The question of whether gospel crusades are a biblical method of evangelism is an important one for Christians to consider. A gospel crusade typically refers to an evangelistic campaign or revival meeting held in an auditorium or stadium and led by an evangelist or preacher with the goal of converting non-believers to faith in Jesus Christ. As we examine what the Bible teaches about evangelism and how Jesus and the apostles proclaimed the gospel, several principles emerge that can help assess whether large-scale crusades are a biblically supported approach.
The Great Commission and Personal Evangelism
In giving his followers the Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), Jesus modeled an individualized, personal approach to sharing the gospel. His own evangelistic method was to engage people in one-on-one conversations that addressed their unique spiritual needs and situations. Jesus had conversations with Nicodemus about being born again (John 3), with the Samaritan woman about her search for meaning (John 4), and with Zacchaeus the tax collector about salvation coming to his house (Luke 19). Jesus frequently ministered to people’s physical needs as a bridge to addressing their spiritual needs.
The book of Acts records the apostles evangelizing in small groups and house churches, highlighting the importance of personal relationships in spreading the gospel. Peter preached to crowds at Pentecost, but the growth of the early church came through individual encounters. Philip met with the Ethiopian eunuch on a desert road (Acts 8). Peter stayed with the tanner Simon and brought the centurion Cornelius to faith (Acts 9-10). Paul and Silas spoke with women gathered by the river at Philippi (Acts 16). The early church grew primarily through informal person-to-person interactions.
Principles for Public Proclamation of the Gospel
The New Testament does show occasions when the apostles preached to larger crowds. Peter addressed thousands in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2). Paul preached in the synagogues and public squares of the cities he visited on his missionary journeys, such as Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13) and Thessalonica (Acts 17). However, even in these public proclamations, certain principles were evident:
- The priority was proclaiming the gospel over creating an emotionally-charged event. There is no indication of manipulation, showmanship, or emphasis on the preacher’s persona.
- The setting was organic rather than contrived. Public spaces or ready-made audiences were leveraged rather than specially staged events.
- The message was adapted to the local context with the goal of meaningful comprehension.
- Follow-up was done to nurture growth and understanding in small groups.
Large crowds did at times gather to hear preachers like Peter and Paul when word of their message spread. But the focus remained on the gospel itself rather than the spectacle of the event.
Concerns with the Crusade Model
When evaluated in light of biblical principles, gospel crusades can raise some concerns:
- The focus can shift from the gospel to the evangelist and the event itself.
- The staging of artificial scenarios may convey insincerity or manipulation.
- The message may be watered down and compromised in an attempt to elicit professions of faith from hearers.
- Mass approaches can lead to shallow or false conversions compared to personal evangelism.
- Lack of follow-up and discipleship after the event can result in new believers falling away.
- Resources invested in large events may be better used in long-term ministries and training local evangelists.
For these reasons, many question relying too heavily on the crusade approach and emphasize personal evangelism as the more biblical model.
Principles for Effective Use of Crusades
Given their potential deficiencies, gospel crusades should be viewed as a supplementary rather than primary evangelistic strategy. However, they can still serve a purpose when held according to biblical principles:
- They can communicate the beauty, joy, and excitement of the gospel when done in a God-glorifying way.
- They allow some unbelievers to privately hear the gospel who may not otherwise seek it out.
- The crusade message should focus on forgiveness, redemption, and new life in Christ.
- Thorough follow-up and discipleship should be provided for all who respond.
- Local churches should be closely involved for connecting new believers.
- Subsequent small group meetings and personal mentoring are essential.
With proper safeguards in place, crusades can play a supportive role in an overall evangelism strategy, while person-to-person sharing of the gospel remains the essential biblical approach.
Issues of Context and Culture
The cultural setting should also inform the appropriateness of utilizing crusades. In some cultures where Christianity faces hostility, small informal gatherings may be safer and wiser. In societies that are more group-oriented, large events may resonate better than an individual focus. Where festivals, music, and storytelling are valued, incorporating these creative elements can make sense. Sensitively adapting methods to social norms and customs, as the apostle Paul did in evangelizing different cities, allows outreach to remain biblical while maximizing reception of the message.
Conclusion
In summary, while the New Testament emphasizes personal evangelism, gospel crusades can play a supportive role when held with doctrinal soundness, spiritual genuineness, and diligent follow-up discipleship. Reliance upon crusades as the primary evangelistic strategy can lead to imbalanced or unhealthy practices, however. Sharing the gospel should ultimately focus on the transformation of individual hearts through the Holy Spirit rather than external works. Whether proclaiming Christ to the masses or in personal conversation, the biblical model is one that conveys both the truth and the love of Jesus through the humble sincerity of the messenger.