9 Creative Evangelism Ideas
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There are many different ways to go about sharing the gospel. God has given us all different skills and talents, and He’s also given us the ability to think creatively and come up with new possibilities and ideas, so it’s our joy and privilege to use what He has given us to glorify Him and to see others come to know Jesus.
Over the last couple of years, I have been creating what I like to call a “playground” style space of encounter on the streets with lots of different activities that appeal to all sorts of people of a variety of ages and backgrounds. These activities are great conversation starters about Jesus, and many of these activities also help to lead people into encounter with God that go beyond just words.
These ideas are all tried and tested, most of which take minimal skill and preparation time. I’ve found that not only are these effective tools, but they are also really fun for the team members. I’ve had people come on the team with me who are a bit apprehensive about evangelism, but these creative ideas make it accessible and enjoyable for them to take part! These strategies are great for getting your church or youth group out on to the streets to share the good news.
Here are just a few ideas, so do let me know any more ideas you have, whether it’s something you’ve tried before, or something you just have a feeling might work.
1. Music
Music is a really powerful tool to use on the streets. Think about if you’re at a party: the music sets the tone. It creates a certain vibe. Music is really important, even when it’s just in the background.
I use upbeat, praise and worship music to create a sense of fun and freedom on the streets. Also, as you worship God, you are mirroring what is going on in heaven, and the kingdom of God infiltrates the place that you are occupying. Using music can help to shift the atmosphere and create a space of encounter that people can step into.
People will often really notice the difference in the atmosphere, even if they don’t know exactly why that is. They will often feel a sense of peace as they walk through the space, and this can be a great conversation starter, as they might come and ask you what is going on.
Also, music is great because people might hear you before they see you. The sound creates intrigue and draws people to come to you to find out what is happening!
You may need a PPL PRS music license if you are playing live or recorded copyright music on the streets.
Most places in the UK allow you to be present without a busking license, but some cities or some areas (like shopping centres) are more restricted. It’s best to check your local council website for their busking guidelines, and if you’re unsure, always check and ask permission first.
2. Flags and Instruments
I like to bring lots of flags, ribbons, scarves and small instruments like maracas and drums so that people can engage with the music and worship. I put all these things out on a big tarp and have a small sign saying, ‘Come and join in’.
These things allow people to be participators and not just observers. As people join in with dancing and playing along with the music, they come under the spiritual atmosphere of the space. I have lost count of how many times someone will say that they find it so liberating and joyful.
As people move in physical freedom, they are experiencing inner freedom as well because their mind, body and spirit are coming into alignment with the Spirit of God. This is a great conversation starter, because people will often come to you asking what this is all about. You can then say that you are followers of Jesus and that you are worshipping Him, and see where the conversation goes from there.
People might also see the colourful flags from a long way away before they reach you which creates intrigue and draws people to the space.
You’d be surprised at the amount of people that are keen to join in with the dancing!
3. Messages in Envelopes
Beforehand, you can get your team to write out some encouraging messages or Bible verses on some paper, and put these in envelopes. Then when you are out on the streets, you can invite people to come and choose an envelope and read the message inside.
For example, you could write biblical truths like, ‘You are seen and known by God’, or ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ - Jesus. You could also write prophetic messages like, ‘Things are going to get better,’ or ‘God is giving you fresh joy today.’
We are really trusting God here that He will orchestrate it so that people pick the envelope that is right for them. I have seen God come through in this way time and time again. This can then lead on to powerful conversations about how God knows and sees that person. It’s also a great opportunity for the team to then pray and prophesy over that person based on what is on the card.
4. Questionnaires and research
People like being asked questions. Rather than approaching people with information or something that you want to tell them, it’s good to start with questions. People are much more likely to stop and engage if you open with a question.
You could actually do some research on the streets and use your findings to inform your evangelism in the future.
You could have some specific questions to ask people, for example, ‘Do you believe that prayer works?’ ‘Would you say you are a spiritual person?’ ‘Have you ever had a spiritual experience that you can’t explain?’ ‘Have you ever felt like God might be trying to get your attention?’
These questions can often lead to deeper conversations around the topic, and the person may then ask you what you think, which can be a great opportunity to share your perspective.
I’ve also done this before but rather than just asking one question, I’ve given people questionnaires to fill out on paper. This can be good for gathering information, and it can also lead on to good conversations about faith.
5. Outdoor Games
Outdoor games are a great way to get people to come and join in what you are doing and enter into the space. They can be accessible for people who might not want to dance around to music but still want to be involved. Games are also great for engaging different ages together.
Some ideas for outdoor games include giant Jenga, a beanbag toss game, Connect 4, a giant parachute, swingball etc.
I also like to bring bubbles to the evangelism space. They really help to create that sense of joy and wonder, and children love them a lot. The bubbles float through the space and they might also draw people in who are further away.
6. Pavement chalk
Pavement chalk is a really fun and versatile tool. One of my favourite things to do is to make a hopscotch because as people are walking along, they might come and hop along the hopscotch as they pass through. Not only does this create joy, but it might be that people then stop and get involved with more activities, or stop to ask what you’re doing.
You could also write hopeful messages and draw pictures on the ground, and invite others to add to the floor mural!
You may need to check and get permission from the council to use pavement chalk depending on where you are. You also may need to monitor what people are drawing or writing if you give the public free rein over the chalk.
7. Prophetic Art
If you’re a keen artist or have some artists on your team, giving out prophetic art is a really powerful tool. You can pray and create some small, simple pictures and then roll them up. When you are out on the streets, you can invite people to choose a roll and see what is inside.
These are really special gifts, and we have found that it is incredible how God orchestrates it so that each person picks up a piece of art that really speaks to them as an individual. As they take this prophetic artwork that is just for them, it can open up a great conversation about what the artwork symbolises. It can also be a good opportunity for the team to pray and prophesy over the person based on what is on the paper.
8. Crafts To Give Out
You could get your team to make some small crafts to give out on the streets. We’ve made things like origami hearts and written or put stickers on them talking about God’s love. Another thing we’ve done is get small LED candles and write messages on them about Jesus being the light of the world.
These small crafts are great ways of engaging your team members in being intentional and outward focussed before the outreach. You can make them all together and spend some time praying about what message to write on them and who to give them to.
Having something to give out to people can be a powerful reminder of what they have experienced when they get home. If people have had a great time in your outreach space, they may then go straight on to the cinema or out for a meal and forget what they have heard and how they felt in the presence of God. A small token or craft that they might carry with them can be a good reminder to them when they get home.
9. Performance
I often like to have lots of creative and artistic things going on in the outreach space, but make it really informal and participatory where people can join in. However, I also love performance. This could be a dance, a drama, a music performance etc.
Performance captivates people, and art and storytelling can carry profound truths and messages and deliver them in a way that is accessible and palatable for people, just like Jesus’ parables.
Performance gives an opportunity for more mass communication rather than just one on one conversations. Both are good and useful for different things! People might also stay around and watch the performance, which then gives you an opportunity at the end to talk to everyone in the space together, or to go round and chat to individual people more in depth.
What other creative ideas can you think of?
These are just a few ideas, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to sharing the good news!
I’d love to hear if you try any of these out, or if you have any more ideas for creatively sharing the love of Jesus.
Feel free to email me at hello@thedavidmovement.com
Blessings on your creative evangelism!