LIVING WATERS FELLOWSHIP
265 Stanhope St.Brooklyn, NY11237
Telephone (718) 443-7567 Fax (718) 443-7421
Email:
DO’S AND DON’TS OF STREET EVANGELISM
(These notes were taken in New York City from Bobby Strothoff)
I.QUALITIES OF A GOOD STREET WORKER
1. Has a good relationship with the Lord.
2. Has Christ’s burden for the lost. (One of joy and a light burden.)
3. Has sensitivity beyond circumstances and perceptions.
4. Has flexibility to love unconditionally, regardless of where they’re.
5. Has dedication (commitment) and persistence.
6. Has plenty of common sense.
II.PREPARATION TIME
1. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! Prayer is the most important part of our witness. This is where the whole battle is won. Without
prayer we could not begin to fight. Pray specifically; laying hold of God for victory in the spiritual struggles.
A. Ephesians 6:12-13 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore
put on the full armor of God.”
B. If we are committing our time to the Lord, the Holy Spirit gives natural opportunities to speak about the Savior.
Be consistent in your prayer life. Pray for friends and loved ones daily to receive Christ.
III.GUIDELINES FOR STREET EVANGELISM
1. Avoid cultural and environmental stereotypes. (I.e. Remarks about graffiti/dirty streets/funny dress.)
2. Show respect. Don’t degrade the neighborhood, or the personal demeanor of the residents. The GRACE of GOD has been
shown to you, so, show it to others.
3. Be pleasant, polite, friendly, and personable. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. However, don’t give out personal
telephone numbers, addresses or any other personal information. Feel free to give the church phone number or address to anyone who ask. (718) 443-7567
4. Avoid prideful attitudes: both spiritual and cultural.
A. Avoid the “you sinner” attitude. It applies to ALL of us!
B. Do not condemn, embarrass, or cross-examine anyone.
C. We need to love the people, who are not yet a people, but will be a people.
I Peter 2:9-10 “Once you were nobody. Now you are God’s people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now
God has treated you with kindness.”
5. Go out in couples-male/female. One speaks, one prays, avoid sending two new believers or two inexperienced witnessers
together. Stay close and be sensitive to your partner- you may need to protect him or her. ** Be careful of “Flirtatious”
words or behavior. The guys here can be very forward.
6. Get a “feel” for where the person is at-i.e. Backslider, seeker, not interested, etc.
A. Find out THEIR NEED- then tell them how Jesus wants to meet the need.
7. Talk with people but be sensitive to the Spirit of the Lord.
A. Sometimes witnessing is just LISTENING! But you do not have to be garbage dump. You lead and control the
conversation, always bring it back to the Bible.
B. People love to talk; often valuable time is wasted on a person not really interested.
C. Avoid arguing. ** Can’t argue with a demon or Jehovah Witness or other religious spirit!
D. State the gospel, if they receive it –fine. If not, do not deliberate over theology or religion. Ask to pray for them!
8. Be genuine! You can’t con a con. Share what you know to be true. Avoid using other people’s testimonies. **Don’t
harp on how bad you were, but how GOOD, GOD IS! Don’t claim to be a drug addict if you only smoked 1 joint!
9. Be faithful in witnessing. You can build a rapport with people and they will trust you. Don’t let them down. If you say
something DO IT!
10. DO NOT give money to people. Refer them to someone in leadership.
11. Do not travel in the neighborhood alone.
12. Don’t talk to anyone in parked cars-Don’t meet people in secluded areas.
13. Remember we are to minister to others, not fellowship with one another.
14. OFFER TO PRAY WITH PEOPLE FOR ANY NEED THEY MAY HAVE!!
IV.PRAYING WITH PEOPLE ON THE STREETS
1. Don’t lay hands on people’s heads.
2. Don’t burst out in tongues, it may scare them.
3. Don’t get too emotional, it scares them.
4. Keep prayers short, lead people through the sinners prayer as a model, showing them how to pray.
V.TRACT DISTRIBUTION
1. Hand out one per person-strike up conversations; avoid impersonality-no machine distribution-avoid bombardment.
2. When using the “wordless book” or “witness bracelets” use the word DARK instead of black.
3. Know the tract you are handing out. Bring ample supply of both Spanish and English tracts.
4. At ALL times respect the property and feelings of others.
No tracts put in mailboxes or on statues in St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
5. We are here to draw interest in Christ. Not bring undue annoyance or others or attention to ourselves.
6. Take address and name of person so LWF can follow up.
VI.BLESSINGS
1. The reason we are here is to win the Lost to Christ and to Know God more.
2. You are a blessing to this church, the people on the street, and this city. We pray God will reveal Himself fresh and draw
you to a new place with Him.