Streets ahead in effective outreach

Experienced evangelists are equipping teams of Christians for outreach based on strategies developed thousands of years ago. Streetwise is a course to train others in effective evangelism.

Like the strategic approach of early biblical evangelists, it entails going to public places where crowds gather and clearly presenting Jesus in a relevant way.

For years, the London branch of OAC Ministries (Open Air Campaigners) has been running this course. Due to its success, this proven approach to evangelism will now be offered for the first time in other areas throughout the UK.

The first London and Manchester sessions are scheduled to begin on January 29 with other courses to follow in Cardiff, Plymouth, Kent and Bristol. Geared to adaptability, this course is conducted one Saturday each month over six months.

"Making the Gospel accessible is what Streetwise is all about," explains OAC National Director Peter Kennelly. "This course is designed for those who are keen to share their faith or want to work with their local church in outreach. It equips individuals to effectively share biblical faith with children, teenagers and adults."

One year Roger Cole, the minister of Henley Baptist Church, enrolled in the course along with five members of his church. Developing their potential through ‘Streetwise’, they subsequently went on to form a Gospel team which now preaches publicly in their local area. The team also has the opportunity to conduct outreach abroad, in countries as different as Poland and India.

"Streetwise turned out to be brilliant," said Howard Webber, a former student on the course. "The tutors, all well experienced, were expert at showing even the least artistic or capable of us that it was something, with practice, we could all do.

"As the sessions continued, we moved on to presenting the message to each other and listening to each other’s observations, and then on the last two sessions, going on the streets and doing it for real.

"At no point were we left to our own devices and what struck me most was the spirit of encouragement throughout the course."

This hands-on course uses workshops, lectures and practical experience to develop evangelistic skills. Creative use of painting illustrations on a sketchboard to illustrate messages is an important technique pioneered by OAC.

Evangelists note that this approach still draws crowds in public places and effectively reinforces the Good News of Jesus.