Featured The Death of Timothy

I think we all need encouragement sometimes, and even appreciate "validation" among our peers. We do, as a Body, rely on our peers to keep us in line, do we not? And one of the beauties of Forum fellowship is most here are students of the Word, so where better to challenge our Theology and Ministries?

The OP is fairly simple, it is the question, basically...

"...is open air preaching a valid ministry?"

That he feels that people have spoken to him in discouraging, rather than edifying ways, is not something we should be surprised about either. And it cannot be denied...I have personally witnessed this, and was shocked, because we don't have many who have the courage to do what he does. It is, in my view, a gift from God and it is my opinion God is leading him in this.

We should encourage, and edify, all of our brothers and sisters in whatever ministry they perform.


God bless.

 

How is that relevant to what I said?

Who did Jeremiah disciple? Did Paul minister to all those who fell under his voice when he was preaching open air? How about Christ? Could we accuse Him of not "following up" because He didn't minister to everyone falling under His voice?

For discipleship to take place in regards to open air preaching, the first step is the response of the hearer, who must approach the preacher to let them know they have received the message. We can't force people to follow up.

I am in total agreement that discipleship is a serious problem for us, but, I don't see the rigid application that seems to be thrust on an open air preacher. It is a unique ministry which requires a response from the hearers for any reasonable discipleship might be considered reasonable.

I witness to people all the time, without follow up. The reason? Because many of these encounters are one time encounters, and I trust that at best I have planted a seed that can be watered somewhere down the line by someone else.

The same is true for open air preaching.


God bless.

 

A friend of mine, who was before being ordained an open air preacher (and he may still do it, not sure about that), put his number on all of his tracts, so thought I would ask if you do that, and if not, just wanted to suggest it.


God bless.

 

He wasn't there, lol. It's a reference to Han Solo speaking to Princess Leia in Star Wars, one of my favorite movies.

We all get to a point where we just need to lighten up a little.


God bless.

 

Why don't you get tracts that allow you to follow up?

 

Most popular to whom? Those who use tracks or those who receive them?

 

I use to use these but thought that someone might get angry at being fooled, so stopped using them. My favorite tracts are Chick Tracts (which can have info placed on the back to encourage follow up), because it is just a proven method for getting people to read...who doesn't like cartoons? Some of them are offensive, though, particularly the Catholic tracts. Some might think it might "shake someone up" but the primary result is that people are offended.

These days, though, I prefer simply to talk to people.


God bless.

 

The sale of tracts are no indicator of how well they are received. In fact most people who hand out tracks actually interact with those who receive them very few times.

 

So at that parade everyone you passed a tract too told you which tract was their favorite and they all picked the one you said was most popular?

Or did you use my questions as a springboard to tell everyone what you did?

 

Please tell us that you do not use those at restaurants in lieu of tips.

My own opinion. Any tract that uses deceit as a hook to grab interest is not one that should be distributed. There are better options.

 

Really? You have knowledge as to whether I am out witnessing to the lost? Please provide all of us on this board this evidence you have to prove I am not out witnessing to the lost. I am patiently waiting.