It’s Time to Launch Out, Street Preacher by Briant Mora
In this short book, street preacher, and the founder of Market Place Witnessing, Briant Mora, offers a handbook for street preachers. Mora attempts to tackle some of the obstacles that often prevent Christians from launching into street ministry. In this book, he aims to do two things: first, help those who feel called to street preaching overcome their fears; second, equip the novice street preacher with the necessary tools for an effective ministry. Most of the book is written in a sort of “quote and state” style; in other words, Mora will quote scripture relevant to the subject and then make some statements to undergird his teaching.
The book’s first chapter is targeted at those who may feel a call to street ministry. Mora reminds his readers that success in street preaching is something attainable if they “do this with the arm of the Lord.” Further, he wants the reader to understand that street preaching is a valid ministry in the church. He argues that street preaching is a “wilderness approach to ministry.” By wilderness approach, he means it is the type of ministry that does not rely on people coming to hear the gospel; instead, street preachers take the gospel to those who do not want to hear.”
In the second chapter, Mora draws an image of practical street ministry. He remarks that street ministry is a compassion ministry centered on service. It was refreshing to see street ministry framed in a service context. Mora then provides working examples of how compassion functions in street ministry. Although there are insightful nuggets throughout the book, it quickly becomes a compendium of scripture references with brief explanations. Likewise, there are several instances where Mora takes some interpretive liberties with the scriptures he is utilizing.
Street preaching is not a popular ministry. I commend the author’s efforts to provide a resource for those who would potentially launch out into street ministry. Mora has a resource that he could potentially rework into a superb handbook for street ministry. Some of the texts he references are undoubtedly applicable to street ministry but require deeper analysis and application. I would also note that Mora warns that street preaching is not for everyone. Indeed, street preaching can be a dangerous endeavor with legal implications. I would advise anyone who feels called into street preaching to do it under the prayers and guidance of their pastor.
Note: This book was provided by the author for review.
