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is it normal to preach the gospel in the street? what are the benefits and consequences?

Kodjoo

Kodjoo

Member
I think so, it is normal to preach in the street because Jesus did it himself. it reveals that benefits, because in doing so, the hearts are touched by the message either immediately or later, a seed that is sown, will yield harvest.
 
Kodjoo said:
I think so, it is normal to preach in the street because Jesus did it himself. it reveals that benefits, because in doing so, the hearts are touched by the message either immediately or later, a seed that is sown, will yield harvest.
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How can anyone benefit unless they stop to listen? People are busy going here or there and some guy is yelling at them about God and that's effective? It probably has the opposite affect. I've seen street preachers and they are annoying.

Jesus did not do street preaching. Crowds came to him. He didn't impose himself on people in the way you are suggesting.

The only effective method of evangelism is relationship building. Yelling at strangers is useless.
 
So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:17 NIV

Of course, use wisdom. There is a proper way to do this. Reason with people like Paul did.

Don't act like a lunatic.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15 NIV

Speak the truth in love.

Some people are gifted for preaching in the marketplace, and others have gifting for other things.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8 NIV

Its best to find what gifts God has given us, and do what He has planned for us to do. Remember that Jesus performed many miracles, which made people want to hear what He had to say. For those gifted to do marketplace preaching, learning the most effective way to do so from an experienced evangelist can be helpful. The 12 apostles followed Jesus around for years, learning how to do things. Timothy learned from Paul.
 
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Street preachers are good if you grab peoples attention. Sadly we live in a society that is fast paced and people are eager to get where they are going. StoveBolts is right, too much "Repent, or burn in Hell" will make people walk away feeling insulted.

If people are curious about God, they will stop and listen to a good preacher.
 
Spurs said:
Street preachers are good if you grab peoples attention. Sadly we live in a society that is fast paced and people are eager to get where they are going. StoveBolts is right, too much "Repent, or burn in Hell" will make people walk away feeling insulted.

If people are curious about God, they will stop and listen to a good preacher.
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When I was in Cleveland, Ohio back in the 60's, off of Euclid Ave. was the museum of Natural History. It had a large park like area in front of the museum. There was always an elderly gentlemen preaching and usually a medium size crowd of mostly hippy's and the rebellious of that era. There were those that would always make fun of the preacher, but that never bothered him, he just went on with the fervor of a dedicated preacher of the Word. I have actually (as a boy) seen them stand on a crate or box of some kind on the corner, with Bible in hand, (usually in the evening) under the street light. I don't think thy allow that anymore.
 
StoveBolts said:
I don't mind street preachers as long as they are preaching the good news of the Gospel.
What I don't much care for are signs that read "Repent, or burn in Hell" or like minded preaching.
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Have you been to a Lions game? Until we finally bailed this season, we had season tickets for decades. We'd park in a lot by Greek Town. For as long as I can recall, there was a guy with a beater pickup truck parked in the streat between Ford Field and Greek Town after games. He had nothing but an amplifier and electric guitar. Oh, and a third thing. A big sign propped up in the bed of his truck depicting hands reaching up out of a consuming fire.

In all our years of seeing him, I don't remember anyone ever acknowledging him, commenting for or against. His demeanor defied his sign. He played hard rock, but he always smiled at people and gave them a nod, receiving no response that I saw. One time, we happened to be walking by between songs, so I asked him if he's ever thought about propping up a sign depicting hope and life as opposed to burning in hell. He just said something like, "You can't deny the fire of hell!" and blasted the start of his next song.

Sad, I thought. I doubt God called you to do it the way you've been. At best, you're ineffective. At worst, your giving people a reason to stay away from the Church and the knowledge of the One who loves them.
 
Mike said:
Have you been to a Lions game? Until we finally bailed this season, we had season tickets for decades. We'd park in a lot by Greek Town. For as long as I can recall, there was a guy with a beater pickup truck parked in the streat between Ford Field and Greek Town after games. He had nothing but an amplifier and electric guitar. Oh, and a third thing. A big sign propped up in the bed of his truck depicting hands reaching up out of a consuming fire.

In all our years of seeing him, I don't remember anyone ever acknowledging him, commenting for or against. His demeanor defied his sign. He played hard rock, but he always smiled at people and gave them a nod, receiving no response that I saw. One time, we happened to be walking by between songs, so I asked him if he's ever thought about propping up a sign depicting hope and life as opposed to burning in hell. He just said something like, "You can't deny the fire of hell!" and blasted the start of his next song.

Sad, I thought. I doubt God called you to do it the way you've been. At best, you're ineffective. At worst, your giving people a reason to stay away from the Church and the knowledge of the One who loves them.
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I've never been to game.... I should have went to the Browns game with my step kid. They actually won lol!
 
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