Would you pay attention please?

After a great time of prayer, the soul winners are pumped up for evangelism and we head for the streets.  When we do open-air evangelism on the street, we have

• A box with a preacher
• Soul winners who form the first crowd of listeners    
• Pedestrians who join the crowd of soul winners

For ontheredbox partners, who do street evangelism in your hometown, let me give you four practical suggestions.

2.  Pay attention. When someone is on the box, pay attention.  To those walking by, you either convey attention or disinterest. Your attention is a directional sign for the other people standing next to you.  Sure, you hear the same message over and over; but this may be a matter of life and death for those who haven’t.  So if you’re spitting sunflower seeds or chewing gum, or if you chat with your friends and walk around, then you may as well hold up a sign: “not important”. Pay attention!

3.  Keep it basic. A big Bible, a hand full of tracts, or a clipboard is overkill. It’s unnecessary and it doesn’t feel or look natural. It repels people.  How do you feel when someone on the street comes at you with a clipboard?  This is a good place to cross the street! is what I’m thinking. So be economical about the stuff you carry. Blend in; keep it basic.

4. Stay ready. Be ready to talk to listeners when the preaching is finished. Remember there are only two times we have to be ready to preach the Gospel;  “be ready in season and out of season.” (2 Tim. 4:2).  Even when you feel “out of it”, stay ready.