Physical evangelism in a physically distanced world

The new academic year presents real challenges and great opportunities for evangelism in universities.

The challenges are obvious – how do we meet, gather, and share the gospel in situations where there are so many restrictions to what we can do?

But the opportunity is also great – there could well be more spiritual openness in this time of upheaval and uncertainty. With much less happening on campus – there is a real opportunity for Christians to stand out and provide much-needed welcome and community.

Some of the normal models of proclamation evangelism won’t be possible in the current context. But resorting to online only may not be as effective as it was earlier in the year as many people are experiencing zoom fatigue and crave physical connection.

How can we work within the current restrictions and guidelines to share the gospel. Here are three possible solutions:

1. Use cafes and restaurants

In many places it will be difficult to book venues – and even where we can, it is often the case that face coverings are required depersonalising the event somewhat.

However, in many countries it is possible to go out for meals and drinks in cafés, restaurants and bars. Such places have already been set up to work within the current guidelines. So why not see if you can book out one of these places for an evening to hold your event? It may be a little more costly – as you will have to commit to buy at least drinks and possibly meals – but it will make for a very attractive event.

2. Join small groups up with technology

In many places it just will not be possible to host large gatherings. Some student groups are splitting up into smaller “impact groups“ to meet and pray physically together. The small groups can then become hubs to which people are invited.

Instead of inviting people to one central event there will be a number of possible venues to which people could go. At these small events people can eat together and then watch a talk streamed live online. Ideally this talk would be given live to one of those groups and relayed using zoom or another suitable platform. Questions can then be submitted to the speaker from any of the small groups using websites like sli.do

3 Go outdoors

The advantage of meeting outside is it there is space to spread out and often face masks are not required. Of course the viability of such an event may be greater in the south of Europe than in the Faroe Islands! But even in rainy, cold England some Christian unions have held open air Christmas Carol services in precious years so anything is possible! Why not try a bbq? An acoustic concert?

You may think of other creative ways of being able to gather people within the current guidelines to share the gospel. Let’s take this opportunity to try new things and to see what could be possible!