THE METHODS OF STREET EVANGELIZATION Does street evangelism work? Should we even invest energy in street evangelism? Let me start by saying that as the author of the book “Effective Outreach & Evangelization Strategies – A 21st Century Minister’s Manual” one could automatically assumed that I do not think street evangelism is the right way to evangelize. This is not the case. However I believe that in many instances where I have witness street evangelism it was not done properly and the results were poor. I know many pastors and leaders believe that as long there was one soul saved the outing was worth it. Even if there were no souls saved, they often say it’s a good thing since “they plant a seed” in many lives. I agree with that, because the Bible tells us for each new soul there is joy in heaven. “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” — Luke 15:10, NKJV However, on the other hand, there is the participation rate factor that must be taking into consideration. One of the biggest issues that pastors and ministry leaders are facing is the lack of members’ participation in outreach and evangelization activities, especially in street evangelism. One of the factors that explain this lack of participation in street evangelism is the lack of results perceived. Even members who were enthusiasm about a street evangelism campaign, after a few outings their enthusiasm start to fade and most do not show up for the following outings. As humans, we expect results that are proportionate to the amount of effort invested. Ministries leaders need to keep that balance in mind when planning for street evangelism. The question then becomes: as a church, should we even invest energy in street evangelism? We have all heard great testimonies how peoples’ lives were changed through some sort of street evangelism. And frankly, some people enjoy street evangelism; my advice is to keep allowing members to continue with this type of evangelism but to make it more efficient. The best way I have found to make street evangelism work, meaning that people are responsive to it, is to combine it with actions and not just speeches. “Human cares about acts, not so much about speeches. These are opportunities to plant a seed through actions and let the Holy Spirit take care of the rest.” – Book excerpt A few examples of how to add some concrete actions to your street evangelism activities? - Hand out something useful to people (water bottle or sunglasses on a hot day at the park) - Winter gears (socks, mittens, scarves) to less fortunate people - Smoke Detector Batteries: go door to door and offer people to change their smoke detector batteries. When should you do this? Change your clock, change your battery!… In the spring and fall. - Fall Leaf Raking - Winter Snow Shoveling (very appreciated after a snow storm) As you can see, it’s not ideas that are lacking to help make street evangelism much more powerful. All you have to do is to find ideas that your community will find useful. I believe that this approach will have a greater impact because people will be more receptive and at the end of the day, even if members cannot see that concrete result yet, they will know that they have blessed someone and that will keep them motivated. One thing for sure is that street evangelism (regardless of its format) is not for everyone. That is why, in my book, I recommend that the evangelism ministry leaders must come up with a plan for their ministry that will get all members involved. In “Effective Outreach & Evangelization Strategies – A 21st Century Minister’s Manual”, I laid out a powerful plan that, if followed, will help ministers devise an outreach and evangelization plan that will create momentum in their church and get church members fired up and willing to share the Good news of Christ with all the ones that God put on their path. By Jephtee Elysee
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 06:36:23 +0000