Steve McCoy recently wrote some thoughts about bringing back open air preaching.
I find myself with a sore bum as i sit on the fence on this issue. Don't get me wrong, i respect those who stand in my City Center every week with sandwich boards on, banner up and microphone in one hand, tracts in the other. And yes i've preached (poorly) in the city center (many years ago). When many criticism's fly about the manner, old fashionedness, or turn-or-burn message, we must remember that while most of their critics are shopping for clothes, these guys are shopping for souls.
I'm not entirely sure that it is the most effective means of reaching people in our culture. Or perhaps it's the caricature of the 'open-air-preacher' that puts me off. But Steve's words are outstanding when he says "Instead of being the odd guy down at the outdoor mall, it will be respected, calm, thoughtful, theological, loving people doing it." Now that's a better picture of an 'open-air-man,' and one that can excite us.
What are your thoughts of the open air?
What is your impression of those doing it?
What are your thoughts on if/how it can be done better within our culture?
Side Note: The picture Steve used in his post is of John Bunyan preaching in the open air - oh for a time machine to go and join a crowd listening to him.
Monday, 28 February 2011
About Boaly
Gary has been involved in printing the Scriptures for 20 years, enjoys photography and rambling online
7 comments:
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I really dislike the open air preaching. It makes me cringe when I see it going on.
Don't get me wrong, it takes guts to do it, and I guess that it does still reach people with the message of Christ, who am I to second guess the methods and people that God chooses to use.
However, I don't think it is the most effective way, people in todays society don't stop at the band stand in town for a wee sit down any more, it may have been a place of congregation in the past. Today though, because people are generally just passing, all they might hear is, 'Without Christ you will perish', and while that is true, it is not the whole story.
On the other end of the scale though, I have seen a church doing stuff in the town, and they walk about with a sign that says 'Free Hugs', they are trying too hard to be friendly, and in my opinion just come across as childish and immature, and I don't see how that will impact someone life (again this is just my thought, and I could be completely wrong)
I think at the end of the day we have to realise that these 'Ram Raid' style evangelism events, are not what Christ intended, evangelism, shouldn't need to be done this way if each of us who do follow Christ lived our individual lives as he intended.
That's my two pennies worth :) -
1:14 pm
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Like i say i'm on the fence. I agree totally with everything you say. But i'm hesitant to write it off completely. Perhaps this is because of its historic impact and the way it works in some other cultures.
You make a brilliant point that people only hear bits as they walk past, it takes more time to explain the Gospel and indeed create a friendship that allows a fair hearing. I think this is by far the most effective means of reaching individuals with more depth and permanency.
& giving free hugs is just plain weird, and somewhat irresponsible in our sexed up culture. -
2:12 pm
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I should clarify that when i said "I think this is by far the most effective means of reaching individuals with more depth and permanency." i mean building up friendships and putting time into relationships and discipleship etc... not that i think open air is the best.
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2:22 pm
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVcvniMZUzg&feature=BF&list=SP3869E8279A4FB034&index=1
Stumbled upon this today and it got me thinking in terms of what I read here yesterday... -
5:19 pm
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Very provoking video, thanks for sharing it. I guess calling to something is the key, some are called to the street while others have a call to proclaim the gospel by other means
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6:40 pm
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I would say that I am an open-air preacher. The negative image of the open-air preacher given here is the world's caricature. Just because they don't want to hear and despise the message, we shouldn't deny them the gospel.
Preaching is a powerful mode of evangelism given to the church. Whether it's standing on raised concrete or in a wooden pulpit, sinners are to hear the gospel. There are good and bad open-air preachers, but that does not remove the church's responsibility. People are saved through this arm of Church evangelism and that servse to confirm the power of public preaching.
I think preaching is a specific and the chief function of the church in the spreding of the gospel. There is power in the heralding of the gospel, spiritual power. I feel Scripture leads us to this conclusion.
Thomas Chalmers taught "the aggressive principle" of evangelism to his students and from them we saw some of the richest evangelicals of post-reformation times.
However, we are all from different backgrounds and traditions. I come from one that supports open-air preaching; moreover, scripturally, I have never doubted its place in Church evangelism.
So, obviously, I would heartily commend it! -
2:39 pm
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Bob, your comment reminds me that it is through the foolishness of preaching that God saves those who believe. And of the great question 'How shall they hear without a preacher?'
Going off topic a bit: sometimes the whole 'friendship' evangelism can neglect that our voices must be used to share the Gospel and that it's nonsense to say that our life is the greatest preacher many will hear. While i do believe our life should stand out, the Gospel need clear proclomation, whether from the pulpit or over a cup of coffee.
A friend has often talked about the 'each one reach one, each one teach one' mode which i like, pouring time and effort into reaching someone and discipling them.
I don't mean to take away from open air preaching, it has historically shown its uses in the hands of God, and as you say is very Biblical.
I'm glad i posted on this, i've been given a lot to work through both in prayer and practically.
Cheers to everyone for the feedback -
3:14 pm
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