Servant Evangelism
Dear Christian friends,
Our SOS-San Francisco outreaches are known for what we call “high-visibility evangelism”–preaching, use of signs and banners, giving out gospel tracts, and calling people to make a decision for Christ. It involves preaching the fear of God, judgment, God’s law, repentance and Hell as well as the love of God, mercy, forgiveness, the joy of knowing Jesus, and Heaven.
However, there are those who prefer a different, more low-key approach. Their emphasis is more on one-on-one sharing, being very sensitive not to “turn people off” to the gospel, and using a “culturally-relevant” approach.
This summer we tried both approaches. At half of our rallies, we used signs and banners, as usual. At the other rallies, we didn’t use any signs or banners. Some Christians were concerned that the signs would “turn off” people who might otherwise listen to the music and get ministered to. They may be right, but it is hard to know. It seemed that our crowds were about the same size regardless of whether we used signs. On days we used signs, hundreds of people walked or drove by our outreaches and at least read a message about Jesus. When we didn’t use signs, these people probably didn’t even know we were Christians.
The Vineyard Christian Fellowship, which we worked with during the outreach, printed thousands of four-color “rave cards” inviting people to nightly concerts at the church and the closing concert at Golden Gate Park. These cards said nothing about the gospel, but could be used to open up a conversation. Someone might ask about the card and we could say something about Jesus.
Of course, if you don’t mention Jesus and the person doesn’t come to the concert, you probably accomplished nothing. If they came to the concert and received a Christian witness, a gospel seed was planted. Some people who received the “rave cards” did in fact attend the concerts and a few made professions of faith. SF Vineyard Pastor Michael Brodeur estimates that at least 50 people prayed to receive Christ that week.
Another approach we used this year is called “servant evangelism.” The idea came mainly from Steve Sjogren, Pastor of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Cincinnati. This church was recently ranked as one of the 25 fastest-growing churches in the U.S. Steve was originally scheduled to speak at SOS, but he canceled because of a back injury. The idea is to do works of kindness with no strings attached, and to tell people that you are “showing God’s love in a practical way.”
One day during SOS, a team cleaned up graffiti in the Mission District. Also, we gave out bags of food and 1000 CD’s of Christian worship music. The idea of helping the poor is certainly not new. The Bible often teaches that God’s people should help the poor. We have done this for years, and find it opens many hearts to the gospel. But the idea of giving away sodas to people on a hot day (even though they can afford them) or offering free car washes (no donations accepted) is different.
Sjogren has tried many different “servant evangelism” projects. The idea of a free car wash is one of my favorites. Many churches use car washes to raise funds. But having a totally free car wash in your church parking lot is different. Such a project can help build good relations with neighbors.
Another idea I like came from Jerry Brandt. He would organize food drives in which Christians would go to those living near their church, asking for canned goods to give to the poor. On a certain day, they could bring the food to the church and it would be used in a food program. If the person wasn’t home, a flyer was left announcing the food drive. Many neighbors who would slam the door in the face of a Christian witnessing door to door would be happy to help feed the poor. They would probably be left with a positive attitude towards the church, as one that isn’t seeking to enrich itself but cares for the poor. These people have not heard the gospel, but they may now be more receptive to a gospel presentation or church invitation in the future.
God can use such acts of kindness to soften the hearts of people who hate Christians and the church. These people may have been molested by a priest or minister. They may have been “turned off” to the gospel by self-righteous hypocrites or corrupt TV preachers. As Sjogren admits, servant evangelism in itself is incomplete. People still need to hear the gospel, repent of their sins, and make a commitment to Jesus.
We try different approaches for two reasons. First, we want to walk in unity with other Christians. By being flexible in our methods, we are able to work with Christians who otherwise would not participate with us. Second, a new approach could be effective in reaching certain people who did not respond to other methods. “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” 1 Cor. 9.
Coming Events
EVERY FRIDAY 7 PM. Witnessing in various S.F. neighborhoods. Meet at Vineyard, 7th St. and Harrison, San Francisco. Call (510) 531- 5325 for more information.
Saturday November 8 and 22. San Francisco worship rally. 12-6 PM. Call (510) 531-5325 for more information.
Saturday November 15. Berkeley Outreach. 12-5:30 PM Call (510) 531- 5325 for more information.
Ministry News
Our October newsletter left the impression that our permit problems in San Francisco could be over. In August, the police hearing officer admitted that “there is no legal basis to deny these permits.” Nonetheless, I was told yesterday that he is denying our October permits. As I write this, I have not read the official letter so I don’t know how he justifies this denial. It does seem that he is contradicting himself.
Meanwhile, we continue to prepare for trial on our lawsuit against the city. Last week, we had a full day deposition on Off. Gallagher in which we asked him questions about the permit denials and arrests. He tried his best to avoid answering questions, but some of his statements showed how they treated our ministry differently from other groups. He has never shut down or cited any other outdoor event except for us. He admitted that other groups are louder than us, but he didn’t cite them because he didn’t receive any complaints.
We will need another full day for Off. Gallagher’s deposition and will need other depositions as well. The cost for the court reporter and transcripts will be a few thousand dollars. A brother in Christ has donated $3000 towards the court costs, which we hope will be sufficient. The cost would certainly be over $100,000 if we had to pay for an attorney.
We believe that God has called us to preach the gospel in San Francisco using “high-visibility evangelism.” We have found that outdoor rallies involving music, preaching and testimonies are an effective way to minister in this city. We believe that God is directing us to pursue this matter through the court system. We hope that as a result of this effort, we will have renewed freedom to preach the gospel, and that this freedom will extend to other Christians. Please continue to pray for us in this matter, that God will grant us a victory so that the arrests will end and we will be able to get the permits we need.
Street Smarts
Anyone who witnesses for Jesus–on the streets or on the job–is likely to encounter people who claim what you are doing is illegal. We need to know the law so that we can respond to these challenges. Recently, I read a book called Street Smarts: A Survival Guide to Personal Evangelism and the Law by Steve Levicoff, PhD. This 228 page book has chapters on witnessing on the street, in shopping malls, at school and work, at stadiums and concerts, at airports, prisons and at home. It covers court cases regarding our rights and gives practical advice in handling problems. We are offering this book to our readers this month. I think it will help you gain a better understanding of our rights under the laws of this nation.
On the Streets
On September 13 we held our second outreach at the cable car turnaround, Powell and Market. Shiloh Full Gospel Church and Paul and Noreen Coca ministered through music. At times the area was packed with hundreds of people who had gathered to listen. We gave out hundreds of tracts and invitations to the Billy Graham crusades.
On September 20, we held our first Berkeley outreach in several months. Independent Community Church from Richmond ministered. For the first time, we set up a small sound system. The sound quality was much better than with the “maximouse” amplifiers we normally use. A few people complained but many people enjoyed the music. Several people preached and gave testimonies, and we gave out hundreds of tracts.
Please pray for those who have written and phoned us this past month in response to tracts, including Darlene (Fremont), Maureen (San Rafael), Bill (Dublin, CA), Megan (Gig Harbor, WA), Morris (San Bruno jail), Johnny (San Quentin prison) and Patricia (Chowchilla prison). Please pray for Melvin, who is in the Victo ry Outreach discipleship house in San Mateo. A few months ago, Dwight witnessed to Melvin, who was backslidden, on Polk St. Melvin prayed with him to rededicated his life to Christ. A month later, he went to Victory Outreach and has been in their program for a few months. Last week, I visited their church and Melvin was leading worship.
I received a letter recently from Scott Hinkle, who formerly organized the annual National Street Ministries Conference. He and some other ministry leaders are organizing a nationwide network/fellowship called Soulwinners International, linking outreach and inner city ministries, churches, and evangelistic ministers. They held a conference in Houston, TX on October 16-18. Because of the late notice, I was unable to notify you of the conference or to attend. I wrote Scott to tell him I would be very much interested in helping with Soulwinners International. I think it is important that those in street ministry work togeth er. For more information about this fellowship, contact Scott at Box 30642, Phoenix, AZ 85046, (602) 942-6362. Our Tape of the Month is Planning an Effective Street Ministry by Scott Hinkle.
Yours in His love,
Larry Rosenbaum
