I would highly recommend my friend Steve Kneale’s excellent blog, Building Jerusalem. Particularly do have a look at these two articles on
I agree with both, including and especially the point that context matters when deciding how to do things.
What I think is worthy of further consideration is two things. First, whilst Steve is generous in saying that priorities and approaches may differ, I think it is fair to say that his priority approach of relationship building will always be key because making disciples means building a relationship. We aren’t handing out tickets to heaven, we are inviting people into God’s kingdom.
Secondly, I think that some of the methods perceived as cold contact are still about relationship building. Open Air Work is not just about throwing out a message but the aim is to draw people into conversation, to start building relationships with people you don’t yet have relationships with. This also means that there is more than one way to do open Air/street evangelism. I continue to do this type of evangelism but context means that I haven’t preached in the open air in years. My approach is to take about 20 Gospels and offer them to people.
I agree with Steve that whilst it is a great thing, it is not the only thing and in some contexts it would not be right for a specific church or for every one in the church.
Faithroots 