Field Preaching, Then and Now

 

When John Wesley followed George Whitefield's lead in 1739 and "submitted to be more vile" by preaching in the open air, he was being faithful to a call from God that stretched him far outside his comfort zone.  He felt it to be an act that went beyond the bounds of things done decently and in order, and he was not alone in this opinion, yet he was committed to the practice, defending it against all opponents. 

On August 28, 1748, he wrote:

I wonder at those who still talk so loud of the indecency of field-preaching.  The highest indecency is in St Paul's Church, when a considerable part of the congregation are asleep, or talking, or looking about, not minding a word the preacher says. 

Nevertheless, although he continued the practice throughout the rest of his life, he never enjoyed it, considering it a cross he must bear in obedience to Christ and the best available means for sharing the gospel with the most people, particularly those who rarely entered a church building. 

In a later entry in his journal, he reflected:

On Monday and Tuesday evening I preached abroad, near the  Keelman's hospital, to twice the people we should have had at the house. What marvel the devil does not love field preaching? Neither do I. I love a commodious room, a soft cushion, a handsome pulpit. But where is my zeal if I do not trample all these under foot in order to save one more soul? (June 23, 1759)

And so I wonder. What might our "field-preaching" look like today? Covid-19 has turned everything upside down, including the Church. Though we might prefer to do church business as usual, that is impossible. Gathering close together, singing lustily (as Wesley instructed), and enjoying tea or coffee afterwards are all off-limits, so we will have to be more creative and forward-thinking than we've ever been before.  

In order to be faithful witnesses to the gospel in new ways, we may well have to consider trying methods we regard as vile as field-preaching was to Wesley. Are we as willing and as flexible as he was? How will clergy and laity open themselves to a new way forward? Our response must be thoughtful and bold, lovingly honoring our tradition while courageously seeking contemporary ways to proclaim the love of God in Christ. What forms might that take where you are? I'd love to hear.