Coming Events
Friday January 6, 13, 27 3-6 PM Witnessing in San Francisco neighborhoods.
Saturday January 7, 14, 28 12-4 PM Witnessing at Fisherman’s Wharf, Embarcadero between Powell and Taylor.
(Call us at (510) 282-5629 to confirm location if it is raining.)
FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM
Dear Christian friends,
Too often, I have heard Christians criticize street witnessing. They say we should instead do “friendship evangelism.” We need to reach out to those around us, our neighbors, co-workers, friends and relatives, build a relationship with them, and when the time arises, share something about Jesus with them.
Jesus Himself preached in public places to crowds of people. Throughout the book of Acts, Jesus’ followers would go into public places and boldly proclaim the gospel. While there are many scriptures encouraging Jesus’ followers to proclaim the gospel in public places, there are no scriptures saying that some Christians should not be doing that or that they are exempt from helping to fulfill the Great Commission. The Old Testament prophets were essentially street preachers. Jesus and His apostles were all street preachers. There are many examples in the Bible of God calling people to openly proclaim the gospel in public places. There are very few examples and little mention of friendship evangelism in the Bible. Of course, friendship evangelism properly done is a good thing, but there is far more emphasis in the Bible on the public proclamation of the gospel. If God in the Bible says something is important, we should not teach that it is not important.
“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” Mark 16:20.
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:4. At that time, at least, it appears that every Christian was preaching the gospel.
It is interesting that the few examples of “friendship evangelism” we find in the Bible are very different from what is known today as friendship evangelism.
“And as he [Paul] reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled.” (Acts 24). That was how Paul did friendship evangelism.
Probably the most famous example of friendship evangelism in the Bible is John 4. When talking with the Samaritan woman, Jesus said “Go, call your husband and come back.” “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” So Jesus confronted her directly with her sin.
How many Christians today who claim to be doing friendship evangelism speak of those subjects? Some Christians are quite skilled at friendship evangelism, and are effectively bringing the gospel to people at work and other places. However, many Christians think they are doing friendship evangelism when in fact, they are not sharing the full gospel with anyone.
The truth is, if someone is faithfully sharing the gospel in any context (whether to strangers or friends) they will sometimes experience rejection and persecution. “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” 2 Tim. 3:12. Part of the gospel message involves speaking about sin, repentance, the judgement to come, and Hell.
Some people will get offended when you speak of these subjects. If a friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker gets upset at us for mentioning these things, it might put our friendship at risk. That is why many Christians avoid these subjects. But it is necessary at some point to talk about these things. Otherwise, we are not preaching the whole gospel.
In some respects, witnessing to friends is much more difficult than witnessing to strangers. Often, we will not see the person on the street again, so it matters little if they are upset when we witness to them. I encourage Christians to practice witnessing to strangers, so you can make your mistakes with them, and avoid making the same mistakes when you witness to your friends.
The consequences of upsetting a friend are far greater. We need to use tact and be sensitive to God’s Spirit, but we must not water down the gospel message when we witness to our friends and family members.
On the Streets
On October 5 – 8, we witnessed at Fisherman’s Wharf during Fleet Week. Hundreds of thousands of people attended to watch an air show by the Blue Angels and visit various Navy ships. Scott organized the outreach and Tim Moon played music for the first three days. On Friday October 7, while Harrison was preaching, a homeless woman named Cynthia started yelling at him. She was raised in an evangelical home, but rejected it for New Age beliefs. When Tats said that Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected, Cynthia said that Isis and another pagan god had also been resurrected. When Tats asked her to provide evidence for this, Cynthia walked away. Tats and Alex witnessed to two “Jehovah’s Witnesses” (photo on next page). They said the Holy Spirit is a force. Tats showed them Acts 13:2 where the Holy Spirit spoke to the apostles. He also gave them three scriptures that showed that Jesus is God. They could not refute his arguments.
On Sat. October 8, Chuck Girard and Paul and Noreen Coca played music. We had a large crowd standing in front of us, waiting for the air show to begin. Tats witnessed in Japanese to a couple from Japan, Lin and Mika. They said they worshipped their ancestors. He shared the gospel with them and said that Jesus is the only way to God. Tats also witnessed to Heather, an older woman who said she did not believe in any religion. Tats told her that life is very short, and she needed to know what happens when we die. He also witnessed to Emily, who was with a Christian friend. She was apparently a lesbian and asked about homosexuality. Tats shared his testimony of coming out of that lifestyle, and she listened as he preached over the microphone.
On Fri. October 14, we witnessed at 16th St. and Mission. Alex and Ryan ministered to Ataje, whom they had seen a year ago on the streets. Today, he is a Christian who watches preaching videos on the internet. He shared his testimony on the streets for the first time, and expressed interest in witnessing with us. Ryan got his contact information.
Andy and John ministered to C.C., in his mid 30’s. He had attended Bible school and claimed to be right with God, but clearly was not, since his speech was filled with blasphemy and profanity. At times, he was hostile and at other times friendly, but he stood around, listening to the preaching.
Scott ministered to Anna, a Christian, who had questions about a scripture. She said she wanted to explain this to her children. Scott answered her questions and prayed with her.
John witnessed to Bill, 15, who was with his brother and sister. While they were mocking, Bill was genuinely interested and humble. John went through the Ten Commandments with him, and then explained the gospel.
Mike spoke with Hugo, whom he has known over 4 years. Hugo said he had been backsliding, but now was attending church and Bible study. He also witnessed to Sasha, a Jewish woman in her early 20’s. Mike said God had chosen the Jewish people to display His glory. He spoke about Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus. He also shared with her about my testimony as a Jewish believer.
Ryan spoke with Jerome. He was driving in a car that crashed, causing several people to die. He is currently charged with manslaughter and wears an ankle monitor. He also lost a leg in the accident. Filled with guilt, he was saved recently. Ryan got his contact information and plans to visit him.
A Final Word
Thank you again for your prayers and financial support for this ministry.
I remember my first New Year as a Christian 52 years ago. I was in Miami Beach with my family. Late that night, I witnessed to 3 teenage boys, who prayed with me to receive Christ. Right after midnight, I baptized them in the ocean! I can’t think of a better way to start the new year.
Each new year is a good time for us to pray. Ask God what He would have you to do this coming year. It is certainly God’s will for each of us to seek to reach others with the gospel, both through prayer and evangelism.
I hope many of you will join us for one of our evangelism outreaches this month.
Yours in His love,
Larry Rosenbaum