Witnessing in Bars

Has anybody ever tried this form of evangelism? Going to a bar and witnessing one on one?

I've never been one to frequent bars, saved or unsaved. But recently I started thinking: I would like to reach people in their 20's-30's. And the place I know almost all of them are on Friday and Saturday nights is at the bar. My missions & outreach pastor at Church thinks it is a great idea, and is fully supportive of me doing it, especially if I can find somebody else to go along. That's why I'm asking.

Be careful here brother. Listen to David Wilkerson's sermon.

http://media.sermonindex.net/15/SID15641.mp3

The devil enticed men of God into sinful places saying they needed to know how to relate to them etc. One ended loosing everything.

I would really pray if it God calling you to do this. I am one who shares Jesus' love on the streets but I would not go into bars etc.

I will pray you hear the voice of God. Very dangerous. This is my opinion. Others may have a different view. Praying for discernment Jimmy, God's perfect will be done here.

Maybe you could be outside the bars with tracts, coffee etc. for when they go in or come out? Just pray and wait until you know for sure you have heard from the Lord.

Glory to God He has laid it upon your heart to reach the lost with His love. He will show you where and how.

He did it for me. Put the burden on my heart with a passion and then He opened the door and put me where He wanted me to be. They come into my space where we set up a table and serve goodies & coffee on a cold morning and I have tracts and serve and a brother comes and shares from the Bible and one leads in some praises. We will go downtown and hand out fliers inviting all to come. Do you see what I am talking about here? There is a difference - going into their world is dangerous. Again, God's will be done regarding this. Praying for you Jimmy. God is faithful. This is just my opinion in love.

I have done this a few times, both personally planned and unplanned, so I'll share some thoughts.

I find that witnessing to people who are drunk can be very wasteful, although the God`s Word does not come back empty, it accomplishes all it set out to do. However, as a point of caution, drunk people can get violent and so it is really up to you if you really believe that any witness to them in that state will have any impact at all. Yet even still, the matter is really not in us having impact, because we are only vessels, the matter is our obedience to the Lord in these and all outreach matters.

There are some who take to me because I am willing to be where they are, and there are some who appreciate me more, become willing to listen, because I am actually NOT in the bar.

Some people respect the notion of not wanting to partake in alcohol, yet others warm up to those who are not going to shy away from their activities. The fear and danger in drinking as a personal conviction is the limit where I know I should not be drinking anymore.

As a notion of outreach this is a beautiful ministry. It is a danger to personal holiness, but that is when we let our convictions guide us and always be prompted by the Holy Spirit. In the end, I find that if I am positive that the pull of the Holy Spirit is drawing me to witness to these people at such and such a time, then it is best to go with it and trust that God will protect you.

Sorry for the long reply. I just thought I'd throw something out there. Feel free to disagree with me, take what you think you can use, discard what you think is incorrect, rebuke if you must, but in the end go with God.

You have to be careful in witnessing at a bar. If you come across as religious you will do more harm than good.

You have to be real and show yourself as a friend and someone with an open ear. Then when doors open offer the water of life. Don't go into it thinking you are there to get people saved. The flesh will take over.

There are more people out there especially in that age group that have not heard the real gospel, if they have heard anything of the gospel(I was one of those that never heard until the age 20! Though i was not first witnessed to at the bars, it could possibly near have been.), chances are it's been watered down. Many people in that age range are open in hearing too, because they are at learning and seeking stage. I highly recommend going out Jimmy. In my experience it has always been profitable. I was once a lost heathen at that age and in the college circles, and know full well the need for someone to be out there saying the gospel.

There have actually been many a Christians that we've have also talked to out at the bars as well...Discouraged in their faith...

If you are near a college, even the better. Though all need to hear the gospel obviously, college students are seeking.

Though I have personally have not gone IN to witness, I would not hinder the Spirit from prompting me to do so if the need arose. I know several brothers who have.

Just my personal experience...

especially if I can find somebody else to go along.

Two by Two is wise.

Be careful here brother. Listen to David Wilkerson's sermon

Keep in mind when David Wilkerson founded Teen Challenge, he spent much time in crack dens doing so.

A friend of mine got saved by a guy witnessing to him in a bar inviting him to "cowboy church". So with that said I think it is a great idea if the Lord has laid it on your heart and your motives are pure. Examine your heart whether you want to impress people by being an "extreme evangelist" who closes down bars or to really sincerely help people no matter if your ever recognized and if it takes sacrifice. If its the latter you will do great and be blessed, but if its to impress you will fail and possibly fall into dangerous temptation.

So my advice is examine your hearts motives before the Lord in prayer and then act on that!

In brotherly love,
TimmyJoe

I would not even consider such a thing unless the LORD sent me, and just by the fact that you are asking the opinions of others tells me that you have not been sent. You are being set up for a fall.

It is a danger to personal holiness, but that is when we let our convictions guide us and always be prompted by the Holy Spirit. In the end, I find that if I am positive that the pull of the Holy Spirit is drawing me to witness to these people at such and such a time, then it is best to go with it and trust that God will protect you.

Amen. Well, every moment we are in the world is a danger to our personal holiness. Getting drunk and chasing after women has never been an issue for me, so, I'm not too worried about getting caught up in anything I don't need to get caught up in.

My approach that I hope to take is simple. Go with another strong brother in the Lord, sit at the bar, make small talk with whoever is sitting near me, and in the midst of that small talk, share something about the Lord, and maybe invite that person to church. This way seems simple enough.

If somebody is hammered, I probably won't take too much time dealing with them. While I don't doubt the Lord's ability to save people who are drunk (I've heard testimonies of such), I realize that I can probably be more effective talking to somebody who isn't already lit. And I plan on going early enough in the night (10-midnight), that there should be enough people there that aren't drunk to witness to.

You have to be real and show yourself as a friend and someone with an open ear. Then when doors open offer the water of life. Don't go into it thinking you are there to get people saved. The flesh will take over.

Amen. I don't plan on coming with a jacket full of evangelistic tools or anything. I hope to just pull up to the bar, sit down, order something to drink (just a soda), and start making small talk with whoever is next to me, and look through the Holy Spirit for any opportunity to share the Lord in the midst of that. I'm looking to do a friendship style evangelism.

Many people in that age range are open in hearing too, because they are at learning and seeking stage. I highly recommend going out Jimmy. In my experience it has always been profitable.

Amen :-)

Examine your heart whether you want to impress people by being an "extreme evangelist" who closes down bars or to really sincerely help people no matter if your ever recognized and if it takes sacrifice.

With as many bars are in this area, I don't imagine closing down any bars anytime soon. It's definitely not my goal. I just want to see people get saved, and think it a great place to go do it.

I would not even consider such a thing unless the LORD sent me, and just by the fact that you are asking the opinions of others tells me that you have not been sent. You are being set up for a fall

I'm already sent into the world to witness to the lost.

And I'm not questioning so much if I should do this, so much as fishing for responses of people who might have done this form of ministry, and to learn from their experiences.

Honestly, I'm not so sure what sort of fall I am being set up for? I've been in bars before. And every now and then I go to a bar to meet up with people. I've never had a problem before.

Luke 16:8 "...for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light."

Survey the unsaved... I would guess that THEY would consider the bar an OFF-LIMITS or a STRANGE place for "religious" people.

Sadly, it seems... in these last days, the unsaved are truer to their worldly principles... than the children of light are truer to their Biblical principles.

Everett Ashley used to be a drunk until God saved him and called him to preach. He started about nine churches and did evangelism and missionary work. Whenever he would go to a new church to pastor, he would go to the bars and witness to the people. Many drunks were saved and delivered. One tavern operator told him one day, "Rev. Ashley, you need to stop coming in here. You are taking away some of my best customers." Of course it was God who was taking them away. The early Salvation Army was very zealous in storming the forts of sin and were quite successful. If God leads you to go---go by all means. Do not listen to the ones who try to say don't go. God can help you to make a difference. Don't go for small talk. Go as a man on a mission, so all that are in there knows why you are there. It is almost impossible to get some into the church, so it's time to take the church to where the people are. That's how many churches have been started. Jesus was not afraid to go where they were.

I'm already sent into the world to witness to the lost.

3a - Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing.

Notice that Peter has just decided to go fishing.

3b - They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

Notice that they didn't catch any fish.

4 - But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 - Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6 - And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

Notice how when they cast the net where Jesus tells them to, they catch a multitude of fish.

i have ministered in bars and dance clubs since i was saved over 40 years ago. it is not for everyone. a testimony. i met a loose, drug using woman in a dance club and she invited me to her home where she offered me drugs and other activity. i refused and brought her to the dance contest where i was the judge.i would witess to her in a kind and non condiscending manner and brought her to my church. she had thought that she was too wicked to be saved(as did many others)... that sunday she went forward after hearing about Gods amazing grace, and really met Jesus. she never went back to the drugs or clubs again. she married and got involved in a good church close to her home. ayear later i met her and she asked me if i were still going into clubs...when i said yes she got religious on me and asked why. itold her that thats where i found her.jimp many others can be told.

Jimp,
What do you mean when you say, "she got religious on me"? Was she even using Scripture? Some people are so conceited that they won't listen to God's word, and when someone tries to point them some truth from Scripture, they just react in an unloving way, especially when it contradicts what they believe. That was the problem with the Pharisees: They had exchanged God's truth for their own teachings and traditions (Mark 7:6-9). There are many like them today, who claim to be spiritual, but really won't listen to God's Word. They would rather believe their own delusions, as opposed to God's revealed truth. They are full of sin, though they often claim to be full of the Holy Spirit! They are seriously deceived. But, we must deal with them patiently, admonishing them and helping them out of love (1Thessalonians 5:14).

KingJimmy,
Although I am not against witnessing in bars (as long as they are not strip clubs or something like that), I do think we should carefully consider the danger of it.

Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."
(1 Corinthians 15:33)

We should not be arrogant and say, "that will never happen to me, because I am not like that". Pride comes before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
(1 Corinthians 10:12)

Now, if you take heed to these warnings, and after praying about it, you still feel called to go there to witness, then go ahead. Just remember that you must not turn to them, but rather they must turn to you (Jeremiah 15:19).

Blessings in Christ Jesus,
Renoncer

Good thoughts. I'm aware that he who stands must take heed unless he falls. I'm not unaware of the lure and seduction that the world can have even on the strongest of Christians. But I don't look at the local run of the mill bar as anymore dangerous of a place to witness than the universities I have preached at open-air. Dare I say the average state university is doing more damage to people spiritually than the local pub?

So long as I am prepared spiritually, and always looking after myself, and relying upon the Lord with the intention of sharing the faith by the leading of the Spirit, He will keep me from stumbling and even make me fruitful in what I do. Going here is no more dangerous than anywhere else in the world. The bar is not an off limit place for Christians.

And I'm shocked I even have to say it, and shouldn't have to say it, but I don't plan on going into strip clubs and witnessing.

*edited*

Powerful story jimp

*My "smart" phone duplicated a post - Removed - *

:-)

Bro, I never understood why Christians think the unsaved should be the ones to COME INTO church in order to find Jesus! It's called the highways and byways for a reason! Jesus did speak in the synagogues but the majority of people he ministered to were outside of the synagogue.

Mind you, that I said "ministered to" and not preached at. There is a world of difference in the two terms. To me, the religious "preach at" the world but do not minister to them. If someone is going to go into the bars to preach at people, I'd tell em to stay home, don't bother driving them further away from Jesus.

Years ago my pastor and his wife went into the bars but the Lord told them to go. They had asked the Lord something about why they couldn't get through to the people. They usually had church on Saturday night, well the Lord told them to go to the local bars on Friday night and they saw over half the church in those bars!!! The Lord did a work in the people when they saw Bro Herman and Sister Mary strolling in!!! LOL

If you are called to go into the bars, have at it brother. Listen to the Lord. If you are just going because of whatever then perhaps you should stay home. Just bein' honest.

God bless you,
Lisa

Amen. And I do believe God is probably calling me to do this. Which is why I'm still praying over it and haven't pulled the trigger yet. I want to make sure this thought is His thought. And I believe so far it is. Theologically, I can think of no reason to not go.

Probably the greatest challenge in ministering in a bar is that the people are not only under the influence of the enemy as a matter of course, but they are to one degree or another under the influence of alcohol. This severely complicates things. Having ministered in these environments I can say it is very dangerous and often fruitless. I have spent a tremendous amount of time ministering to people who were under the influence (even men dying of liver disease), and again it is often a fruitless endeavor. Could say more, but will refrain. Charles Finney refused to even witness to a person if he perceived they were drinking. Bring them back to me when they are sober, etc. I can say plainly that often when a person is Inebriated they are like talking to the devil. Just saying.

However, I have heard of rare cases when God would lead a minister into a bar on a one off event. My pastor used to be a Bible salesman and went into a bar selling Bibles. there happened to be a backslider in there that started on the road to repentance. I have heard similar stories of bars closing down on these one-off events where God was leading. No desire to 'start a ministry', just following God's leading. A bar is the Devil's domain. I have been in many bars in many circumstances and personally would have to have a specific word from the Lord to go into that environment to preach. God can move in that environment, as He is a hard Man that reaps where He has not sown, etc., but I think specific direction from God would be in order. Just my thoughts on it.

Great thoughts Robert. No doubt it will be a challenge. But then again, so is door knocking, so is open-air preaching, so is homeless ministry. I've done all these things and seen only a little fruit, and I would imagine many of us have labored hours in these things to see very few souls reaped. But such I think is the nature of most evangelism, is it not? In our Lord's parable on the sower, most of the seed that was scattered was not fruitful. Most fell on bad ground that yielded nothing.

But we labor anyway. It's like hockey legend Wayne Gretzky said: A shot not taken is a goal not scored. We go into the harvest first and foremost to be faithful in spreading the word, no matter where that word falls. It is our labor of love unto the Lord. But if we never take that shot, no souls can be saved.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking by any stretch of the imagination to make this my primary means of witnessing. I only plan on doing it every now and then. Especially since buying a coke and something to eat at a bar can be costly in the long term. But, it is just something I am considering doing, at the leading of the Lord, as but one of many ways to share the word.

A bar is the Devil's domain

I'm not sure I agree with this. No doubt, the devil is the prince of the power of the air, and the god of this world. His influence is global through the principalities and powers that rule the hearts and minds of men everywhere. But while this is true, the Psalmist was still correct in saying that the Earth is the Lord's and all it contains. Jesus Christ is Lord of both heaven and earth, and all authority has been given to Him in both for us to go forth and make disciples wherever we might find them across the world. The devil may have a "strong hold" on an area, but that doesn't change the fact that the Lord trumps ownership rights.

Be careful here brother. Listen to David Wilkerson's sermon. http://media.sermonindex.net/15/SID15641.mp3 The devil enticed men of God into sinful places saying they needed to know how to relate to them etc. One ended loosing everything.

Be careful here brother. Listen to David Wilkerson's sermon

Keep in mind when David Wilkerson founded Teen Challenge, he spent much time in crack dens doing so.

This is hypocritical, but there are a lot of Pastors that are "do as I say, don't do as I do" Pastors. Personally I say witness were "GOD" leads you, I don't care were it is, because man "especially Christians" will always confuse you, and we all know were confusion comes from.

by StarofG0D on 2011/3/7 12:50:47

especially if I can find somebody else to go along.

Two by Two is wise.

Maybe, but if God is "truly" leading us, we are covered, and should not need any backup.

Re:
by MrBillPro on 2011/3/8 7:08:23

by StarofG0D on 2011/3/7 12:50:47

especially if I can find somebody else to go along.

Two by Two is wise.

Maybe, but if God is "truly" leading us, we are covered, and should not need any backup.
_______

Just wondering how often the disciples went off
alone? Didn't they go with another?

Sometimes we have to look at things different than we want to. Here is a different prospective, Ok, if were truly saved isn't God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? yes he is, Ok if you go into a bar isn't God with you? yes! Now if you and I was standing outside a bar, and God was physically there with us, would you say, you two should not go in there alone? no I don't think so, so what is the difference? does God have to be physically with us to go into a bar and witness? if he does were all in trouble.

Please forgive me if I brought confusion. You asked and it looks like my opinion is not very popular. For me that is ok.

I was just thinking of you King Jimmy. And satan has been unleashed like never before. I am so familiar with David Wilkersons early days. Glory to God and the Lord is still using him.

My prayers are for and with you Brother to do God's will and His alone. I know your heart is to serve and for the lost. Thank You Jesus for that.

God will lead as you ask for He is faithful. Bless you dearly Brother. Go because it is He that is laying it so strongly on your heart. Maybe it will be for one time, maybe non, maybe more. As you allow the Holy Spirit to do the leading.....

AGAPE.
J_H

PS God could lead you to a bar that was not like a night club atmosphere. Where there was a broken person. But it is best to wait until they are sober to share. And always with a brother that has the same burden.

by Brothertom on 2011/3/8 6:31:18 Mostly, in a bar scene, or at a drug party...[same thing..], people are gratifying their flesh..[satanic natures], and have no intentions of anything else; embarrassment and conviction are not the same thing.

So this could be the same in a jail, because most folks there are gratifying their flesh, on their crookedness.

by Joyful_Heart on 2011/3/8 6:41:00 Please forgive me if I brought confusion. You asked and it looks like my opinion is not very popular. For me that is ok.

You did not bring any confusion, only an opinion, and that's fine, we all have opinions, but we must be real careful not to lead our sisters and brothers with our opinions, because Gods ways, always trumps our opinions.

No confusion taken brethren. I'm just sifting through all this. I appreciate all the feedback.

It should be remembered that prisons are often full of drugs. And when I've done homeless ministry before, I've had crack heads and drunks sit in on Bible studies. I've seen God move on them even in those situations. But I've also seen some sit there like a stump on a log. Either way, to date, I've never been violently assaulted. Though there was one time I was a bit concerned about my safety. How effective was I? That is for God to determine. But remember, not everybody at a bar is drunk, or drinking to get drunk.

But remember, not everybody at a bar is drunk, or drinking to get drunk.

This is true. Some are young ladies looking to pick up a young man.

This is true. Some are young ladies looking to pick up a young man.

Very true at that, and it is something I am aware of. Interestingly enough, the half dozen times I've been in a bar in my life, this has yet to happen to me. That I'm aware of. I guess I just don't have the looks, or just don't look like the type of guy a girl is trying to pick up.

Sadly, I did have a woman try and solicit me for sex when I was street preaching once. But, she did not prevail. As it is, I've recently started to date/court a very young and godly woman. A very pretty one at that. So, whoever I see at a bar is not likely to get my attention. Especially since I am consciously there for one purpose.

I have thought about making it my policy not to talk to women while doing this. But I am reminded of Jesus at the well. But I'm not sure about that yet.

Well I know I will get beat up for saying this, but I will say it anyway. Drinking socially not "getting drunk" can be an opportunity to demonstrate the Gospel message. Christians who drink with restraint show that they're strong enough in their faith to be controlled by God and not be slaves to alcohol, food or other worldly desires. Plus, it gives them an opportunity to share their message in settings where drinking is the norm, without coming off like a Bible-thumping teetotaler. Ok now you can fire your darts. lol

No darts to toss here. Jesus drank wine with those he preached to. So much so that some falsely accused him of being a drunkard. Some great ministry happened in that context.

Luke 10:2,3 - He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go!I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. (Wolves? don't really know if folks in a bar would be considered wolves, some might).

I know we all have differing opinions on this, and we all could probably find scripture we feel that would back up our opinions. These type threads I know from experience here, can lead to heated debates, or maybe healthy debates sounds better. I guess Mark 16:15 personally say's it best for me, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. I guess a good question would be, is a bar in the world? if it is, then we are instructed by God to go there.

hi, i would drink coke or oj when witnessing. as long as you bought something and tipped you were o. k.jimp

Yeah, I didn't plan on drinking any alcohol. But as it is, I'm sure most people will assume if I'm sitting at the bar that I probably am drinking. I'm not opposed to the moderate use of alcohol. Indeed, some of Jesus's greatest moments of ministry happened while he was drinking. Such as at the wedding in Cana, or at the Last Supper. But I have no intention of drinking during such outreaches.

And I don't think such would ruin my testimony. In fact, it might would make me appealing. After all, every drunk in a bar knows that Jesus turned water into wine. But, I intend on foregoing this use of my liberty.

There have been instances of drunks totally sobering up, not that I have seen but I would not, not believe it could happen. I would not deter away from witnessing to a drunk if you are led to do so.

I have witnessed to drunks on numerous occasions, I like to think the Lord still brings the conversation back up the next day. Whether He does or not only time will tell. Most drunks are not so drunk that they cannot remember some of what went on the night before. A sober person can get angry with you as easy as a drunk person, I've seen it happen.

And just because no one gets saved right away doesn't mean that God isn't in the midst, Some plant seeds, some water, but God supplies the increase.

The reason I say two by two, because I have always found it good to do so, Jesus told the disciples to go out 2 by 2. However Jesus Himself did witness to the woman at the well by himself. Perhaps it was best on that occasion to do so.

it is not for everyone.

Very good point jimp.

I've been praying about this for about a month and I have reached a point of conviction where I know it is where God desires me to go. I was planning to go this week when I came across this thread.

In my first few years of life in Christ I wouldn't even go into a restaurant that had a bar, much less into a bar, but I've grown more passionate and aggressive for the gospel each day and I find myself frustrated with my own inability to reach those in the greatest need. Paul commands Timothy to "share in the suffering for the gospel." Many of us suffer much, but only a few actually suffer reproach for the gospel, and yet it is what we are commanded to do: To go to places where our personal pride, our reputation and our personal image are subject to suffering in order to bring the gospel. Like KingJimmy I know that my age group is not in a place where the gospel is preached, they are where we have not gone. Jesus suffered reproach for being at parties with sinners, yet most who bring up that point do so to justify the bad company they keep and their own desire to have a good time.

If we combine radical holiness with militant evangelism, God will go with us to the bars as we fulfill the great commission in love, proclaiming that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Frank Bartelman, who was a key instrument in the Azusa Street revival plowed for a year or more by proclaiming the gospel in bars and brothels:

“I distributed the message speedily in the missions, churches, saloons, business houses, and in fact everywhere, both in Los Angeles and Pasadena. Besides I mailed thousands to workers in nearby towns for distribution.” Page 8 Azusa Street
“I distributed many tracts in Los Angeles among the harlots and the saloons. My spare time was all spent in tract and personal work, or preaching on the street and in the missions.” Page 8 Azusa Street
“I distribute tracts in the post office, banks, and public buildings in Los Angeles, and also visited many saloons with tracts. Later I visited about thirty saloons in Los Angeles again. The houses of prostitution were wide open at that time and I gave out many tracts there.” Page 9 Azusa Street

Amen. I am glad the Lord has spoken to you brother through this thread.

Many of us suffer much, but only a few actually suffer reproach for the gospel, and yet it is what we are commanded to do: To go to places where our personal pride, our reputation and our personal image are subject to suffering in order to bring the gospel. Like KingJimmy I know that my age group is not in a place where the gospel is preached, they are where we have not gone. Jesus suffered reproach for being at parties with sinners, yet most who bring up that point do so to justify the bad company they keep and their own desire to have a good time.

Glory to God brother.

Joe 3:9 Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, WAKE UP the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:
Joe 3:10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.
Joe 3:11 Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.
Joe 3:12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
Joe 3:13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.

**Joe 3:14 MULTITUDES, MULTITUDES in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

The LORD sent someone to witness to me in a bar - but it was another drunk - and we had an inebriated conversation. He did not give me the Gospel message, but he talked of courage - which I had never considered before - that GOD would have us to have courage. And once I knew that I was supposed to stand against evil, things began to change.

On the other end of things, after I was saved, the LORD sent me into a bar to witness to two drunken sailors. I was fast asleep in my room in the hotel, when the LORD woke me up about 2:00am and sent me to use my computer in the bar (it was the only place in the hotel that had an internet connection). There were about five drunken sailors and three drunken women in the bar and as I entered the room one of them said "something has changed," and another said "it is almost heavenly in here" and then another said "I would like to go to heaven" and in less than a minute one of them sat down next to me. Eventually his buddy joined us and I had an agnostic on my right and a catholic on my left and the LORD had me practicing all of the things that He had been teaching me, as between the two of them, these two knew every trick in the book.

It is doubtful that I would have been comfortable in the situation save for the conversation that took place as I entered the room - for there was no way these people could have known that I was a Christian - and what had been said gave me assurance that I was right where the LORD wanted me to be.

During the conversation the catholic became very angry when I told him that despite his knowledge he was going to hell - that everything hinged upon Jesus. The agnostic kept looking at me like an alien from outer space and kept asking me if I was real. When they asked me what kind of music I listened to I was able to let them listen to my "favorites" on iTunes and both of them became unglued when "Let the Lower Lights Keep Burning" by Carter Conlon began to play - they begged me to turn if off. They had both been in some kind of submarine accident.

After about three of four hours we parted as friends. They embraced the fact that I would pray for them where formerly that had rejected my offer. They were stunned that I was not tired.

One thing that kept coming up was "who was I to . . ." I was not from Scotland, so who was I to come in there and witness to them. I did not know my Bible that well, so who was I to pretend that I knew anything about it. When they wanted to know if I had ever drank alcohol, I told them I had, and they said that made me a drunk - and I agreed with them - but could then add that the LORD had set me free from both alcohol and nicotine - cold turkey - with no side effects.

Jimmy, obviously the LORD equipped me, and sent me, into this bar to talk to these two men. Bars are a den of thieves - snakes - for Satan has full control of most of the people in them. Please recall, in God's Word, what happened to those that went to war that were not sent by GOD - they got slaughtered.

Rest assured, if I go, I will go only because I believe God wants me to go. I've always done evangelism that way. I seldom ever go just because I think I have a good idea :-) I consider that this thought I have may be the Lord's thought, and am praying to do so.

And for the record, I work for lawyers, so...

And for the record, I work for lawyers, so...

There is a high alcoholism rate nationally amongst lawyers. As I'm sure you may know, they are required as part of their CLE to take workshops/classes that deal with alcoholism. At the work Christmas party, there was an open bar that ran up a 5 figure tab. In that same year, they also laid off some staff. Interesting, the economy was crashing, yet... 5 figure bar tab.

hi, one of the bars i would go into was the office on bourbon st. in new orleans. it was a hangout for lawyers and judges and was run by a leg breaker.they called me wages...the wages of sin is death...i was very well received there and over months of time prayed with some of the guys.the leg breaker(took 16 police to arrest him one time)told me to meet him at 9 in the morning at toneys accross the street.after a night of prayer for fear lest...we met and he bought breakfast and wept saying how his mother had raised him in church and he said while he stayed in n o he would give his tithe to my support. he moved to jackson ms soon after and got in the roofing bs. he met Jesus.jimp

There is a high alcoholism rate nationally amongst lawyers.

There is some opportunity there. But sadly, even after 3 years I've had little chance to actually interact with them, let alone witness to the attorneys that I work with every day. My interactions with them are almost entirely work related. And most of the time, I never directly interact with them, I interact with their secretaries. They usually stay locked up in their office and seldom come out. I'm pretty much limited to witnessing to those in my immediate department.

Pray and ask the LORD each morning to bring forth an opportunity. He can do the most amazing things...

I'm leaving the firm in a few weeks due to a new job. Usually they give people a small going away, or everybody comes by to say hello. I'm hoping to capitalize on that opportunity.

Hey there King Jimmy,

I think I would agree with Jimp its not for everyone but if the Lord is leading you then Go be Obedient and stay alert.

I would tell you, I heard a story told by Billy Graham about his wife. She would give each business in town a dozen cookies, hand delivering them for them to enjoy. One day she realized she never gave any cookies to the local bar so she decided one afternoon to go and give them cookies. Not many people were in there but they were all appreciative of the cookies, she continued this ministry and in time lead many to the Lord.

I know you have your new job coming up but you may consider visiting a bar in the late morning or early afternoon, most people drinking at that time are going to be your alcoholics and likely going to be the ones that need a listening ear and open heart. Also you will have a quieter atmosphere along with less temptation/distractions it would definitely be less in your face than at the peak hours of a bar or club.

hi, the best place to fish is where the fish are.jimp

I just remembered this!! Years ago, a friend and I would stop at Denny's after church and there was always this "Christian" looking guy with this guy with long hair there at the same time... every Wednesday night for months! So of course we had to speculate that there was some sort of witnessing going on!!!

It seems like about a year later we were headed back home from somewhere and had stopped in at Perkin's to get some food after the bars closed because there was those same two guys EXCEPT the Christian looking guy looked like he had been wore out - not one hair was in place and bags under his eyes, he was pitiful! We surmised that it had been the long hair guy who had been witnessing to the other guy and won him over!!

Wise as serpents and gentle as doves!!

Lisa

I am VERY CURIOUS as to the number of views on this thread as opposed to the number of views on the devotionals or even the prayer requests.....This is not a criticism. I am just very curious as to why. Any ideas??

by jimp hi, the best place to fish is where the fish are.jimp

Amen! Brother can I get another Amen?

by mama27...I am VERY CURIOUS as to the number of views on this thread as opposed to the number of views on the devotionals or even the prayer requests.....This is not a criticism. I am just very curious as to why. Any ideas??

Only God knows the answer to that. Maybe you can help answer your own question, you must have viewed this thread at least once because you posted on it, why did you view it?

hi, the best place to fish is where the fish are

That would cover just about every place. I would be curious as to whether anyone knows a place on Earth where fish would not be found?

I would tell you, I heard a story told by Billy Graham about his wife.

Fascinating story. Thank you very much for sharing this. It has really made me think.

Also you will have a quieter atmosphere along with less temptation/distractions it would definitely be less in your face than at the peak hours of a bar or club.

Oh yeah, definitely. I'm not wanting to go at peak hours in part for that reason. I've been in noisy bars late at night before, to where you can hardly hear the person standing next to you. I was looking to go in the evening/night, but not late late. From what many tell me, 10 pm isn't a bad time to usually go. Especially on weekdays.

I am VERY CURIOUS as to the number of views on this thread as opposed to the number of views on the devotionals or even the prayer requests.....This is not a criticism. I am just very curious as to why. Any ideas??

I'm always curious about such a phenomenon myself. Most of the devotionals or theological topics I write on usually don't invite much in the way of conversation or viewership.

Then again, I started the thread off with a very brief question, on an issue that is not exactly clear cut to most. I guess it was just a good discussion piece. And with some of the things that have been said, people see "something" happening, so they turn aside to see themselves. Kinda like why we pay Charlie Sheen attention, or tap our brakes when we see a fender bender on the side of the road. It's human nature. :-)

Amen! Brother can I get another Amen?

Yes. :-) Amen.

How about next door...to you who desire the bars? or the local hospital...where many desire prayer, having lost their health, and maybe facing death?

I'm specifically wishing to target those in my age group: the 20-30 somethings. That's simply where most folks my age go to hang out after work and on the weekends. If they were all playing chess somewhere, I would probably go there too.

It's human nature. :-)

Probably so.....Would that you could find the 20 and 30-somethings playing chess :) Just be EVER SO CAREFUL to be in the Spirit....the enemy will do ANYTHING to thwart your good intentions.....

I've played in a number of chess tournaments and clubs over the years. There is a rather vibrant one that meets Monday nights at about 7 pm. But unfortunately, I work then and cannot go.

I have never had that mentality....but a "who-so-ever will come, let him come" thinking.

Generally speaking, I am a whosoever sorta guy. But being 28 years old, I cannot help but look around at the lack of 20-30 year olds in the church today and feel very grieved for my generation. I want to very much reach them with the gospel... and not simply so I can have more "playmates" at church. But because I think it is a sad state of affairs that so many young men and women be almost entirely absent from the church.

It's been this way as long as I've been a Christian, and even though I go to a very healthy church that is also very large (with over 3,000 people), we would be lucky if we had 100-200 folks in my demographic. And when they do exist, they are usually married and with a kid on hip.

Jimmy, ever considered reaching out to International students on a local college campus? We know of a couple fellows who are very active in this kind of ministry and they are successful. Still, you must go where the LORD would have you go...having said this, I would be cautious about going to bars. A weak brother or sister may see you go in and take offense - thinking you are going in to party...

My thoughts...

I haven't read any of the other posts, sorry. But here's something you need to consider when doing street evangelism, bars included. Jesus went where he was invited. In the years of street ministry there were times when a bar owner invited us in for an open discussion with his patrons, we saw that as a special move of God and nothing more, we didn't make it a habit of going into bars as a habit.Consider it this way, what if a weaker brother or sister saw you entering on a regular basis?Might not their consciences be effected negatively by your actions?How ever if in the Lords timing you are invited, than what follows will bear the fruit of God's wisdom.