Part 1: The Heart & Art of Street Evangelism
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16.
Brethren, we carry the greatest message in the world, the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But how we deliver this message matters just as much as the message itself.
Here are some simple dos and don’ts to help you reach souls effectively and lovingly.
Before You Go:
DO: Pray Before You Go
Before stepping out, spend time in prayer. Pray much more in the Spirit. Ask God to prepare hearts ahead of you, guide your steps towards the right people and give you the utterance to speak right.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
DON’T: Go in Your Own Strength
Without prayer, you rely on yourself. With prayer, you are depending on the Holy Spirit to take charge. And while depending on Him, learn to be sensitive to how He leads you to approach someone and start talking with them. The Holy-Spirit will guide you on how to connect with the person and He will give you the utterance to speak the right words.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6.
Your Appearance Matters
DO: Dress Neatly and Approachably
Your appearance either opens doors or closes them. Look clean, modest, and friendly. A smile is your best accessory.
DON’T: Look Intimidating or Careless
Avoid dark sunglasses, folded arms, or a rushed demeanor. People should see you as approachable, not aggressive.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.
The First Approach
DO: Approach with Respect and a Smile
Start with a warm greeting. Ask how their day is going. Show genuine interest in them as a person, not just a soul to be won.
“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” Proverbs 15:23.
DON’T: Start with “You’re Going to Hell”
Fear-based openers rarely lead to true conversion. Start with love. Let the Holy Spirit bring conviction, not your harsh words.
“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.
The Conversation Itself
DO: Listen More Than You Talk
Ask questions. Find out what they believe. Seek to understand them. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” James 1:19.
DON’T: Interrupt or Argue
If they disagree, stay calm. Arguments harden hearts. If they become angry or hostile, politely excuse yourself and move on.
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.” 2 Timothy 2:24.
Sharing the Message
DO: Use Simple Language
Use words everyone can understand. Explain sin, salvation, and Jesus in a simple way.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2.
DON’T: Show Off Your Bible Knowledge
Long quotes and complicated theology can confuse people. Keep it simple. Let the Holy Spirit do the deep work.
Giving Them Room to Respond
DO: Give Them Space to Respond
After sharing, ask gently: “Does this make sense to you?” or “Would you like to receive Jesus today?” Let them decide. Never pressure.
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.” Revelation 3:20.
DON’T: Force a Decision
Salvation is between them and God. If they’re not ready, plant a seed of God’s word and move on. Some plant, some water, God gives the increase.
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6.
After the Conversation
DO: Leave Something Behind
A tract, a flyer with church details, or even just your name and number. Give them something to remember the conversation by.
DON’T: Forget to Follow Up
If they seem interested, ask for their contact information (with permission). Let them know someone will check on them. Then actually follow up!
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42.
DO: End with Love
Whether they receive Jesus or not, leave them with kindness. Say, “God bless you” or “It was nice meeting you.” Your last word should be love.
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Corinthians 13:13.
In Part 2, we will look at the practical approaches for different locations such as streets, neighborhoods, and shops, along with our Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for effective follow-up.
Continue to Part 2 →
By Emmanuel Akin-Williams.