How to Reach the Masses
E.A. Johnston illustrates through the story of D.O. Moody how simple, heartfelt gospel preaching can powerfully reach the masses beyond formal conventions.
In this evangelistic sermon, E.A. Johnston recounts the powerful story of D.O. Moody’s street preaching during the 1871 Indianapolis convention. Johnston highlights how Moody’s simple, heartfelt approach to sharing the gospel captivated working men and drew crowds without formal preparation. This sermon challenges listeners to embrace practical, faith-driven evangelism that reaches people where they are. Through vivid storytelling, Johnston inspires believers to trust in the power of the gospel to transform lives.
Full Transcript
In 1871, in the city of Indianapolis, there was a convention taking place, whereby hundreds of ministers were gathered together to discuss the topic, how to reach the masses. And as they were working hard preparing their lectures and speeches, readying them for this convention, one man, a layman, was outside on the street corner, actually winning the masses to Christ with a simple gospel message. His name was D.O. Moody, and his co-laborer, Ira Sankey, will relate that story to us in his words as it happened at that time.
The next day, I got a card from Mr. Moody asking me to meet him at a certain street corner and sing for him at an open-air meeting. I wrote on the same card, I'll be there. I was there on time, and in a few minutes he came also.
He didn't stop to speak, but walked into a store on the corner and borrowed a dry goods box. He came out and rolled it to the edge of the sidewalk and asked me to sing. I did so, and a crowd began to collect around us.
Mr. Moody got up on the box and began to preach, as I never heard any man preach before. His hearers were electrified. They hung on his every word.
They were mostly working men, going home to their suppers. They forgot that they were tired and hungry. The crowd grew so dense around us that we had to close, and Mr. Moody said that he was going to hold another meeting at the Academy of Music up the street.
We started down the street singing as we went, and the crowd with their dinner pails followed us, filling the main floor of the building. And again he spoke to the crowd of men of all classes, with such power and pathos as moved hundreds to tears. He had but a few minutes to preach, and seeing that the convention was gathering to discuss the question, how to reach the masses, he closed with a very short prayer and dismissed the meeting.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The 1871 Indianapolis convention on reaching the masses
- Ministers preparing lectures and speeches
- Contrast with D.O. Moody’s street preaching
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II
- Moody’s impromptu open-air meeting
- Use of simple tools like a dry goods box
- Gathering and engaging a diverse crowd
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III
- Power and pathos in Moody’s preaching
- Impact on working men and listeners
- Closing with prayer and dismissal
Key Quotes
“He didn’t stop to speak, but walked into a store on the corner and borrowed a dry goods box.” — E.A. Johnston
“His hearers were electrified. They hung on his every word.” — E.A. Johnston
“He had but a few minutes to preach, and seeing that the convention was gathering to discuss the question, how to reach the masses, he closed with a very short prayer and dismissed the meeting.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Embrace simplicity and authenticity when sharing the gospel with others.
- Be willing to step outside formal settings to reach people where they are.
- Trust that heartfelt preaching and prayer can move hearts powerfully.