Why Street Preachers Make Me Sick

September 4th, 2009 Cliff

streetpreacherI must admit that I don’t fully understand the calling of a street preacher. I’m referring to those people who stand on the corner and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. I understand that it is a form of evangelism. They are trying to draw souls towards Christ. Nonetheless, there are a large number of street preachers that just flat out make me sick.

There are some people who have a great heart and they go out into the streets and convey God’s message with love and compassion. These are not the people that I am talking about. I have a great deal of respect for all of the people who go out and minister in this way.

I am referring to the people who go to college campuses and stand on street corners around the world to preach hate. They say that they are Christians. They tell people that God wants them to change their lives. They tell gays, lesbians, fornicators, alcoholics and drug addicts that God hates them and that is just not true. They even use derogatory terms when referring to these people and Jesus would NEVER do that. The truth is, God may not be happy with a person’s actions, but his love for EVERYONE is never ending.

What makes me sad is that for many people, street preachers represent Christians and Christianity. People already have misconceived notions about Christians and now some street preachers help feed into that stereotype. In an effort to win souls, they end up turning people away.

I have even witnessed good hearted Christians approach some street preachers and try to explain to them that there is a better way to reach people. Unfortunately, their good intentioned efforts fall on deaf ears.

If you notice, the majority of the crowds that surround these types of street preachers consist of two types of people. First, there are the people who are against Christianity. The fact that a particular street preacher is using the “God hates” method of evangelism only fuels their dislike for God and Christianity. The second group consists of other misinformed believers. They are not affiliated with the street preacher, but they completely agree with how the message is being delivered. When people try to refute what the street preacher is saying, these believers will come to his/her defense.

We should all pray for street preachers. I believe that in their heart, they truly love the Lord. I believe that they truly want to see others saved. Unfortunately, I don’t think they genuinely understand the heart of God. If they did, they would alter their methods of evangelism. If they knew the true heart of God, they would know what to say and how to say it. I don’t know about you, but I would not be in a hurry to follow a God that hates me.

God’s love is powerful! It has the ability to transform any person or situation. As believers we should focus our energy on telling the world about the love of God.

What is your opinion about street preachers?

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  • Wendy Lindquist
    anyone ever check out the methods that gostandspeak dot com is pointing to?
  • Dad in Canada
    I once had a run in with james the preacher.
    I have NEVER ever felt such a vile, evil feeling as when I met up with him once. He was street preaching at some event, and I as a bystander walked up to video what he was doing. I had my baby daughter on my backpack: He proceeded to froth at the mouth and call me all sorts of dirty names. He then went so low as to condemn my baby girl to hell. At this point, my daughter screamed in terror, and I got out of there so she wouldn't have nightmares of the real devil inside the soul of the eveil man.
    In the meantime (This took mere seconds) I didn't tell him one thing about who I was or what I believed. I simply walked up to him videoing him, as his female sidekicks videod me!
    Later on I went back with some other folks to observe him, and I mentioned to someone within ear shot, that the man condemned me and my little daughter to hell.
    The guy in the devil constume (had his mask off), jerked straight and in a loud voice called me a hypocrite! For what? Telling the truth?
  • Brian
    Actually, I like street preachers. At least they don't pussy-foot around pretending that god loves people. All one has to do is read the story of Noah to realize that love does not factor into any of this. So, when the preachers yell at people about hell, it just reinforces the countless stories of god's genocide and fury as told in the bible.
  • snowbird
    Sigh...there are things I see on the streets and in other places everyday that offend me greatly, but I'd probably get shot if I told them to "keep it to themselves." Matthew 10:14 actually says "and whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when you depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet." I suggest you read it for yourself. I figure if people can freely peddle hell, then you should also by law be free to peddle heaven.
  • Cathy
    @Cliff.thanks for the information,but I won't be needing it.I'm not a christian.I only gave that last quote only because I felt it was necessary.It was suppose to make you folks stop and think.I failed.So I'm going to have to explain what I really mean.You want to preach your word of God,good for you.Then keep it to yourself.Not everyone want to hear it.Not everyone thinks the same as you.Now say someone comes to you and wants to listen,that's fine too.But to stand out on the streets, go door to door,public places and preach your word is wrong,keep it in your church or in your homes,please.I don't go out and preach my religion,I keep it at home where it belongs and I do not force it upon others.
    @James the Preacher, you and your bible,videos are totally wrong!You never answered my question when I asked if woman are to be keepers at home,then what happens when the man can no longer work,who takes care of the family then??And why don't you have a real job?Preaching doesn't pay the bills,well unless your taking people's money or living off the GOVT.Is that being a real man??After all you said all woman are to be keepers at home,then real men should be out working a real job and supporting that family.You shown us nothing but double standards that benefit yourself and that book. I wouldn't give you a dime for your words,not worth it.
  • Judelva
    @James the Preacher
    There are two words from the scriptures that have stuck with me most of my life, and will most likely be with me the day I pass from this world. " Unconditional Love ". Those words carry such a profound meaning for me, that to even consider them for a moment, fills my heart to bursting. If Jesus..on the cross and dying, could love us enough to ask forgiveness for his own murderers, Then how could you possibly say that God is hateful? To say that he is hateful, implies that he takes pleasure in punishing us for the sins WE choose to commit. I believe Jesus was prone to anger, because he was of the flesh for a time, but God Has NO such weakness. I truly.. in my heart believe that if Satan himself repented and asked for forgiveness..That it would be given ( despite all he has done ). I am no preacher, but I hold fast to my belief in God, and I draw strength and comfort from those two words. I strive everyday, to give as much " unconditional Love " that this weak..sinful..less than perfect body of mine can muster. But it makes me weep to see someone turn a soul from god..because they will undoubtedly suffer the greatest in the end. Leading the lost should NEVER be done by force, but by gentle loving guidance. The world is already full of hatred and pain..why add anymore?
  • @Cathy
    Thanks for the comment. I believe that we all have a place and a role in the kingdom of God. Jesus commanded us to go into all of the world and preach the Gospel. We just need to do is it with the same heart, sincerity and wisdom that he displayed.

    @HappyCabbie
    Your comments are right on! I am sorry to hear that you no longer consider yourself a Christian. God still loves you no matter what you have been through. I would love to hear about what you have experienced. Let me know if you would be willing to share your story with me.
  • James The Preacher aka WarningSinners now known as MrPleasantPreacher, you are doing a great disservice to the cause of Christ. I used to be a Christain, furthermore I have even done streat preaching. However, I never shouted at people with a megaphone. I never called a lady a prostitute at a Indy 500 race, even though I actually did minister to some real prostitutes. What I did was stand in the main street of my town on Friday and Saturday nights and passed out tracts. (for those who don't know a tract is a piece of gospel literature) I have led people to Christ, and I did it by showing the love of God. Yes there is a time and a place to call sin a sin. However, it was to the Pharaises that Jesus rebuked and yelled at. Jesus was a friend of sinners. Your behavior on the internet, hurts real evangelism, and your behavior has hardened the hearts of many. Because of people like you, many will never consider turning their life to Jesus.

    Why I left the faith is my own business and I don't wish to discuss it in this forum, but you have turned more people away from Christ than Richard Dawkins could ever hope to do.
  • Cathy
    Mr.Pleasant Preacher, does not preach the word or God,but his opinion.I've seen most of his videos and commented on them, even asked him a question video response about one of his videos"Woman should be keepers at home".He blocked me and never did answer my question.
    This man and others like him and this is my opinion only,That they want to go back to the past and control everyone to think the same way as he does.Back to when Woman was raped,beaten and stoned to death, simply because they didn't listen to the male gender orders.
    Now that we have covered the Mr.Pleasant Preacher.
    I have a message for all churches and street preachers,now listen very carefully,cause I'm only going to say this once. "THERE'S ONLY ONE TRUE GOD,SO CHILL AND LET THE FATHER DO HIS JOB!!!!
  • Vogter2100
    James the Preacher that comments here is one of th emost vile digusting hypocrites to walk the earth.

    He bears false witness as he commits perjury to try and silence some users on YouTube, he also commits sin according to his own interpretations of scripture as he is seen wearing more than one type of fabric at the same time.

    He is also preaching hate towards nonbelievers and gay and he is the onbelievers (of which Im one) best weapon to deconvert fencesitting christians.

    He is a mysoginistic hate mongerer and he is getting what he deserves on YouTube where his username is MrPleasentPreacher better known as Mr Unpleasent Preacher.

    Thank you James for deconverting so many.
  • Brent
    Last spring, there were street preachers at our college campus. I work there and they happened to preach for 2-3 days just outside my window. I was amazed by how many people would listen. I noticed 3 types of people in the crowd, the first group mocked just about everything they would say. The second group tried to talk with the street preachers and fix them, they told them they were preaching too hard. The last group were people that just listened and agreed with most of what was being said.

    I listened with my window propped open and they mostly quoted scriptures. The crowd got angry because the scriptures were exposing sin(s) in their lives. That crowd was starving for the truth of God's word. They were under conviction.
  • Halsey
    I think if you a street preacher and speaking the truth with is the love of christ, then its fine. Now you have fake preachers in church that might be speaking the world of christ but there hearts are far from him.
  • Thanks for the comment Harry! I believe that street preaching can be effective when done the right way. I'll keep you and your ministry in my prayers.
  • Harry
    Hey Cliff,
    nice work, you broached (sp?) a difficult subject well and stated a sad truth without being judgemental of our brothers/sisters in Christ. In my old church we used to approach locals and chat to them about Christ and their percived wants and needs and found it to be an effective (yet intimidating) experience. People really do have misconceived notions about Christians and in an effort to win souls, some brothers/sisters end up turning people away which is saddening.
    We hope to develop more outreach based ministry here in NZ in a ministry I've recently joined, should be fun!

    'James the Preacher': instead of writing 'poison letters' why not pray that we will come to see our error if what you say is true.

    Cheers again Cliff
  • James the Preacher
    Alex, You are very undiscerning. Christ treated Mary this way, but remember she was washing her feet, the wicked are spitting at our feet, throwing beer at us, swinging at us etc. because we name sin! No derogatory terms-are you stupid? Christ called people "fools" "children of the devil" etc. as did John and Paul used many derogatory terms. Put on a skirt guys with your effeminate preaching!
  • James the Preacher
    You mushy liberals always stick together. The scriptures that I gave you are accurate and biblical. We are to reprove and rebuke. By the way, where does it state that John the Baptist had tears? It does not! What would you preach at a Gay Pride Parade-Jesus loves you? You are ignorant of the scriptures. Does God hate the wicked? Read Romans 1 and Psalm 5, 7 and 11! You sissified types do little good (if you preach on the streets at all) in these last days.
  • Good Word & insight, Cliff. I hear your heart. Who do we think Jesus wants representing Him on the streets? You know that He, more than we, weeps over the fruitcakes, the loose cannons, the halfbaked-halfsaved wackos that make him look like a mindless, angry clown! They are woefully, dangerously UNSENT! But He also cries over lost souls He came to save. A true JohntheBaptist-like street missionary is as rare as a comet! Where are those whom He has gifted & sent to the Streets?-who could preach the terror & mercy of God with tears, with HolyGhost urgency, cultural creativity & prophetic authority?! Yeah, I pray too for the Lord of the Harvest to send forth such lights in our insane generation. Could one of them ever be me?!... or you?!
  • David,

    I'm with you. I truly believe that God's heart is hurt when people represent him in the wrong way. I just hope people learn that we can draw souls to Christ with name calling and speaking words of hate.
  • AlexKenas
    James, you need to understand the difference between good preaching and bad preaching. To win souls, you cannot try to incite them nor use derogatorial terms. However, sinners do need to be warned of their sins, but it has to be done properly. You do cherry-pick individual verses for your "preaching" while you rarely use one that Christ spoke. I am not big fan of the secular progressives myself. In fact, I despise them because they do know what they are doing and they enjoy it. They call putting a Bible in a toilet art but they call putting a Quran in a toilet a hate crime. However, you do need to conduct yourself as Christ did. When Mary Magdeline washed his feet, Christ said (Luke 7:44) "…I entered your house; you gave Me no water for my feet, but she has washed my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair." after the pharisee said that Mary led a sinful life. Sinners do need to be saved, but the right preaching must be used to save them. Using the wrong preaching will only turn them away from God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
  • James the preacher
    You misunderstand the scriptures and that is your problem.
    The scriptures DO teach that God can hate an individual (Psalm 5, 7 and 11). We are to reprove and rebuke as we preach (2 Tim 4:1,2, Eph. 5:11) and at times a SP's methods may seem harsh (Prov. 17:11) because that is what is needed. This especially seeme harsh to the sissified, seeker-sensitive liberal "church" of today.
    2. Jesus, Paul and John the Baptist did use names on people, like "children of the deil, viper, liars, fools etc."
    3.. The comment above by Alex is typical from those that do not preach biblically, do not warn sinners of the judgment of God etc. And he misrepresents me. I am in numerous churches every year and have never been threatened by law to not return. Many of these churches have me in every year.
    4. Do you go to the gay parades, the rock concerts, the Muslim Mosques etc. to WARN the sinners of judgment? Until then, perhaps you best grow in the Lord until you do so, that you might receive some DISCERNMENT!
  • AlexKenas
    There are some street preachers out there who do know how to preach. However, the ones that I have encountered are self-righteous,
    narrow-minded, subtly prejudice, and outright bigoted. They use the Bible to degrade people who criticize them. The best example would be James Lyman. He is somewhat hard to track because his YouTube profile is always getting deleted or suspended. He has already been banned from GodTube due to his behavior. On one of his old videos, he did tell a mormon man to put his wife on a leash because she had criticized him. He also told a woman who was offended by his sign, which read "HILLARY SHOULD BE AT HOME DOING THE DISHES!!!", that she was a prostitute if she had opened her mouth and that she was going to Hell. His current videos show himself burning a Book of Mormon, a Muslim Prayer Rug, and himself holding a Book of Mormon while wearing a Devil costume. His current profile is warningsinners. He seems to cherry-pick individual verses in order to justify his behavior. Little does he know that he will be judged when he dies and that his works will burn since they are of sticks and straw instead of silver, gold, and stone. He has preached in some churches but they have told him not to return under penelty of law.
  • Gustavo
    I live in Miami, Florida. I am a street preacher, but I don't stand on the corner with signs preaching words of hate and violence. What I do is simply walk up to a person or a group of people, and talk to them about Christ. If they accept him, great. I invite them to my church. If not, I simply nod my head in respect to their wishes, and walk away. That's what a Street Preacher should do. Not tell people that God hates them. The people you obviously talk about, should study more.
  • Cliff,

    I would just encourage you to really think about it some more. I would argue that both God's love and God's hatred for sin are equally true. If that were not the case, then the cross does not make much sense. Why would God need to die on a cross to atone for our sins if God did not also hate sin? My point is simply this: our evangelism should include the truth of God's anger and wrath, as well as the love of God and the gift of grace. The two of them together make sense.
  • Brian,

    That picture is just a picture I found. I really did not intend for it to support my argument.

    God's wrath is real. I'm not denying that. However, I believe that God draws us to him with love and kindness (Jeremiah 31:3).

    God loves first and everything else comes after that. He sent His son, because he loved the world, not because he was angry with the wicked, sinners, etc.
  • Hi Cliff,

    I have to say that in one sense I agree with you and in another sense I completely disagree. I agree that if the street preachers you have encountered are truly preaching hate, then they are doing so wrongly. However, based on my experience, I wonder if you are misunderstanding the street preachers? For instance, consider the picture you have posted. This man has a sign that is a Bible verse that clearly portrays God as a righteous judge who is angry with the wicked. What do you do with those verses in the Bible that clearly portray God's wrath as abiding on man?
  • @Skipper: I think street preaching can be effective when done the proper way. Your story makes me thankful that we do have free speech here in the United States.

    @Teddy: The ministry that your are doing sounds amazing! I'll remember to keep you and your ministry team in prayer.
  • We like to go out on the street looking for people who have an illness or who the LORD directs us to. We find out what their deal is, and then ask if we can pray for them.

    We see people healed by the power of God all the time. Sore knees, problem backs, getting out of the wheelchair, neck pain, etc.

    It's great to demonstrate the Love of God through His Power.

    Lots of fun too!


    4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
    5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
    6 ¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
    1 Cor 2:4-6
  • I live in Australia, and these so called "street preachers" haven't appeared as yet (the ones that preach hate)

    I think street preaching has done it's dash. Non-believers find it offensive to be invaded with the message that they don't want to hear. This invites jeering and heckling, which makes the preacher look foolish. A friend of the family was street preaching and was arrested and put in jail. There is no such thing as freedom of speech and he was accused of causing trouble. He was imprisoned for a month I think.

    There are many other ways to reach the unsaved, and I think it's time to accept that in the 21st century, street preaching is not the best way to do it. I don't care if people do - I just don't think it's the best way.
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