8/8/25

Nick and I have recently felt that we need to explore new methods for engaging in evangelism that are more proclamatory, but we were uncertain of how we might go about it that would be productive and keep us distinct from the image that is already rejected by the majority of observers. Especially at Huntington Beach, there are "street preachers" who are recognized by their obnoxious presence - not necessarily due to the message, but rather due to the means of delivering it. We love to see people with a heart and willingness to share the Gospel, as this is generally rare, but we find that, while it is not always fruitless, there might be a better way. So, we were posed with the question, "How can we engage in productive and thoughtful public proclamation that invites people in instead of scaring them away?"

We weren't certain of the best approach, but we decided to move forward in trying something and developing from there. We decided to begin by street-preaching to Christians. As you can see in the photo above, we explicitly said that we were only preaching to Christians - as this would ideally put nonbelievers at some ease as well as cultivate curiosity in the abnormal focus. This would not only distinguish us from other obnoxious groups, but it would also provide us unique opportunities to engage diverse demographics. This method would ideally provide us with a space to exhort and challenge believers who aren't disciples (please understand what I'm saying) while also being heard by nonbelievers. Often, when I listen to street preaching, I'm bothered by the needlessly provocative method and incomplete message. In the past, I've shared some about some street preachers who've visited CSUF, but they are not approachable people. I don't want to sound like they can't bring people to Christ, but I do think there must be a better approach than the loud, angry, and inconsiderate expression often provided. 

This was the idea that we started with, but we found through our time on Tuesday that what we had was not the right set up for successful public preaching. We still had valuable conversations at the whiteboard on the Pier, but it wasn't what we had intended to do initially. However, we did receive valuable insight about how we should move forward in this engagement - and that was a huge answer to prayer!

As we fleshed it out in an initial draft, we plan to create teams of five or more people who, with the optional addition of a whiteboard, rotate through preaching and sharing the Gospel to each other in public places. This would serve many purposes - both for the practice and equipping of Christians in confidently preaching in public as well as for those who stop and listen. Those on the team who aren't preaching are listening and seeking to converse with those listening in and discuss what the person speaking is sharing about. This will provide a number of diverse opportunities for training and equipping while simultaneously preaching and sharing the Gospel with those walking by. This will help cultivate gentle and articulate speakers who are comfortable boldly sharing with others what they know, conversational evangelists who engage thoughtfully with those listening to encourage and provoke consideration and repentance, and a versatile approach that can be reproduced in almost any environment where there are people present. Additionally, having a team of five people provides a listening group that removes the awkwardness of empty gaps if there happen to be less people at one time or another.

We are finalizing our basic outline, and we look forward to trying it out soon so we can adjust as needed and begin inviting others to join us! I really love how this concept both equips Christians in practical skills and confidence as well as shares the Gospel with all those walking by and stopping. We plan to test this method out at Huntington Beach soon, and we hope to also take it to CSUF in a few weeks if we find it effective! Please pray for this process - that this might become an extremely practical and reproducible method for equipping and sending all in one!

Nick and I have also been in multiple conversations this week specifically calling people to consider explicitly why they are choosing to reject the word. They are primarily people that we've conversed with for a while, reasoning and addressing objections as they come, and, through the parable of the Sower and the seeds (Mark 4; Matt 13), we've asked them which of the soils they find themselves to be currently. In the two instances with this parable specifically, I was surprised to find it very effective in asking this question. Both seemed to be very honest, and the simpler parabolic approach seemed to aid in providing straightforward answers that soberly reveal where they are at. I think that this was helpful in these instances as it forced them to move out of mere skepticism - which is mighty comfortable for those who want to be "intellectual" yet not change - and it pushed them into honest recognition of their lack of genuine reason for not following Jesus. I've been reminded this week of how much I love genuine and raw responses - even despite not liking the response itself sometimes. I would rather have a nonbeliever who soberly realizes that they are rejecting Jesus simply because they want to be their own god than to have one hundred converts who merely claim a title and not a Teacher. The clearest test of a disciple—and the line demons won’t cross—is obedience to Jesus.

I feel that one of the deadliest threats to true discipleship is a casual "agreement" to a foreign idea or the improper association of antithetical things. I've experienced this the most with regards to what it means to follow Jesus as many reduce it down to the mere cognitive acknowledgement that it is far more reasonable to accept that Jesus was a real person 2,000 years ago who died on a Roman cross and rose three days later. That is not the criteria for a disciple of Jesus, and disciples are what we are called to make. I touch on this more in depth in my previous post here.