How to Witness and Preach Effectively

One of the guys at ShareYourFaith.org just sent me these notes from a sermon on evangelsim by Ray Comfort, which I'm reprinting here. Comfort (pictured above) is a street preacher from New Zealand who combines humor and wit with a strong, uncompromising message. This sermon is entitled "How to Witness and Preach Effectively":


Be patient, meek and self-controlled in teaching sinners. (2 Tim 2:23-26). We must not quarrel, but rather be gentle and mindful of the sinner's total blindness to the things of God. It is unreasonable to expect a sinner to do or know the things of God.

Teach what? The law of God first then the Gospel of peace. (Rom 2:18; Gal 3:24; Rom 7:7). The only thing that will awaken a sinner is the Law of God, so focus on exposing the law and sharing the Gospel thereafter.

Avoid foolish rabbit-trails and tangents. (Luke 13:1-5). Go directly to the conscience and circumnavigate the mind which is hostile to God (Rom 8:7)

Aim for repentance rather than a decision. (Luke 13:1-5). There is no salvation without repentance. Unless the sinner repents he will likewise perish. The spurious decision will inoculate a sinner against the true Gospel of peace and damn the sinner in hell.

Earn the right to witness. (John 4:3-39). First the natural then the spiritual. Use the RCCR principle to Relate to the sinner, Create an opportunity to discuss spiritual things, Convict the sinner through the Law and then Reveal the Gospel to him.

Let God give him assurance of salvation. (1 John 5:10). If the sinner prays to be saved God will be the one giving him assurance, not you, lest he looses it and goes back to you for it again and again.

Never fear hecklers. They are the best thing that happen in the open air setting. They are crown-gatherers when handled appropriately.

Be careful of your use of terminologies. (Heb 8:11). People have different understanding of the word "Christian" when asked if they are one. Ask them if they know the Lord instead.

Remember this is a spiritual battle. (Eph 6:12).

Pray for Godly discernment. Do not align yourself with anyone in the crowd, lets you testimony be hurt by their behavior.

Use the elements for amplification. (Mat 13:2). Use the buildings and streets around to amplify your voice. Preach with the wind and not against it as it will carry your voice farther. Jesus often preached from the lake as water can carry sound for miles. Learn to speak clearly and find your volume level.

Never preach wearing sunglasses. The eyes are the windows to your soul. Let sinners see your soul and heart when you speak.

Do not let anger in sinners concern you. (Acts 19:23). Anger is 1000 times better than apathy. Sinners use anger to hide their exposed sin, but it will later drive the sinner to repentance.

Be honest in your preaching and witnessing. (Acts 26:24). Let it come from your heart. We are talking about eternity. If you do not have tears in your eyes, let them hear the tears in your voice.

Read proverbs regularly. (Proverbs 15:1). They will teach you in life's direction. Pray God for wisdom revealed in his word.

Remember your calling. Remember what you were saved for. Do not get distracted by anything else but the call to seek and save that which is lost.

Use the word.

Use your testimony as much as you can. People relate to common things, and if you are like most people, your story will be a tool to relate to the sinner.

Preach "in the sight of God". Call Hell hell. Do not slip into the temptation to please men, but please God. (1 Thess 2:4; Gal 1:10)

Use springboards and anecdotes as much as you can. Use anecdotes, things than people can relate to then switch from the natural to the spiritual. Jesus filled his preaching with parables.

Give yourself a lift in the open air. People will be attracted to listen.