Clear as mud

While listening to a popular Christian radio station, I heard a promotion for a number to call if you needed to learn more about a "relationship with Jesus Christ." Since this is exactly what StreetFishing is about, I was interested in how they would present me with the gospel. I wasn't prepared for what I was about to hear though. As a believer, this phone call left me perplexed. It didn't even closely resemble any gospel presentation I've ever heard. I wonder what the unbleliever has experienced.

The goal of this ministry is to encourage and equip others to go and share the gospel plainly and biblically. Much of what we hear today is a product of modern methods that are targeted at a specific audience and that are seeker sensitive rather than biblically sound. The peson on this call however didn't even use anything remotely seeker sensitive. He didn't make sense at all in my opinion. Let me know what you think. Listen here as Robert calls this national phone-in line.

Does this kid want to hear the Gospel?

I wonder how many of us would pass this young person up for someone who looks a little more like us. Truth is, someone like this wears distress on the outside while most do a pretty good job of hiding it. To me, this kid is screaming for someone to listen, and even take her seriously enough to hold a meaningful conversation. How much more meaningful of a conversation than sharing the Gospel!

Kegan and his girlfriend were much like this young lady. They are popularly characterized as "Goths." I met them outside of a movie theater. Although Kegan had an interesting opinion about the Ten Commandments and his girlfriend claimed to be angry at God, they stood and listened. They were patient and engaged. Listen now as Robert shares the gospel with them.

NOTE: In the interview,I make reference to a "Quad" which is a single volume containing The book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price and the King James bible.

Easy going Ken on Mill

Ken was leaning against the wall near this Starbuck's in downtown Tempe, AZ. He had jet black hair, a goatee and was dressed for the nightlife. Not exactly what many would consider the most approachable looking character. But I couldn't get around the fact that he looked like he was waiting for someone, just passing the time until they got there. That was my cue. Ken turned out to be very personable and was happy to talk to us. Nick was along for the fun that night as we walked up and down Mill streetfishing. Listen here as I witness to Ken.

Even when things go wrong

I knew almost from the start that this interview wasn't going exactly the way I wanted it to. After playing the recording back I cringed to hear myself talking to this student. I seemed to be beating around the apologetic bush. Kevin was hung up on "religion" and although I kept swinging away from that, he didn't seem to get that I wasn't trying to sign him up for church or something. Although I left frustrated, I know that I can learn from it and despite my bad preaching, God can use it to His glory. After all, he does the convicting and saving.
My point in all this is to show that bad encounters will happen. Some are absolute train wrecks but we keep on anyway, learning from our mistakes. This is why I ask (sometimes beg) for feedback. I want to know how to share the Gospel more effectively and learn from encounters that don't go so well. God willing, I won't make the same mistakes too often. Listen here as I witness to Kevin the skeptic.

NOTE: Their is an expletive near the end of this interview that was not edited out. Soon I will be using editing software avoid posting inappropriate language.

Soli Deo Gloria

--Robert