Gospel in a Minute

Paul next traveled to Athens, Greece, where…

...he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17  So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:16-17 (NIV)

Principle: Go Where People Gather

Besides preaching to crowds, Paul conversed one-on-one with those in the marketplace. Today this will happen in places like coffee shops, but really wherever we might be. We should always be alert for opportunities.

Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ Matthew 22:9 (NLT) 

I believe more followers of Christ should make it a practice to visit places where people gather with the express purpose of seeing what God might do.

This will require us to hone our conversational skills so that we can easily talk to people without making them feel uncomfortable. The idea is that during the conversation we will discover more about them, their situations and needs, and thus find a way to offer to pray for them or to share how Christ is the answer. The more we do this, the easier it gets, the more relaxed we become, and the better will be our results. Give it a try. The Holy Spirit will help you. Listen to him. He is already at work in the marketplace. God is way ahead of us.