Is Open Air Campus Preaching Biblical?
Date: Feb 03, 2009 Posted By: Rick Warzywakwww.muiczone.com
CONTENTS IN THIS SECTION:
Message from Preacher Rick to Michigan University Students.
- Why is Open Air Preaching needed on universities?
- Why do campus preachers yell, scream, and judge us? It?s wrong to call people names?
- What right do they have to come to our campus? Is there a legal precedent?
- What does the Bible say about open air preaching?
- Centeral Michigan University Poll
WHY IS OPEN AIR PREACHING NEEDED ON UNIVERSITIES?
"And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15-16)
Universities are intended to be places of intellectual stimulation and learning where differing views can be compared. The Christian or Biblical worldview is rarely given and very much discriminated against by liberalism that has overtaken our universities.
Point to ponder: If you were a doctor who had a cure for cancer, should you not take it out to a dying world suffering from this deadly disease?
As an open air campus preacher myself, it is my contention that college students can still be reached with the truth of God's Word. As individuals become older they get more set in their ways. During this time many young people are making life decisions. If the Bible is true as I firmly believe, the truth must be shared that is in God's Word. We are dealing with eternal consequences that involve every person! As a Christian, I have a responsibility to preach on matters of life and death in a venue where so many do not believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Souls are at stake for eternity!
Point to ponder: People line up for hours to purchase something at a cheap sale price. God is giving everlasting life. . . where are the lines?
"For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel." (1 Corinthians 9:16)
I firmly believe that America is on a downward slide and that every freedom we hold dear will be lost if we do not turn back to God. This generation is a key to the future of America and this is another reason why preaching on university campuses is needed.
Point to ponder: "Wherever the Gospel is preached, no matter how crudely, there are bound to be results." - Billy Graham
University students are taught to be "tolerant" of all views except Christianity. The Christian message is being assaulted on every educational front on our university campuses. The majority of students on our universities believe that there are many ways to God. What if it's true that Jesus Christ is the only way as the Bible says? Why is there so much intolerance towards this view? What about morality issues such as pre-marital sex, abortion, and homosexuality? The truth in God's Word regarding these issues are scoffed at, denied, and blatantly disregarded. If you keep telling a person 1 + 1 = 3 they will begin to believe it. Discrediting God's Word is common on college campuses and doubts are cast regarding the Bible consistently in young minds resulting in a moral freefall.
"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 3)
There is a lack of knowledge on our campuses on the blessings and curses that will befall a nation and a generation based on obedience and disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). God who is the creator and moral governor of the universe will intervene into the affairs of man. It is for our good as God is love and desires for none to perish. Warnings (act of love) must be given on universities that disobedience to God results in consequences that will most definitely affect their future.
"Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28)
Warnings are always intended to save lives and property. It is an act of goodwill and love even though not perceived as such by many in the world especially on college campuses.
Point to ponder: A dulled conscience will make a molehill out of a mountain of sin.
Every individual needs to be challenged to consider what the reason for our existence on earth is. What is our purpose in life? Eternity hangs in the balance for every individual born. Hope and encouragement must be offered. Christians are the carriers of eternal life through what Christ accomplished on the cross and have been given the responsibility to offer this free gift to all. We must not shirk our responsibility as we will have to account for what we know and what we have done (Romans 1:16). An honest open air preacher will look at every individual they encounter and see a potential area of ministry where you have the opportunity of bringing salvation and hope. When Christ appointed the 12 apostles, they were allowed to be in His presence. Jesus sent them out to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons (Mark 3:13-14). This privilege was not only for those 12 apostles but given to all of us! It is our duty and responsibility to preach open air on college campuses - if we truly care about this generation. We have been given an assignment based on the gifts and talents God has put within us.
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner." (Proverbs 11:30-31)
Many times I have Christians who approach me and ask me to leave campus because they feel this method is hurting the cause for Christ. My only response is based on 18years of experience is that it is effective. God's Word will always have an impact an affect the hearer. Some will accept, others will reject and deny, and some will become angry because their conscience has been afflicted. One has to realize that angry responses are the norm as history proves. Jesus said His church would face persecution and tribulation.
"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh." (Jude 20-23)
Christians have to look at it in a team concept fashion where we are members of one body that has differing parts with different functions. Using a football team analogy I may be the "offensive lineman" but if I execute my position and responsibilities properly as other team members the job gets done. Another Christian may feel to witness one on one building a friendship over time is more proper. This is good! It all works together for good.
Open air preaching opens up many doors for Christians to share there faith on a campus in a variety of ways regardless if you agree or disagree with the approach or method. The messenger needs not be defended, but lift up the Word of God instead and share the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. When a person says that open air preaching "turns him off" to Christianity it is a lame excuse. There are underlying issues that need to be addressed, mainly accountability and responsibility to what has been heard. Many times these individuals will not change nor want to become a Christian. Selfishness is the realm they exist in and they remain in a state of denial. Is God big enough to undo a wrong caused by a camous preacher? The answer is YES!
Point to ponder: "Give me 100 preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or layman, such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of God upon the earth." - John Wesley (Great Awakening Methodist Revivalist and Evangelist)
WHY DO CAMPUS PREACHERS YELL, SCREAM, AND JUDGE US? IT?S WRONG TO CALL PEOPLE NAMES!
"Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops." (Matthew 10:27)
This is a good question that needs to be addressed. I understand the accusation made towards open air campus preachers as it all in the perspective and how one perceives an individual raising his voice to be heard. The word "preach" means to publicly proclaim. It is a lifting of one's voice so it can be heard off from a distance.
Yelling or screaming usually results from one being angry or offended. Preaching is publicly delivering a message with a loud voice in order to enable hearers to be offered salvation through the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a difference! It can be confrontational at times, but the Christian has the responsibility to be compassionate even when challenged in an aggressive manner.
The main reasons why people perceive they are being yelled at is that they are not familiar with the Biblical mandate to go out to publicly proclaim out loud the Gospel and truth of God's Word (See question below). Many also are afflicted or agitated in their conscience as the Word of God dismantles all the walls people hide behind. The truth exposes sin and brings accountability and responsibility to a creator God. Individuals are now put in a position to accept or reject what is heard. They react angrily and accuse open air preachers of screaming and yelling at them. It can be considered a "straw dog" argument by some.
Another criticism made by students is that they are being judged and there is no love in the message. No campus preacher has any standing to judge the motive and intent of anyone's heart.
"My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." (1 Corinthians 4:4-5)
God's Word is the judge!
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4: 12-13)
The confusion comes in when the Word of God is proclaimed. The Word points out sin in ones life and brings conviction as the conscience is agitated. Students say the messenger (preacher) is guilty of judging them and calling them names many times.
FOR EXAMPLE:
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators (pre-marital sex), nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Now one who is passing by who hears this scripture above being spoken with an uplifted voice, there are some that assume the preacher is calling them a name. This is false assumption again as the Word of God is the judge.
NOTE: Any campus preacher who calls any student or individual a name such as a whore, liar, adulterer or thief is blatantly wrong. Now if the individual openly admitted they were guilty through discussion than to call one what they admitted to - is acceptable.
I have been told that some campus preachers have said out loud to girls passing by wearing a T-Shirt, or anyone wearing tattoos would go to Hell. This is a very wrong statement to make and is in error! We are never to judge the outward appearance of anyone.
"But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
The claim that is made that open air preachers do not preach out of love but hate may be true in some cases. Some may preach with other motives as the scripture describes below. They all will give an account to God some day. The important thing is that Christ is preached!
"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." (Philippians 1:15-18)
It is not my purpose (Preacher Rick) to judge motive and intent of ones heart of any particular preacher. Most campus preachers come out of compassion and care for people who are lost and going to Hell. Again there are those who may not! The words preached may appear to be very hard, because a warning is being given to get out of harms way.
"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment , so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:27-28)
I myself preach both love and judgment, mercy and justice, and the goodness and severity of God. A message needs to be balanced and contain the totality of the message in God's Word. Eternity is a very serious matter in both the Old and New Testaments! Many times we try to love people in such a way where the truth of the Gospel is never shared because we are afraid to offend them.
CAMPUS REALITY SHOW:
"I was preaching the Gospel one fine, warm, sunny day on a university campus. Two joggers happened by, and they ran in place while listening to me preach -- out of curiosity. They saw a small crowd gathered around me and didn't want to miss any action. I focused my attention upon them and asked one of the joggers, "Who is Jesus Christ to you?" He told me that Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior. I asked his friend the same question and he said he really didn't know. I asked the Christian young man if he knew the other jogger very well. He said they were roommates. I asked him whether he ever shared with his roommate his faith in Jesus Christ, and how we all need a Savior. He said, no! I then explained that if both of them, just by chance, if you both got hit by a truck today and were killed, as they were jogging, one of them would be facing hell and judgment. I told the young man who knew Jesus Christ as his Savior that it was his responsibility to tell his friend the good news of the Gospel. Two sets of eyes began to bug out and legs began to high step very quickly as both joggers ran off." - Preacher Rick
Hell is real and exists as a place for the destruction of evil (See video - 23 Minutes in Hell - on website). Love and mercy exists just as much as judgment and justice. We must look at warning others as an act of love and concern for those around us. I do not oppose giving out donuts and cookies and ice water on a hot day. If these outward acts of kindness are done without the sharing of the Gospel, I would say we are doing God a disservice as a laborer in His harvest.
So, I conclude that open air preaching is not screaming or yelling, but an effective way of proclaiming with a loud voice the very truth of God's Word that all need to hear in the public forum - like university campuses. It certainly is an inexpensive method that reaches the most people at one time. Open air preaching causes many discussions to result and opportunities for believers in Jesus Christ to share the Gospel.
Point to ponder: Some may say numbers do not matter, but with God every soul is important.
DO CAMPUS PREACHERS HAVE RIGHTS TO COME TO OUR CAMPUS? IS THERE A LEGAL PRECEDENT?
As a campus preacher I have been asked numerous times what right do I have to speak as openly as I do on a university campus. This is America and we highly value free speech in our nation. When dissenting voices begin to be silenced on a campus or the public forum you will witness the beginning fall of a nation that will go into bondage. The terms "politically correct" and "tolerance" as well as "hate crimes" are fashioned in a way to silence people who have opposing views.
Unfortunately many judges sitting in our courts have swallowed the lie of "political correctness" through the inundation of liberalism on universities in this past and present generation. The fruit (bad) is now manifesting itself in a way where the Bible and its moral code are under attack in almost every facet of society. Tolerance applies to everything except Christianity.
Are their restraints when in the public arena that should be followed? I believe there is a civility that comes with our free speech rights on a university campus. My intent is never to interrupt university classes, force literature upon people, or call any person an offensive name. My purpose is to intellectually stimulate and reason with students in a open air forum that will challenge belief systems. Are not university campuses supposed to encourage learning and to search for truth?
Many times I will quote this scripture below and the homosexual community will call the police and make false accusations and claim "hate crime". Or one passing by may say I am calling people offensive names.
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators (pre-marital sex), nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
This is utter foolishness as it was the Word of God which casts the judgment and states the resultant consequences of this sin (homosexuality) as so many others. When this nation begins to ban the Bible (or has it already happened in some places?) we are in big trouble and on the verge of losing a nation and all its freedoms we now enjoy.
There is an aggressive move on some universities to silence the voice of Biblical morality. Some police have attempted to stop the distribution of literature, silence voices, and deny access to universities. They are very ignorant of existing laws that give any US citizen this right of free speech in the public forum. The right to free speech is absolute. It is especially so at a school or a city that seeks respect amongst those who believe inherently in education and the free exchange of ideas. It is especially needful when students are leading lives of self destruction via alcohol, sex, drugs, and other behaviors.
WHAT IS THE LEGAL PRECEDENT?
Any individual has the right to preach freely and pass out literature and display signs in public areas, as it is a U. S. Constitutional right, First Amendment. See Coates v Cincinnati, 402 U. S. 611, and Edwards v South Carolina, 372 U.S. 229. This applies to high schools and grade schools, as well as colleges and municipalities.
Section 1983 Suits will subject any university, individual, or municipality to damages and attorney fees (See Title 43, Section1983 of the United States Code). This is a Federal Case and allows any Defense Attorney to sue any individual for damages. See, also portions of the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act", Title 42, Section 2000a.
When we allow the Biblical voice of morality to be silenced our nation will catapult into the depths of moral depravity which will result in God intervening into our affairs in ways that will bring judgment. Do you want that to happen??? I do not!
"Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul would soon have settled in silence. If I say, "My foot slips," Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul. Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, have fellowship with You? They gather together against the life of the righteous, and condemn innocent blood. But the Lord has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge. He has brought on them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; the Lord our God shall cut them off." (Psalm 94:16-23)
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT OPEN AIR PREACHING?
(Portion of this was taken from a pamphlet by Cornerstone Ministries in Norwalk, California)
In Bible times life was much simpler than it is today. Communication of ideas and information was found in a limited scope. In today's world things are much different. From the written page to communication, in even space, the transfer of information is radically different. The Internet, Blogs, Facebook, and My Space have changed the face of how we communicate in today's world.
Why should we not consider or evaluate the subject of open air preaching found within scripture? Should there be campus, street, or public preaching today? Should there be open air preaching on our university campuses where Biblical truths can be considered since it may be a matter of life or death? Are not universities a perfect place where intellectual stimulation takes place and ideas should be challenged? Is America still a place where free speech can be honored and revered? Is giving warning confused with judgment and accusation? Is an aspect of love and responsibility not being understood in open air preaching of the Word of God?
The most obvious answer to these questions we will fully document utilizing God's instruction within scripture. First, we must take a look at the Biblical perspective of the word "preach". Also in this communication, we will show the weakness found in contemporary approaches versus the strength and power found in God's way - open air preaching. The common understanding of the word "preach" is usually relegated to a select few: pastors, evangelist, etc. Additionally, the idea of preaching has been redefined as witnessing, which for all practical purposes, has eliminated the practice as found in Scripture. These two points quench those who read and follow the men in the Bible as an example to follow. The high-tech world of the Internet, books, radio, TV has become the main lines of communication for getting the word out. While looking like the most obvious way, their substitution for God's way has left most of the world unreached.
All of these approaches share a common ingredient: they only communicate to those who want to hear or those who are already believers. Ninety nine percent of the audience is hearing information they already possess. Internet googling, searches, and literature are both useful, but only to those who take time to pursue it. Witnessing is good, and should be the mainstay in the believer's life, but again it is very hard to reach more than a few. While God uses the above described to reap some of those who are ready, the rest of the world goes without hearing the truth of God's Word. In addition, the methods of today are very expensive, and the poor use of God's money and the churches time.
Public preaching is the most effective way to get the Gospel to the most people in the shortest time at the least expense. Public preaching is the number one method of outreach used throughout the Bible, in both the Old Testament and New Testament. What then is the definition preaching?
According to Webster?s Dictionary:
PREACH: Comes from a Latin word meaning to proclaim publicly; a sermon urging acceptance or abandonment of an idea or course of action; specifically in and earnestly tiresome and officious manner.
Officious is defined as volunteering one services, where they are not asked for or wanted; they are meddlesome and high-handed. This is a key word in much of what is Biblical preaching. The prophets through Christ in the New Testament church told it like it was and paid the price for their boldness. Jesus said that narrow is the way and few find it (Matthew 7:13-14). Truth that goes out to so few requires such an approach as open air preaching.
As we have outlined, preaching today is narrowly defined and this is understood to the exclusion of the above definition, and typically refers to invited people, invited speakers, and scheduled services. Biblical preaching, however, conforms to the above definition, and is often too hostile crowds outside religious services, to those who would seek to even kill the messenger. With these things in mind, let us now explore the subject within scripture.
THE OLD TESTAMENT...
The Old Testament is rich with accounts of public preaching.
"Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words:" (Proverbs 1: 20-21)
The word "cries" mean shouting out loud and "chief concourses" means where the biggest crowds are gathered.
"Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors:" (Proverbs 8:1-3)
Old Testament prophets often preached at the gates of the city. The gates were the busiest place in town. The cities in Bible times were surrounded by walls for protection, and all the traffic in and out of the city went through the gate. It was the place to be to get a message to all visitors (Genesis 19:1), as well as the citizens going in and out to work in the fields, and the king and all dignitaries. All kinds of activity took place at the gates:
Business Transactions - (Genesis 20 3:1, 2 Kings 7:1).
Community Meetings - "City Hall" (Genesis 34:20, 2 Samuel 15:2, Proverbs 31:23, Lamentations 5:14)
Legal Decisions/Courts - (Deuteronomy 22:15, Ruth 4:1, 2 Samuel 15:2, Amos 5:15, Zechariah 8:16)
Public Executions - (Deuteronomy 22:24)
Public Mourning - (2 Samuel 18:33)
Daily Chores - (2 Samuel 23:15, 1 Kings 17:10)
Religious Meetings/Idolatry - (1 Kings 22:10, 2 Kings 23:8, 2 Chronicles 18:9, Acts 14:13)
Beggars - (Psalm 69:12, Proverbs 22:22, Amos 5:12)
Wartime Negotiations - (Isaiah 22:7, Jeremiah 1:15)
These then are some of the things that took place at the gates. A man preaching at the gate was not only reach large crowds, but also have an impact on and a direct outreach to such varied arenas such as: the business community, court decisions, idolatrous meetings, soldiers, and government, etc. ? why not college campuses today?
"They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks uprightly." (Amos 5:10)
Isaiah was a street preacher!
Thus the Lord said to me: "Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, by which the kings of Judah come in and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem; and say to them,'Hear the word of the Lord, you kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who enter by these gates." (Jeremiah 17: 19-20)
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, "Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, 'Hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah who enter in at these gates to worship the Lord!'" (Jeremiah 7: 1-2)
Jeremiah was a street preacher!
One interesting point about these men is that most of them spent most of their time not reaching those in other countries, or the most reprobate sinners, but God's chosen people, who had the Bible, as they entered the house of God worship the Lord!
Thus says the Lord: "Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and there speak this word, and say, 'Hear the word of the Lord, O king of Judah, you who sit on the throne of David, you and your servants and your people who enter these gates!"(Jeremiah 22:1-2)
The prophets of God in the Old Testament did not use low key, subtle approaches, such as literature tables, passing out tracts, invitations to religious meetings, traveling gospel singing teams, etc., etc.. As a campus preacher I do believe in these things! They all have a part and are valuable. But what is the main method of outreach in the Bible? What is the most effective way to reach the most people at the least expense - and accurately reflect the real character of God? What is the one approach that gets the least amount of teaching, promotion, and encouragement?
STREET PREACHING!
Then the Lord said to me, "Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying: 'Hear the words of this covenant and do them." (Jeremiah 11:6)
Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying, 'Thus says the Lord:" (Jeremiah 2: 1-2)
"Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." (Isaiah 58:1)
Now when they told Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and cried out. And he said to them: "Listen to me, you men of Shechem, that God may listen to you!" (Judges 9:7)
Jotham found a safe place from which they could all hear him and he lifted up his voice. Jotham was an open-air preacher. The best example in the Old Testament of a foreign missionary is Jonah. God sent him to warn Nineveh. Did he rent a hall and invite people to come to a scheduled meeting, enticing them with special music and Gospel entertainment? No. (I want to reiterate, I am not against these types of meetings and gatherings.) But Jonah was charged to preach to Nineveh as we are to the world. It was not only to those who would attend his meetings, but to the whole city.
The Bible says Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days journey (Jonah 3:3); it took three days just to walk around it. Jonah cried out in 40 days that Nineveh would be overthrown. He was preaching as he walked outdoors. Jonah was an open-air preacher, walking the streets as he preached his message of judgment and truth. Why should not this method is very Biblical be used on a university campus? Why not on a city street?
SPEC IAL NOTE: Before moving to the New Testament perhaps it would be good to say that a lot of what you may have seen in your life experiences regarding campus or public preaching leads to a lot to be desired. Some preachers are very judgmental and accusatory unfairly calling people names! We are never to look at the outward appearance of man, because only God looks upon the heart. As a campus preacher, it is impossible for me to know your real motive and intent for living. Even though some are misguided in their words and actions, I must give them credit for trying.
WHAT ABOUT THE NEW TESTAMENT?
With the subject firmly established within the largely Hebrew nation in the Old Testament, and it's mostly limited focus in the Middle East, we now turn our attention to the New Testament. We are instructed by John to move into the great commission towards the whole world.
And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15)
Our job as open air preachers is to preach the gospel to every creature in the world. Simple logic will show the best way to accomplish this is to find where the most people are in one place at one time (college campus), and proclaim the message, loud enough for them all to hear.
"Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28)
The first preacher in the New Testament was John the Baptist. Once again, his preaching was lacking comparable buildings, music, entertainment, etc.
John was an open-air preacher!
"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matthew 3:1-2)
Matthew says Jerusalem, and all Judea, and the entire region round about Jordan came out to hear John preaching.
"Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins." (Matthew 3:5-6)
John was baptizing in the River Jordan. Jews who traveled back and forth to Galilee refused to take the direct route to Samaria (John 4:9), but rather went to the Jordan River and followed it up to and from Galilee, so John picked out a place to preach repentance and baptize at a place of heavy traffic, with large crowds.
There is not much one-on-one witnessing talked about in the Bible; the emphasis is on preaching to crowds. We are not saying to stop witnessing one on one. It is very necessary to do and we greatly encourage it. There is plenty of training and promotion available regarding witnessing in churches, Bible colleges, seminaries, workshops, books in Christian bookstores, and all put heavy emphasis on this approach.
The methodology of open-air preaching breaks the ice or plows up the ground and provides a door to do one-on-one witnessing! Not all are called to open-air preach. God has gifted some in this endeavor, so be supportive and do not criticize them. Open-air preaching, whether good or bad will give you opportunities to share your faith to unbelievers.
We see in the Bible that the personal witnessing experiences of Jesus Christ get a lot of attention as they should. As we look at the four Gospels covering two to three years of Christ's ministry, we find only about three cases of personal witnessing: Nicodemus, the woman at the well, and Zaccheus. The Gospels spend much more time pointing out Christ's dealings with multitudes: (Matthew 4:25, 5:1, 8:1,18, 12:15, 13:2, 34, 14:14, 15:10, 30-35, 39, 17:14, 19:2, 21:8).
Also notable is that Jesus' one-on-one situations usually came out of these multitude situations. Jesus was with a large crowd when he looked up and saw Zaccheus and invited him to come down (Luke 19:1-5). Jesus was in Jerusalem, crowded with Jews from all over the world for the Passover, where he drove the money changers out of the temple and preached, "Make not my father's house a house of merchandise," and after causing that little stir, Nicodemus came to Him by night (John 2:13-3:1). As He was going back to His home in Galilee after that incident, he stopped and exposed the secret sins of the woman at the well (John 4).
One of the most famous sermons of Jesus was delivered outdoors - the sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6, 7). In Luke 6:17 He preached to a great multitude in the plain or outdoors. The Olivet discourse (Matthew 24) was delivered on the Mount of Olives outdoors. In Matthew 13 His well-known parables were preached to great a multitude by the seaside. He sat in a boat and taught the multitude on the shore.
Jesus commanded him and taught His disciples and apostles to preach outdoors.
"Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops." (Matthew 10:27)
His apostles carried this out in the book of Acts. On the day of Pentecost, Acts 2, we find one of the greatest examples of open-air preaching of all time. The delivery method enabled people to be filled with the Holy Spirit and received a message of repentance (Acts 2:38) - and the church grew.
Many times open air preaching will involve disputing and explaining judgment and just not preaching God's love.
"Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" (Acts 17:17-18)
See also: Acts 6:9, 9:22, 29, 11:2, 15:2, 7, 17:2, 18:19, 28, 19:8, 9, 28:23, Proverbs 20 8:4, Ephesians 5:11, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, Jude 3,9.
Why spend so much time where the crowds are like a university campus for example, or in the market square, or where many people gather? We like the apostles want to get the Gospel to the most people at one time, so we go out to the markets where crowds gather. There will be disputing at times, as we preach the Kingdom and counsel of God in the open air.
Public open-air street preaching of the Gospel and the Kingdom of God is imperative for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. This is an attainable goal within each of your groups, fellowships, or churches. Can all do it? No. Are some called to do this? Yes! It is not unreasonable to think that out of every 50 or so believers one could do this work. Many doors will open for those other believers to witness one on one the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Open-air preaching is putting a plow to an untouched field. The impact is immediate and powerful!
Open Air Preaching is a lost doctrine in today's modern age, which has resulted in great criticism towards those who carry out this task. This is because there is a lack of Biblical training regarding this most important area. The enemy of our souls desires to silence the people in the church and make them weak and timid. We are not to be ashamed of the Gospel!
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Roman 1:16)
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CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY POLL - 2008
This is a recent sample polling taken in 2 classrooms at CMU where I (Preacher Rick) was invited in to speak by a professor. I have open air preached on universities (18 years) and will occasionally get invited in to address topics by professors (some who are very liberal) who have heard me to give their students an opportunity to challenge what I am professing (Gospel and issues related) on their campus.
The results below are typical of a number of polls taken by different individuals in varying classes. Usually I am allowed to give an opening introduction than the floor is opened for questions and dialogue between the students and myself. This sampling below involved 2 Classes at Central Michigan University (103 Students)! The response is very similar on every campus where polls have been taken and is a good indicator why open air preaching that will challenge the minds of our young people is needed in the times we are in.
After viewing these results, that are consistent on our universities throughout Michigan, I see the necessity to engage the thinking of young students across our state in a more pro-active way and welcome those who would join me. We are a nation at risk and this generation must be reached with the truth of the Gospel or all the freedoms we now enjoy will be lost.
Preacher Rick Warzywak - Michigan University Internet Church
IS CHRISTIANITY THE ONE TRUE RELIGION?
Yes - 22
No - 61
Not Sure - 20
*(Approximately 80% said Christianity not the one true religion or were not sure)
DO YOU SUPPORT ABORTION RIGHTS?
Yes - 24
Yes, but with limitations - 44
Not Sure - 8
No, except for life of the mother - 14
No - 13
*(Supported abortion in some form - 80%)
IS PREMARITAL SEX A SIN?
Yes, in all cases - 31
Not if its part of a committed relationship - 20
Not sure - 10
No, its not - 42
*(Approximately 77% approved of premarital sex or were not sure)
IS HOMOSEXUALITY A SIN?
Yes, in all cases - 31
Not if its part of a committed relationship - 15
Not sure - 16
No, its not - 41
(Approximately 70% approved of homosexuality in some form or were not sure)
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE BIBLES VERSION OF CREATION?
It is the absolute truth - 32
It is a complete fairy tale - 23
I'm not sure - 29
Partly true and partly false - 19
*(Approximately 71% did not believe, doubted, or were not sure of the Bible's creation account)
THE BIBLE IS:
The infallible Word of God - 49 (NOTE: But Many do not Read or Obey)
A good book but not the Word of God - 23
Just another book and nothing special - 9
A destructive book that divides people - 8
Not Sure - 14
*(Approximately 51% do not believe or doubts the Word of God as true)
NOTE: After speaking in these classes the professor asked a question to see if what I had shared had any impact on their thinking or present belief system. The response was that 29 respondents had changed their minds out of 103 in a positive way. This indicates the importance of addressing issues and hot topics of today with respect to a "Biblical" worldview.
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