[Aquila]

For many house churches, this is a common method of public ministry.

I'm sure there are mixed results. It depends on the methods employed by the individual preacher, the message, and the population being preached to. A message of hell fire and brimstone may not pull in numbers in this day and age, but the Word is preached. I've noticed that messages that address injustices, abuses, and excesses within the church resonate with many listeners. So many have been burned by religion... to hear a preacher condemn "the institutional system" of the church for these abuses not only resonates, but it can be healing for those hearing someone unafraid to call the church out for its greed and power hungry spirit instead of just condemn the social sins of society at large. We had the presently un-churched saying, "Amen".... while prim and proper church folk looked dazed. lol Interestingly, we've even had dedicated church attendees stand up and get mean about protecting the "authority of the bishop" or the church's right to collect and aggregate wealth. These "Christians" were meaner than some of the homos and thugs we've encountered. lol

If your goal is to get the "word out" and stir some of your community it is great. As far as numbers... we've prayed with many people on the street, a few street baptisms and a hand full of visitors.

I've found that the best method of reaching an individual and keeping them in fellowship is to build an authentic friendship and relationship with them.