By Larry Rosenbaum
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.
