Sign holders at the Festival of the Arts missed the mark

If you were walking in downtown Bigfork during the Festival of the Arts this past Saturday, you may have noticed a couple of interesting characters.

One carried a large sign saying “Jesus Saves From Hell” and read from Scripture. The other carried a smaller sign saying “This is not free speech,” and tried to talk over the first man.

I actually approached the two of them, suggesting that they talk to one another, and they proceeded to talk about each other to me, not willing to engage. I knew there was no chance for either one of them to back down, but I want to share with the community how both of them missed the mark in their proclamations.

First, for the street preacher.

I appreciate your passion for God’s Word, but there were two fatal flaws in your delivery. The first is where you were entirely focused on God’s condemning words.

In about 20 minutes of listening to you, I didn’t hear one proclamation that would give someone comfort in the face of sin, only terror of sin.

God’s judgment on all of us as sinners is real, but we need the release found in Christ too.

Fear does not create faith.

The second flaw was in your method itself.

Sharing Jesus with people does not take a bullhorn, but a relationship. People are much more able to hear Christ from a Christian they know and trust, not a random person on a street corner.

Second, for his antagonist.

I appreciate your willingness to speak up, and that you told me you know the Gospel as well. You, also, had two fatal flaws.

At one point, you said “This is hate speech! Shut it down!”

That is not the way to handle it. Using authorities to prevent a free exercise of religion is a First Amendment violation anyway you slice it.

Though you or I may not like his methods, that gives us no right to deny him voice.

Second, you told me that speech such as his should be restricted to Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights. If one is a committed follower of Christ, that is unacceptable.

All Christians are called to preach Christ in all parts of their lives, primarily through building relationships with those who live around them, although preferably not on the street corner.

This situation ultimately comes down to this question: How do faithful Christians reach out with the hope and love of Jesus Christ?

I believe that neither the street preacher nor his antagonist were preaching effectively.

Preaching happens with our words and deeds in everyday life, not at a street festival.

Preaching happens when we share what Jesus has done for us with others, others with whom we have a relationship.

Preaching happens when we take care of those we need and tell them why.

Preaching happens when people discover that they are dead in sin, and are raised to new life by the death and resurrection of Christ.

It doesn’t happen with signs, yelling, or belligerence.

I ended my conversation with these gentlemen by telling them I would pray for them both.

And I’m doing just that.

Being a witness to Christ is a challenge, and all Christians need all the help we can get.

Rev. Christopher Miller,

Bigfork