiopia to the interior of a North American classroom. In addition to the articles, the journal contains several insightful reviews of recent books. May all these stimulate and encourage us.

The AETE Annual Conference is scheduled for June 19-20, 2025 in South Bend, IN. I invite you to plan on attending. Please consider presenting a paper at the conference or submitting an article for inclusion in next year’s journal. More information can be found at our website: AETE.online.

On a final note, allow me to introduce myself. I am Tom Seckler, and I have the privilege to serve as the editor of Witness. Although I have been involved with AETE for several years, I am new to this role. I want to express my deep thanks to Jeff Conklin-Miller, the previous journal editor, and David Gustafson, the previous book-review editor. They have served with diligence and integrity for several years and have been an encouragement to me.

Thomas Seckler

Editor, Witness