WAKE FOREST, N.C. -- A new book, "Radically Unchurched: Who They Are and How to Reach Them," calls Christians to a higher level of dedication in proclaiming the truth of Christ and plan of salvation.

"It's not the message that has driven people away from the church," author Alvin Reid told the Baptist Press. "It's the messenger."

Reid said many churches make no effort to reach the unchurched.

"We're really good at reaching people like us," he said. "We're not reaching people who are not like us."

Based on Reid's research, the book's first 100 pages explain who the unchurched are and lay a biblical case for reaching them. The second 100 pages provide advice on sharing personal testimonies, reaching the unchurched and planning a worship service with them in mind.

"Truth is what will reach people," said Reid, who holds the Bailey Smith chair of evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. "This is a call for Christians to be radicals."

A sample chapter of the book, published by Kregel Publications, is available on Reid's Web site. The book can be found in most Christian bookstores.

Reid has written several books about historical revivals and the nature of revival among Christians, according to the Baptist Press. He also authored "Introduction to Evangelism" and "Light the Fire," a book aimed toward teaching young people about spiritual awakenings. Reid is a contributing writer for ChurchCentral.com (See previous columns: Raising the bar for the coming generation; Adults should take notice of how God is working through youth; and A biblical perspective on young people).