Not exactly. We are commissioned to "make disciples", not to create a sidewalk freak show that will have people shunning the Word of God. It is highly dependent upon the customs of the prevailing culture in each varying location as to how the gospel will be spread in that particular area.
Willie,
I have two points to make regarding you post; one where we agree, and one where I'm not sure.
1. I completely agree that much methodology will be EFFECTIVE or INEFFECTIVE dependent upon the culture and times... and a few other things.
That does not constitute a PROHIBITION against any methodology we dislike, or which we feel is ineffective.
But it's certainly common sense, as well a good bible, that there is a time and a place for different things.
I would also add that very often the effectiveness of a methodology is more dependent on the PERSON than on the methodology itself. Two people can do the same thing in very different ways.
2. You say we are to "make disciples" rather than create a "freak show" - since the context is street preaching, we'll assume you consider street preaching to be a freak show.... I think that's a little harsh as a generality, but there's nothing wrong with voicing your opinion.
Let's talk about "making disciples" versus "preaching."
Very often, when people hold that verse about "making disciples" in antithesis against some kind of preaching, they're holding it up against all preaching in general - they're using it to say Christians shouldn't be preaching at all, they should be making disciples instead, which is apparently a much more gentlemanly sport.
Willie, I don't know if that's how you meant it, so I'm not going to accuse you of that, or put words in your mouth.
(I'll leave you alone to speak for yourself.)
But since some people do use that verse to DISCOURAGE PREACHING in general, I'm going to speak to that issue.
Christians are told to do both: MAKE DISCIPLES and PREACH.
Before we can TRAIN a disciple, a person has to first BECOME a disciple.. and that requires the preaching of the gospel in some form.
Some verses on the necessity of preaching.
Luk 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins
should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Act 10:42 And he commanded us to
preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Conclusion:
It may be that Willie and I don't disagree on anything here.
I'll let Willie comment on that if he feels inclined.