Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 21, 2009 22:42:54 GMT -5
To the point: From my experiences public preaching and other methods of evangelism on the streets, at events and on college campuses I named 4 points to aid drawing and maintaining a crowd. These may change the more I learn from the Holy Spirit, but for now this is what I have witnessed to be effective. This doesn't guarantee the reaction of people to the preaching of the Gospel, nor the response, but aids the preacher in being obedient to the Bible.
The following points are practical aspects to preaching. They certainly will never take the place of prayer, fasting and knowing the Bible.
1.) BE approachable - Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
I believe it was C.H. Spurgeon who said, in regards to open air preaching; "For heaven's sake, DON'T SCREAM!" By approachable, I don't mean "likeable," "huggable," or "tolerable." What I mean is that the preacher should not lift his voice in such a way (depending on the physical circumstances) that people are comfortable to stand afar off and listen. Loud enough to be heard, but quiet enough that people can't quite hear unless they draw closer. Wisdom on the part of the preacher must be exercised to avoid deliberate slandering and insulting to degrade or maliciously embarrass someone.
2.) BE engaging
2 Timothy 2:23-26
But avoid FOOLISH and IGNORANT disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must NOT QUARREL but be GENTLE to all, able to TEACH, PATIENT, in HUMILITY CORRECTING those who are in OPPOSITION, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Luke 18:18-25
And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said unto him, “why callest thou me good? None is good save one, that is God. Thou knowest the commandments, do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not dear false witness, honor thy father and they mother.
And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth up.” No when Jesus heard these things he said unto him, “Yet lackest thou one thing; sell all that thou hast, and distribute it unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come, follow me.” And when he heard this he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.”
The only thing that getting into a debate over a foolish topic, or debate someone who really does not know what they are talking about serves to provide is entertainment for mockers. People will most likely take you more seriously if you don't let yourself get taken for a chump down some rabbit trail about the existence of quarks or the "scientific" theory that dinosaurs died from their own flatulence. The preacher is not out to get into an argument, but contend for the faith. Negative Ad Hominem attacks should be avoided and gentleness is not code for "coddling," but rather compassion.
Engaging also means relevant. Not relevant in the sense of conforming to culture, but rather speaking, as Jesus did, to the circumstance and person specifically. Ambiguity and vagueness is not profitable for the preacher. Sins must be named, not left anonymous. People must know they are being spoken to directly, not glanced over by preaching about “they” and “people.” Many times people respond to this by crying that they have been personally insulted. This is either 1) mishearing or 2) a wounded conscience. The preacher should obey John 7:24 and never judge by outward appearances, but judge righteously.
3.) BE observant
Luke 12:56
Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
The preacher who wants to add to his arsenal is observant of the world’s political, social and spiritual state in order to speak to the concerns and worries of the people. He also is observant within his present surroundings. Keeping in mind the natural world, types of people, side comments and current events aids the preacher in using modern day parables to relate to his listeners. The Holy Spirit may also use the observant preacher to call out sin or affliction in the lives of people so that they may be ministered to appropriately.
William Thayer in his much underappreciated book Gaining Favor With God and Man (a book I highly recommend for every Christian) says of observation; “Observation implies discernment and penetration, which see quickly in spite of artifice and concealment…” (pg. 47). Observation will lend a hand to answering the real questions that are asked though they are concealed behind seemingly pointless questions. It will also lend a hand in avoiding insincere questions, though they may seem serious. How? By observing behavior, body language, conversation
Having keen observation skills also helps keep the preacher and his listeners as safe as possible. I for one usually try to preach with my back against something solid, or for practical purposes I preach with my face to the sun so listeners are not straining against the sun to see me.
Observation will help the preacher make optimal use of his surroundings for the purpose of parables, safety and even logistics. At a homosexual parade in Dallas, Texas a group of us were preaching near the end of the parade route. Diagonally across the intersection from us was an apartment complex which, when preached against, threw our voices over the noise of the parade without electronic amplification and into the nearby park where there were various booths set up and the crowds watching the parade came to gather.
4.) BE in control
Acts 23:6-11
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.” And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
Here was Paul, held captive by the Pharisees and Sadducees of Israel. Of all people who seemed to be in control, Paul probably seemed to have the least control. But with observation and discernment, Paul regains control of the situation and the Lord delivers him out of the hands of those religious hypocrites. Paul’s quick thinking and ability to stay in control of the situation (as much as he was able) set in order the circumstances to execute the Lord’s will for his life (Acts 23:10-11.)
When witnessing for the Lord whether in conversation or public preaching, people will try to wrestle control away from the Christian. This is done through a flowing fountain of foolish questions, rambling, over qualifying what they are about to say, even bizarre distractions.
I have countless personal testimonies of circumstances of public preaching in which something happened that could have lost me the attention of the crowds, but thanks to the quick thinking aided by the Holy Spirit I was able to maintain control of the situation. Two examples, one mundane and one bizarre.
1) While leading a team of Christians on a night mission into Dallas, we had opportunity to witness to homeless people on the streets. A small group of girls on the team were talking to man who called himself “Porkchop.” I was walking nearby and I heard Porkchop overwhelming the conversation. The girls could hardly get a word about the Gospel in edgewise. I stopped and joined their group and listened for a few moments. As politely as possible, I interrupted Porkchop when I heard him quote a scripture to justify living in sin. Quoting some scripture and asking some probing questions, Porkchop then began to open up his life and told the sordid tale of how he had been living on the streets for over 30 years since he began running from the Lord when he was called to be an evangelist. The conversation was now where it was supposed to be, and girls were able to minister to Porkchop more accurately.
Randy Olsson, a man of the Lord that I respect greatly, called this process “de-evangelism.” De-evangelism happens when you relinquish control and sway of the conversation and the lost person(s) now have you at their conversational mercy. At this point, it’s extremely difficult to share the Gospel – in the worst cases; I have heard Christians agree with the sinner’s justifications just to get out of the conversation.
2) Open air preaching on the University of Memphis campus in Tennessee I was sharing the gospel with a group of about 20 students. The area we were preaching was shaded by huge, lovely oak trees with many low hanging branches about ten or twelve feet off the ground. In the middle of the preaching, a hawk swooped down from the sky over the heads of the crowd and caught a large squirrel scampering along one of the nearby branches. The crowd went nuts (no pun intended). They were completely distracted. I was actually a bit distracted myself, having only seen something like that on the Discovery channel. At the noise of the crowd, the hawk picked up his fresh take-out to dine in private. After a moment or two the crowd was beginning to quiet down. Some students were watching to see how I could recover from being upstaged by “mother nature.” Seizing the opportunity, I dramatically cried out how death will meet us all in such a way. I had the attention of the crowd once more and we were immediately on the Gospel topic once again.
It’s been said that you can make the best of circumstances or make the best circumstances.
The preacher is the one bringing the message from the Lord. While it is very important to listen and understand what people are saying when they respond and ask questions, it is equally as important to always seek how to further the Gospel at every opportunity, even using what has been said or asked to plough forward and stay the course.
I have witnessed seasoned open air preachers as they conducted their meetings with groups of 5, 50 and 500 people. One of many good qualities they all share is the ability to control the crowd they are preaching to. I don’t mean hypnosis or creepy things like that, but an understanding of crowd mentality. In order to regain the attention of a rowdy or distracted crowd, depending on the circumstance, I have seen preachers sit down on a ledge or chair and begin speaking at a conversational level, which subdues a loud group and tends to send mockers away when they realize those who are pressing in close are serious about listening. I have seen preachers invite people to sit down, announcing “story time” to change direction of a distracted crowd. I have seen some preachers punctuate a distraction by being a touch melodramatic, or even being humorous to lighten an unreasonably serious moment. I have seen an open air college campus preacher having the crowd engaged so well that they were chanting at his cue or filling in blanks as he named different popular bands, songs, etc.
The principle applies conversationally as I mentioned in the case of Porkchop. Not to the degree in an open air meeting, but it is important to have a firm grasp on the direction of the conversation, but relaxed enough to learn about the person you’re witnessing to. In either case, don’t give mercy to rabbit trails in conversations or debates. Many, many times seemingly serious inquirers have approached to ask questions about some topic or another, and upon having their question answered pull an unrelated question out of their hat, and again and again. My lesson learned was to stick on that initial topic which was brought up and use it as an avenue to share the Gospel. Ask if the person is conceding to your point, or if he has a rebuttal. Do not play “stump the chump,” which is a game played by mockers to just see what the preacher will say about whatever topic they come up with, with no genuine want of an answer. In an open air setting, I try to never let anyone get away with asking a question and then turning their attention away to talk to someone.
Defining your terms and ensuring the attention of the hearers goes a long way in an open air meeting. Many times the crowd is always changing with new people. This often will result in the same question being asked, or objection voiced. With proper exhortation I have seen members of crowds educate newcomers to the group; “He already explained that! He said…” “Not again, we’re asking serious questions.” “Wait your turn. He’ll only answer you if you have your hand raised.”
I think this section on “control” has been the longest because it is something that tends to be relinquished to easily by the Christian witness, thus helping a sinner to feel comfortable and justified in their current lost state.
There are tons of other useful points that can be addressed. But as far as the PRACTICAL side of preaching, I find these points to be very important.
I hope you gleaned something useful from it. As always, comments and questions are welcome.
The following points are practical aspects to preaching. They certainly will never take the place of prayer, fasting and knowing the Bible.
1.) BE approachable - Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
I believe it was C.H. Spurgeon who said, in regards to open air preaching; "For heaven's sake, DON'T SCREAM!" By approachable, I don't mean "likeable," "huggable," or "tolerable." What I mean is that the preacher should not lift his voice in such a way (depending on the physical circumstances) that people are comfortable to stand afar off and listen. Loud enough to be heard, but quiet enough that people can't quite hear unless they draw closer. Wisdom on the part of the preacher must be exercised to avoid deliberate slandering and insulting to degrade or maliciously embarrass someone.
2.) BE engaging
2 Timothy 2:23-26
But avoid FOOLISH and IGNORANT disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must NOT QUARREL but be GENTLE to all, able to TEACH, PATIENT, in HUMILITY CORRECTING those who are in OPPOSITION, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Luke 18:18-25
And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said unto him, “why callest thou me good? None is good save one, that is God. Thou knowest the commandments, do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not dear false witness, honor thy father and they mother.
And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth up.” No when Jesus heard these things he said unto him, “Yet lackest thou one thing; sell all that thou hast, and distribute it unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come, follow me.” And when he heard this he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.”
The only thing that getting into a debate over a foolish topic, or debate someone who really does not know what they are talking about serves to provide is entertainment for mockers. People will most likely take you more seriously if you don't let yourself get taken for a chump down some rabbit trail about the existence of quarks or the "scientific" theory that dinosaurs died from their own flatulence. The preacher is not out to get into an argument, but contend for the faith. Negative Ad Hominem attacks should be avoided and gentleness is not code for "coddling," but rather compassion.
Engaging also means relevant. Not relevant in the sense of conforming to culture, but rather speaking, as Jesus did, to the circumstance and person specifically. Ambiguity and vagueness is not profitable for the preacher. Sins must be named, not left anonymous. People must know they are being spoken to directly, not glanced over by preaching about “they” and “people.” Many times people respond to this by crying that they have been personally insulted. This is either 1) mishearing or 2) a wounded conscience. The preacher should obey John 7:24 and never judge by outward appearances, but judge righteously.
3.) BE observant
Luke 12:56
Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
The preacher who wants to add to his arsenal is observant of the world’s political, social and spiritual state in order to speak to the concerns and worries of the people. He also is observant within his present surroundings. Keeping in mind the natural world, types of people, side comments and current events aids the preacher in using modern day parables to relate to his listeners. The Holy Spirit may also use the observant preacher to call out sin or affliction in the lives of people so that they may be ministered to appropriately.
William Thayer in his much underappreciated book Gaining Favor With God and Man (a book I highly recommend for every Christian) says of observation; “Observation implies discernment and penetration, which see quickly in spite of artifice and concealment…” (pg. 47). Observation will lend a hand to answering the real questions that are asked though they are concealed behind seemingly pointless questions. It will also lend a hand in avoiding insincere questions, though they may seem serious. How? By observing behavior, body language, conversation
Having keen observation skills also helps keep the preacher and his listeners as safe as possible. I for one usually try to preach with my back against something solid, or for practical purposes I preach with my face to the sun so listeners are not straining against the sun to see me.
Observation will help the preacher make optimal use of his surroundings for the purpose of parables, safety and even logistics. At a homosexual parade in Dallas, Texas a group of us were preaching near the end of the parade route. Diagonally across the intersection from us was an apartment complex which, when preached against, threw our voices over the noise of the parade without electronic amplification and into the nearby park where there were various booths set up and the crowds watching the parade came to gather.
4.) BE in control
Acts 23:6-11
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.” And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
Here was Paul, held captive by the Pharisees and Sadducees of Israel. Of all people who seemed to be in control, Paul probably seemed to have the least control. But with observation and discernment, Paul regains control of the situation and the Lord delivers him out of the hands of those religious hypocrites. Paul’s quick thinking and ability to stay in control of the situation (as much as he was able) set in order the circumstances to execute the Lord’s will for his life (Acts 23:10-11.)
When witnessing for the Lord whether in conversation or public preaching, people will try to wrestle control away from the Christian. This is done through a flowing fountain of foolish questions, rambling, over qualifying what they are about to say, even bizarre distractions.
I have countless personal testimonies of circumstances of public preaching in which something happened that could have lost me the attention of the crowds, but thanks to the quick thinking aided by the Holy Spirit I was able to maintain control of the situation. Two examples, one mundane and one bizarre.
1) While leading a team of Christians on a night mission into Dallas, we had opportunity to witness to homeless people on the streets. A small group of girls on the team were talking to man who called himself “Porkchop.” I was walking nearby and I heard Porkchop overwhelming the conversation. The girls could hardly get a word about the Gospel in edgewise. I stopped and joined their group and listened for a few moments. As politely as possible, I interrupted Porkchop when I heard him quote a scripture to justify living in sin. Quoting some scripture and asking some probing questions, Porkchop then began to open up his life and told the sordid tale of how he had been living on the streets for over 30 years since he began running from the Lord when he was called to be an evangelist. The conversation was now where it was supposed to be, and girls were able to minister to Porkchop more accurately.
Randy Olsson, a man of the Lord that I respect greatly, called this process “de-evangelism.” De-evangelism happens when you relinquish control and sway of the conversation and the lost person(s) now have you at their conversational mercy. At this point, it’s extremely difficult to share the Gospel – in the worst cases; I have heard Christians agree with the sinner’s justifications just to get out of the conversation.
2) Open air preaching on the University of Memphis campus in Tennessee I was sharing the gospel with a group of about 20 students. The area we were preaching was shaded by huge, lovely oak trees with many low hanging branches about ten or twelve feet off the ground. In the middle of the preaching, a hawk swooped down from the sky over the heads of the crowd and caught a large squirrel scampering along one of the nearby branches. The crowd went nuts (no pun intended). They were completely distracted. I was actually a bit distracted myself, having only seen something like that on the Discovery channel. At the noise of the crowd, the hawk picked up his fresh take-out to dine in private. After a moment or two the crowd was beginning to quiet down. Some students were watching to see how I could recover from being upstaged by “mother nature.” Seizing the opportunity, I dramatically cried out how death will meet us all in such a way. I had the attention of the crowd once more and we were immediately on the Gospel topic once again.
It’s been said that you can make the best of circumstances or make the best circumstances.
The preacher is the one bringing the message from the Lord. While it is very important to listen and understand what people are saying when they respond and ask questions, it is equally as important to always seek how to further the Gospel at every opportunity, even using what has been said or asked to plough forward and stay the course.
I have witnessed seasoned open air preachers as they conducted their meetings with groups of 5, 50 and 500 people. One of many good qualities they all share is the ability to control the crowd they are preaching to. I don’t mean hypnosis or creepy things like that, but an understanding of crowd mentality. In order to regain the attention of a rowdy or distracted crowd, depending on the circumstance, I have seen preachers sit down on a ledge or chair and begin speaking at a conversational level, which subdues a loud group and tends to send mockers away when they realize those who are pressing in close are serious about listening. I have seen preachers invite people to sit down, announcing “story time” to change direction of a distracted crowd. I have seen some preachers punctuate a distraction by being a touch melodramatic, or even being humorous to lighten an unreasonably serious moment. I have seen an open air college campus preacher having the crowd engaged so well that they were chanting at his cue or filling in blanks as he named different popular bands, songs, etc.
The principle applies conversationally as I mentioned in the case of Porkchop. Not to the degree in an open air meeting, but it is important to have a firm grasp on the direction of the conversation, but relaxed enough to learn about the person you’re witnessing to. In either case, don’t give mercy to rabbit trails in conversations or debates. Many, many times seemingly serious inquirers have approached to ask questions about some topic or another, and upon having their question answered pull an unrelated question out of their hat, and again and again. My lesson learned was to stick on that initial topic which was brought up and use it as an avenue to share the Gospel. Ask if the person is conceding to your point, or if he has a rebuttal. Do not play “stump the chump,” which is a game played by mockers to just see what the preacher will say about whatever topic they come up with, with no genuine want of an answer. In an open air setting, I try to never let anyone get away with asking a question and then turning their attention away to talk to someone.
Defining your terms and ensuring the attention of the hearers goes a long way in an open air meeting. Many times the crowd is always changing with new people. This often will result in the same question being asked, or objection voiced. With proper exhortation I have seen members of crowds educate newcomers to the group; “He already explained that! He said…” “Not again, we’re asking serious questions.” “Wait your turn. He’ll only answer you if you have your hand raised.”
I think this section on “control” has been the longest because it is something that tends to be relinquished to easily by the Christian witness, thus helping a sinner to feel comfortable and justified in their current lost state.
There are tons of other useful points that can be addressed. But as far as the PRACTICAL side of preaching, I find these points to be very important.
I hope you gleaned something useful from it. As always, comments and questions are welcome.