Is Street Preaching Still Effective?

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14)

Standing on the corner across from the theater was a local street preacher.  I didn’t find him very compelling, but out of curiosity I stopped to listen for a few minutes to observe the response to him from people walking by.   

Needless to say, I didn’t see many converts.  Which led me to the question, “Does street preaching work anymore?”  Christianity has a long history of street preaching. Considering it was a key strategy of the apostles I believe gives it some credibility.

Noah may have started it all, and it certainly worked for Jonah.  George Whitefield (1714-1770) preached in the open air to coal miners in Bristol, England.  Even William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army turned to the streets, and founded a global ministry in the process.

But in those days people were used to engaging with a multitude of opinions out in the open.  In a world without Facebook and Twitter, it was common to exchange ideas in the public square (Think Apostle Paul at the Areopagus in Athens).  From my perspective, street preaching, although still alive, does not seem to be as effective as in times past.  The vast majority of street preachers mean well, but I’m not sure they understand how it really works.  

Of special concern to some people is that street preaching is too offensive.  Since when are Christians to reach the lost only in “inoffensive” ways?  Paul wrote that, “...everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted...” (2 Timothy 3:12)  

Unless a Christian never shares his or her faith, opposition is inevitable.  The goal is not to avoid offense at all costs; the goal is to avoid unnecessary offense.  The cross of Christ will always be an affront to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 1:23).  The way we communicate can be adapted to the audience, but our message must remain the same.  Street preaching is simply one method to communicate Christ to those who may otherwise not hear the gospel.

And what about location?  Not every street corner is a place where people will stop, listen, and

think about what you’re saying.  So what about other places?  Where are the places in your city with cafes, universities, city plazas, or other locations where people sit, talk, and discuss ideas?

In the digital age, I’m more inclined to take traditional street preaching to the Internet and engage with people via social media.  But if classic street preaching is your thing, then my suggestion is that location, and your ability to engage with strangers is just as important as your message.  Without an audience that’s interested in engaging at some level, you’re only confirming to them that Christians are probably just crazy.

Street preaching is a historic method of evangelism that can be an opportunity to reach those who might never enter a church.  It may appear less effective than in the past, it may definitely offend those who resist the truth, but street preaching continues to be used by God around the world to lead people to faith in Christ.  Rather than condemn its practice, we should encourage those who boldly communicate the faith in the public square.  Instead of waiting for the lost to come to us, we should go to them.

I’d love to know your opinion on street preaching.  In a digital age, does it still work?

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