Notes from a talk given by Steve Gurnett from OAC-Streetwise on ‘Open Air/Street Evangelism’ at the Capital Youthworks youthworker training morning. OAC-Streetwise is a giveaway ministry involves in sharing the gospel in the open air plus work in schools, prison and training others to do evangelism.
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Why do Christians have a problem with open air evangelism?
- They don’t know how to do it.
- Their ministers don’t like doing it.
- They are afraid of looking like a loony.
- It’s scary!
- It’s hard work, its cold, and people walk away from you.
- We’re in a ‘come and see’ culture.
What’s the problem with only inviting people to church/youth group (‘come and see’)?
- It communicates to Christian that the gospel is not that important.
- It communicates that the church/youth group will share the gospel for you so you don’t have to go out and do it yourself.
- It communicates that the church/youth group is the only place where the gospel is shared.
- It communicates to those outside the church that the gospel is not that important and it’s not for them.
Some people will say that street preaching doesn’t work, well that’s because we don’t do it. Why aren’t we good at street preaching? We don’t do it enough. Like everything it requires practice.
Saints of old on open air preaching
John Wesley: “What marvel the devil does not love field preaching! Neither do I; I love a commodious room, a soft cushion, a handsome pulpit But where is my zeal, if I do not trample all these underfoot in order to save one more soul?”
Charles Spurgeon: “No sort of defence is needed for preaching out of doors; but it would need very potent arguments to prove that a man had done his duty who has never preached beyond the walls of his meeting-house. A defence is required rather for services within buildings than for worship outside of them.”
Open Air Preaching Tips
- Outside the church is where people feel comfortable but is often the place we don’t.
- When doing open-air evangelism wear red so that you stand out.
- Don’t use PA so people are forced to come to you to hear what you’re saying.
- Be yourself.
- Try to pray with people before they leave.
- Keep going back to the same place.
- A prayer to pray: “Lord, will you give me the opportunity to talk about you today!”
Some helpful links
Dan, have you ever done any outdoor preaching?
I think that people are put off by the ‘loony’ fire and brimstone types that dominate the outdoor preaching. In an individualistic culture it’s socially awkward to talk to unknown people out on the street, let alone address a group. It’s rare for people to converse with the person sitting next to them, even on a long bus or train trip.
I had a dream the other night, where I saw a crazy wily old street preacher being attacked by christians, and I was warned not to go near him. At first I dismissed it as just another weird dream, till later that day (it was a Sunday and I was at church) it hit me the evangelist has really become one of the most hated gifts in the church. People are saved by hearing, and how many people are going to walk into a church to hear… I think we are missing the boat as christians here. I don’t know what to do about it. I mean street preachers honestly do put people off but they also get people saved who otherwise wouldn’t be. I used to regularly go out street preaching, but don’t so much any more. I’m sitting here trying to plan my Bible in Schools lesson, trying to share the message of the cross, but so aware I can’t talk about sin, the devil, or hell. And what’s really messed up is I have an aversion now to those words now too. I don’t want to tell people about them any more. But it’s the truth.
Thanks for the quotes by Wesley and Spurgeon. (does anyone know who these men were today?)
I found this page searching for info for a conservapadia article i plan to do on the subject.
What is your opinion of these street workers?
http://www.archive.org/details/Interviews_of_Boston_Street_Evangelists
To God for the glory
I just received a message, “in order for the devil to fall an open air must rise”. I have been praying to God that I am tired of seeing the same faces every Sunday I need new soul Lord. The Lord commanded me to do open air but the devil hase been tempting me because he fears what is going to him, please pray for me so that God’s plan be fulfilled through me.
Don’t ever be scared to talk about God in front of others. There’s another amazing group of people who can help you – especially in terms of youth ministry at http://www.test.igniteme.org/offensive/
There are other kinds of street preachers too – people who stand outside night clubs and give people flip flops (so they won’t step in broken glass and urine – especially girls who take their heels off to dance and can’t find their shoes by the end of the night) and guide them to licenced taxis – they look after others and preach the word (Its part of practising what you preach. Let people see it in action!). Use the the talents He gave you to talk about God to others – I know of a street pastor who wrote their email address and a message on a pair of flip flops he gave out. The girl who received them wanted to know more and actually emailed him back saying thanks… be creative!
Oh, and also remember what St Paul said in Corinthians -’I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.’ – ask God to give you the words to say so you can say something that touches people’s hearts – just like God touches yours, but also so that others who aren’t Christian may understand as well. 1 Peter and Corinthians are good places to start – talk about God’s love for them!
People have a lot of misconceptions about Christianity – so don’t be afraid of telling the truth.
God bless you all…
I feel God calling me to do open air work. I am currently putting together a band (I play lead guitar) to go out there and take the gospel message to the people outside of church. I am 53 now and if I dont do this now, I will leave it too late and miss the ripe harvest. I feel God is asking me, “What is that in your hand Willie?” “Its my guitar Lord” I reply, “Then go use it” God says. OK. I want to use instrumentals to draw a crowd, then simply tell them how Jesus found me and how they too can have salvation. Give out invites to local churches and perhaps New testaments. I plan to use the churches converted double decker bus to supply the power for the amps. Steep it all in prayer, then just do it. What do you think folks? Dont worry about looking a loony, I’ve been a fool for Jesus many times over. If folks slag or laugh at me, then they are leaving other folk alone. It will all be worth it if even 1 sinner comes to the Saviour. Willie Brown.
Hey its two years later and its still a great blog!