Can you tell me your street preaching experience?

[DavidMil]

I am enjoying an evangelical church and I have been told they usually street preach.
Am I supposed to molest strangers on the street? (Like " do you have a minute for Jesus?")
Preaching is what I am afraid of (What if headhunters remember me? If I meet some university mate on street?).
How was your experience?

 

[dreadnought]

I am enjoying an evangelical church and I have been told they usually street preach.
Am I supposed to molest strangers on the street? (Like " do you have a minute for Jesus?")
Preaching is what I am afraid of (What if headhunters remember me? If I meet some university mate on street?).
How was your experience?

I've never attempted this nor have any desire to. I guess there's nothing wrong with standing on a street corner and preaching, though some cities might not allow it. As far as accosting passersby, I don't think I'd advise it.

 

[2Timothy2:15]

I am enjoying an evangelical church and I have been told they usually street preach.
Am I supposed to molest strangers on the street? (Like " do you have a minute for Jesus?")
Preaching is what I am afraid of (What if headhunters remember me? If I meet some university mate on street?).
How was your experience?

Street preaching or also known as open air preaching is exactly what Jesus did. The Apostles also did it.

But if you read your bible they all encountered resistance, mockers, and even demons. One of the purposes the Lord uses this in our lives is to give us boldness. It takes boldness in the Lord to preach openly in public. Just make sure what you preach is good doctrine. Don't go out there preaching unless you know your word in good doctrine or you could cause damage to others and the testimony of the Lord. Do not go street preach if you are easily brought to anger. People will get in your face, they may spit on you, hit you and if you are not prepared you will damage the testimony of Jesus if you act out in the flesh. Do know that you should be prayed up because the enemy will bring resistance. This is not to be feared but rather be aware and be prepared. Now if you can answer all those thing honestly then go for it and declare the GOSPEL boldly! If you are going out there to impress people in your church or you feel pressured, well then you need to examine your motives.

 

[JackRT]

My experience of seeing street preaching in action is quite limited but in every case I found it in-your-face, distasteful, somewhat insulting and in my opinion unchristian.

 

[HereIStand]

I'm wondering if they actually preach or just pass out Christian literature. I don't have any experience street preaching. In the strict fundamentalist church in which I was raised, they would have bible college students preach outside a movie theater or inside a bar. Some street preaching for evangelicals took place during the Jesus People movement in the 1960s and early 1970s. As that movement declined and aged, it became part of the evangelical church.

 

[2Timothy2:15]

My experience of seeing street preaching in action is quite limited but in every case I found it in-your-face, distasteful, somewhat insulting and in my opinion unchristian.

Unchristian? Jesus did lots of open air preaching and so did the Apostles IT is anything but unchristian, it is totally biblical. Problem is what are people preaching and why....Jesus said he came to bring a sword.

 

[planet_joe]

I am enjoying an evangelical church and I have been told they usually street preach.
Am I supposed to molest strangers on the street? (Like " do you have a minute for Jesus?")
Preaching is what I am afraid of (What if headhunters remember me? If I meet some university mate on street?).
How was your experience?

Sure. I served with a small ministry with my church where we did a bit of open air and handed out tracts. Generally, people ignored us (or at least pretended to) or else politely declined tracts when offered. Very occasionally we got made fun of, eg guys driving past in cars mocking us. I did try the "minute for Jesus" type approach when I was doing door to door, similar sort of responses. Majority of people politely decline, some more bluntly but mostly it's "I'm not interested, thanks" type of response. Occasionally someone would listen. We only had a couple of people try and argue. Maybe I wasn't aggressive enough in retrospect. One of the guys did bring placards about the lake of fire and all the rest of it. I told him I wasn't keen on that. Maybe that's my bad, I'm not sure. I guess I didn't want to present ourselves like the Westboro Baptist Church or something. I did talk about judgment day, because that is part of what Jesus saves people from, but I just feel when you're holding up placards about hellfire and damnation it just comes off wrong.

Overall I'd say give it a go if you'd like to try it.

 

[mukk_in]

I am enjoying an evangelical church and I have been told they usually street preach.
Am I supposed to molest strangers on the street? (Like " do you have a minute for Jesus?")
Preaching is what I am afraid of (What if headhunters remember me? If I meet some university mate on street?).
How was your experience?

Some accept it, most don't. I used to distribute booklets. Peace in Christ .

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

2 new threads on the same thing.. maybe they should be combined?

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Street preaching in my experience was always done in the heart of skid row. There were people walking past, no captive audiences. Mostly those who stopped actively participated in learning on both sides.

 

[2Timothy2:15]

Some accept it, most don't. I used to distribute booklets. Peace in Christ .

Just like Jesus, many heard but not all accepted him. The bible nor does Jesus say preaching is based on results or numbers. That is mans thinking. Trust me if one person gets saved after you have preached to 10000 the Lord rejoices and your effort was not in vain.

 

[Serving Zion]

I am enjoying an evangelical church and I have been told they usually street preach.

Does it seem that they would like you to join them, in order that you would fully belong with them? I caution that sharing the spirit of Christ cannot come by obligation - it has to come by a willing expression of love.

You could say that you appreciate the offer, and maybe just tag along to see how they do it. You never know whether The Holy Spirit might bring someone to ask for your opinion because they see that you are quietly and thoughtfully observing - Proverbs 17:28. That could be a spark for your enthusiasm. Or, you could pray for Him to encourage you and they should respect that God will bring you to have a passion for reaching the lost in His own good time.

People who we share the street with do overwhelmingly need to hear the truth .. but only the genuine truth flowing from God's own spirit through a contrite, honest and caring heart. If there is any sense of obligation, then it creates anxiety that turns our concerns toward our own interests, and it gives opportunity for sin (pride, wrath, etc) to manifest - detrimental to The Holy Spirit's work, the fruits of the flesh as have been mentioned here already.

Unfortunately, the shallow rote beliefs of [a (present/passing) majority of] Christians is such that they believe they have the right to tell people they will burn in hell if that person doesn't agree with them. Those ones also happen to not have the spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) that equips us to recognise those who belong to Him and those who belong to the devil (1 John 3:10, 1 John 4:6).

God is love. The one who remains in love remains in God, and God in him - but those who do not have love have been lost. They have not come from death into life - they need to be "born again". Even those who call themselves Christian and teach their belief of the scriptures can be in this spiritually lost state .. while those who don't yet know that they should identify with Christianity - they can be of love as God is in them! .. so it doesn't all come down to belief alone, because individual knowledge contributes largely toward determining whether a person's beliefs are justified in God's sight. Our work is toward both those who are born of God, yet have not learned to be Christian, and those who have yet to have the life breathed into them.

Am I supposed to molest strangers on the street? (Like " do you have a minute for Jesus?")

It's a large theme on Christian Forums today! .. already there has been three threads about street preaching in the past hour, eg: Speaking Of Ethics... What About Street Preaching?.

ONLY approach people if He tells you to do that! .. A great number of people carry hurts from having encountered people who do much harm in Jesus' name. Others are naturally fearful - wary of strangers, and it could cause them to think poorly of you.. to despise The Holy Spirit. Remember, it is Him whom we serve, as He works upon their mind in spirit (John 14:16-17) while we produce words that represent Him to assist Him in changing their thoughts (Mark 10:44-45).

Those who have been harmed in Jesus' name also do not have spiritual discernment and knowledge to recognise that it was the children of the devil that had harmed them. They believe that the spirit of those ones is the spirit of Christianity and when we approach them in the same name (1 Corinthians 3:11), they prejudice us as also representing the same. Their fury can be intense and difficult to receive.. so I say to remain in prayer and asking Him for specific instruction to approach only those whom He desires for you to touch.

Preaching is what I am afraid of (What if headhunters remember me? If I meet some university mate on street?).

It seems that the content of what you are preaching is something that you aren't quite able to wear. This could indicate that maybe you need to refine your beliefs .. identify and purge any absurdities so that you can represent Jesus in full confidence (Mark 8:38).

2 Peter 2:1-2 tells us that 2,000 years ago, there were false doctrines creeping into Christianity that would destroy it (Romans 8:20-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:3) and would bring the way of truth into bad reputation. By identifying those false doctrines that have inevitably formed amidst your own faith (Jeremiah 9:6, Malachi 3:1-4), you will end up being much more thoughtful than calculative, and that is what people want when they are enquiring of Christ (James 1:19).

Then people should remember you as a nice person who gives good advice instead of someone who they should hate.

How was your experience?

I have met people who are thoughtful and who enjoy talking, others who are hurting and are hurtful. It's always awesome to see the way that God brings a new way of thinking to a person .. someone who started as not really giving much thought to Christianity having a new interest in getting to know Him better. I'm talking about quality knowledge rather than a rote teaching.. a real relationship with Christ rather than a covenant with death.

This is the booklet that I most commonly share: Adonai Reigns : The Gospel : God did not send his son to condemn the world!.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Does it seem that they would like you to join them, in order that you would fully belong with them? I caution that sharing the spirit of Christ cannot come by obligation - it has to come by a willing expression of love.

You could say that you appreciate the offer, and maybe just tag along to see how they do it. You never know whether The Holy Spirit might bring someone to ask for your opinion because they see that you are quietly and thoughtfully observing - Proverbs 17:28. That could be a spark for your enthusiasm. Or, you could pray for Him to encourage you and they should respect that God will bring you to have a passion for reaching the lost in His own good time.

People who we share the street with do overwhelmingly need to hear the truth .. but only the genuine truth flowing from God's own spirit through a contrite, honest and caring heart. If there is any sense of obligation, then it creates anxiety that turns our concerns toward our own interests, and it gives opportunity for sin (pride, wrath, etc) to manifest - detrimental to The Holy Spirit's work, the fruits of the flesh as have been mentioned here already.

Unfortunately, the shallow rote beliefs of a (present/passing) majority of Christians is such that they believe they have the right to tell people they will burn in hell if that person doesn't agree with them. Those ones also happen to not have the spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) that equips us to recognise those who belong to Him and those who belong to the devil (1 John 3:10, 1 John 4:6).

God is love. The one who remains in love remains in God, and God in him - but those who do not have love have been lost. They have not come from death into life - they need to be "born again". Even those who call themselves Christian and teach their belief of the scriptures can be in this spiritually lost state .. while those who don't yet know that they should identify with Christianity - they can be of love as God is in them! .. so it doesn't all come down to belief alone, because individual knowledge contributes largely toward determining whether a person's beliefs are justified in God's sight. Our work is toward both those who are born of God, yet have not learned to be Christian, and those who have yet to have the life breathed into them.

It's a large theme on Christian Forums today! .. already there has been three threads about street preaching in the past hour, eg: Speaking Of Ethics... What About Street Preaching?.

ONLY approach people if He tells you to do that! .. A great number of people carry hurts from having encountered people who do much harm in Jesus' name. Others are naturally fearful - wary of strangers, and it could cause them to think poorly of you.. to despise The Holy Spirit. Remember, it is Him whom we serve, as He works upon their mind in spirit (John 14:16-17) while we produce words that assist Him in changing their thoughts (Mark 10:44-45).

Those who have been harmed in Jesus' name also do not have spiritual discernment and knowledge to recognise that it was the children of the devil that had harmed them. They believe that the spirit of those ones is the spirit of Christianity and when we approach them in the same name (1 Corinthians 3:11), they prejudice us as also representing the same. Their fury can be intense and difficult to receive.. so I say to remain in prayer and asking Him for specific instruction to approach only those whom He desires for you to touch.

It seems that the content of what you are preaching is something that you aren't quite able to wear. This could indicate that maybe you need to refine your beliefs .. identify and purge any absurdities so that you can represent Jesus in full confidence (Mark 8:38).

2 Peter 2:1-2 tells us that 2,000 years ago, there were false doctrines creeping into Christianity that would destroy it (Romans 8:20-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:3) and would bring the way of truth into bad reputation. By identifying those false doctrines that have inevitably formed amidst your own faith (Jeremiah 9:6, Malachi 3:1-4), you will end up being much more thoughtful than calculative, and that is what people want when they are enquiring of Christ (James 1:19).

Then people should remember you as a nice person who gives good advice instead of someone who they should hate.

I have met people who are thoughtful and who enjoy talking, others who are hurting and are hurtful. It's always awesome to see the way that God brings a new way of thinking to a person .. someone who started as not really giving much thought to Christianity having a new interest in getting to know Him better. I'm talking about quality knowledge rather than a rote teaching.. a real relationship with Christ rather than a covenant with death.

This is the booklet that I most commonly share: Adonai Reigns : The Gospel : God did not send his son to condemn the world!.

Actually there were many who were there for whatever needed support was necessary.

 

[Serving Zion]

Actually there were many who were there for whatever needed support was necessary.

Sorry, I do not understand why you have said this .. could you please expand a bit for me? Thank you

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Sorry, I do not understand why you have said this .. could you please expand a bit for me? Thank you

I was responding to Dave_W " maybe just tag along to see how they do it."

 

[FenderTL5]

My experience of seeing street preaching in action is quite limited but in every case I found it in-your-face, distasteful, somewhat insulting and in my opinion unchristian.

It was a common thing in the church of my youth (Independent Baptist).
In all but a few, very few, instances; street preaching as it is done in the United States is largely a "look at me" exercise for the would be preacher.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

It was a common thing in the church of my youth (Independent Baptist).
In all but a few, very few, instances; street preaching as it is done in the United States is largely a "look at me" exercise for the would be preacher.

Ours was Canadian Pentecostal and it wasn't. It taught the spiritual realm very quickly.

 

[Serving Zion]

I was responding to Dave_W " maybe just tag along to see how they do it."

Ah! .. (correct me if I am wrong: ) it seems that you have recommended my post to the OP, perhaps indicating that you have established some sort of pastoring/mentoring relationship with a member called Dave_W. I think I have noticed that member on these boards.. although this new member is called @DavidMil .. I am sure he will understand

Thanks for the clarification!

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Ah! .. (correct me if I am wrong: ) it seems that you have recommended my post to the OP, perhaps indicating that you have established some sort of pastoring/mentoring relationship with a member called Dave_W. I think I have noticed that member on these boards.. although this new member is called @DavidMil .. I am sure he will understand

Thanks for the clarification!

No on all counts. And I don't understand the confusion but that's ok.

oh ya k. your right ;P

 

[Deadworm]

When I was just 19, I was experiencing a faith crisis in which I had serous doubts about biblical inspiration, the power of the Gospel, even God's existence. So I decided to go all out and joined a street witnessing group called Youth with a Mission (YWAM). We traveled by bus to Toronto and then Montreal in 'Canada and went out witnessing in pairs. Let me share one negative and one positive experience during this adventure.

(1) NEGATIVE: In Toronto my assigned partner and I walked towards a couple sitting on their porch. I immediately regretted this, as we drew near because they were having a screamfest with each other. As I tried to slink away, the man shouted, "What do you want?" Feeling trapped, I told him that we weren't pushing any particular religious denomination, but we were out in the streets sharing the life-changing power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To my dismay, the couple wanted to hear what I had to say, and so, I presented the Gospel and shared my personal testimony. When I asked them if they'd like to accept Christ as their Savior and allow me to pray with them, they agreed!

Just then my prayer partner interrupted us and asked the guy, "Did you ever ask the Lord to give you the victory over that cigarette?" The guy was smoking during our conversation and was offended by the question. So the interruption led to a distracting argument about the morality and dangers of cigarette smoking! As a result, we lost a convert! I was furious with my partner and we never paired up for witnessing again.

(2) POSITIVE: I don't know how I was assigned a new partner among the 40 young people in our group--namely, Ken, who at 35 was much older than I. Ken's witnessing technique was far too mechanical for my taste--a formulaic presentation of Campus Crusade's 4 Spiritual Laws. I preferred a more spontaneous and reactive approach. Despite my misgivings, I soon changed my mind about Ken's approach. To my great surprise Ken led many strangers to Christ. When I was with him, my own witnessing seemed more effective. For example, on one occasion we cut through a Safeway parking lot and Ken walked towards a young man carrying 2 large bags of groceries. I urged Ken to at least wait until the man reached his car, but Ken didn't listen. I expected the guy to be annoyed, but instead he seemed mesmerized by Ken's witness!

I soon discovered Ken's secret. After a long hot day of street evangelism, the rest of us were exhausted. We usually slept in a church basement with ping pong tables. I needed to rest up, but not Ken--He was always on his knees, despite our long tiring day and even went out door to door after dinner. When I joined him in this, I again saw how effective his witnessing was. It became obvious to me that his mechanical technique and apparently inconsiderate timing was irrelevant: what mattered was that his witness---unlike most of mine--was soaked in prayer.

Still, I wanted Ken to be more practical. I asked him about his plans after our tour with YWAM was over and he said he might go to Brazil, live on faith, and do street witnessing there. I argued that he needed some sort of church sponsorship to avoid finding himself in financial duress. The next day he told me that he'd prayed about what I'd said. Then he anonymously received a gift of $500 and he sincerely asked me about the relevance of the timing. It was then that I realized that, for a prayer warrior like Ken, the rules of common sense that apply to the rest of us no longer necessarily apply. If I knew where Ken was now after several decades, I would thank him for being one of the greatest spiritual influences of my life.