Street / Campus Evangelism

Youth for Christ makes uses of Street Evangelism quite a lot. For those who do not know what this is, it is basically going out to the streets / roads / campus / bus stops and sharing the gospel to strangers. This is usually done on the pretext of a survey / topic of discussion with some leading questions, though some do it directly (which is much rarer).

I do not like Street E. This has much to do with my personal fears. After all, it is strangers I am talking to, and that is quite intimidating. Furthermore, the topic is a "sensitive topic" and the uncertainty of people's reaction is also very scary. At the same time, there are other reasons I do not believe in it. Some had called it "pushy" and "forcing your religion on others". That has valid points since we usually approach them to talk about it. Personally, I am also a person who likes to think for extended periods of time before answering. For friends, this is not a problem because I can always get back to them. However, this is not possible with strangers whom I will most likely not meet again.

There are other reasons as well. Now, Street E probably contributes significantly to the image that some have about Christianity being a very aggressive religion (sometimes, we don't know when to draw back and when to push a point). Now, if most Christians live a Holy life, people will have to take notice of such a powerful movement. However, this is not so, and more likely than not, people will view Christianity as a fanatic, illogical religion (though we have much historical backing). People can also sense it when we are evangelising just for the sake of increasing the count of people shared to. We should share for the sake of building God's Kingdom and out of love for the people. But more often than not, I just follow my leader who says "lets go". Love for the people often comes later, and even then, at best, a general love for humanity.

Now, I would recognise that Street E has its benefits. It can help you to reach to more than just your circle of friends (which most will have little chance to unless you become a preacher :P) And there are of course stories about conversions by these methods. Some well known evangelists (such as D. Wright Moody) had been known to use this. God can use this method as well as any other.

What should I say? Is my personal fears / feelings coloring my thoughts about it? I don't know...

Blogger wiped out my previous post, and I lost my train of thought. This is the best I can reconstruct.

On a lighter note... I am much freer for now. Thanks for all the prayers.