Street evangelism in Kent
Mark Bingham, Counties evangelist in Kent, has spent years walking the streets of Kent, stopping to talk, listen and share the Gospel with whoever he meets. He tells Ignite about the encounters that keep him going – and why he believes ordinary Christians are more ready for this than they think.
It began with a burden Mark Bingham simply could not shake.
“I couldn’t shake the awareness that so many people around us are living their lives without ever truly hearing the Gospel in a clear and personal way,” he says. “Inside the church we speak of hope, forgiveness and new life – but outside, many are carrying heavy questions and struggles with no one to talk to.”
When Mark moved to Maidstone five years ago, people in the town invited him to get involved, and that opened the door to doing regular street evangelism across Kent. For Mark, it felt like a natural outworking of a deep conviction: not waiting for people to come to church, but going out into everyday places and being available for real conversations. “Many churches unintentionally expect people to turn up to services or to join small groups,” he reflects, “which means whole swathes of the local population never meet a Christian or hear the Gospel.”
Out on the streets
Each week, Mark travels across Kent: Maidstone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Deal, Folkestone, Canterbury, Strood, Chatham and the surrounding high streets, parks and busy public spaces. There is a rhythm to it, he says, “but no two days are the same, and I value that unpredictability.”
He meets people from every background and every stage of life. Some are open straight away; others are cautious; some have simply never been asked about faith before. “Often conversations go deeper than expected,” Mark shares.
“People share struggles, doubts, past hurts related to church, or a simple sense that something’s missing. What consistently surprises me is how willing people are to talk when they feel genuinely listened to. It’s rarely about having perfect answers and more about being present, showing kindness, and giving someone space to be heard.”
Among those Mark has met recently: Sonny, who is actively seeking a church but faces practical challenges because his job as a chef often requires working Sundays; Barry, who believes in the Lord Jesus but is not currently attending church; Nathan, originally from Newcastle, and Olivia, from Maidstone, both of whom had Christian backgrounds but had drifted away, and who, after hearing the Gospel clearly, each decided to give their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. And Sophie, who doesn’t yet believe, but whose interest has been opened by watching a powerful change in her brother, a man set free from addiction who now shows clear peace and love for Jesus.
Moments that stay with you
There are people Mark sees regularly on the streets who, at the start, would shut down whenever faith came up. Over months of showing up, listening and caring without pressure, some of those same people have begun to open up and are now willing to talk about Jesus. “Watching that slow, patient shift has felt like seeing God at work,” he says.
One encounter in particular has stayed with him. Mark once had a long conversation with a man who told him how hard life had become after losing his wife and family. They talked deeply, Mark shared the Gospel and gave him something to read. The man left visibly encouraged. Mark never saw him again. “The change in his countenance that day felt like a clear moment of God meeting someone in their pain,” he reflects. “What stayed with me wasn’t just the conversation, but the clear sense of timing. That God had arranged that moment. It reminded me again that even brief encounters can carry real weight and eternal significance.”
What keeps Mark going through it all is a simple but anchoring conviction. “God is already at work in people’s lives,” he says. “I’m not bringing Him into a situation. He’s already there, and I’m privileged to join in, even briefly.”
You don’t have to do anything dramatic
For anyone reading this who feels a nudge towards sharing their faith, Mark’s encouragement is warm and direct.
“I think many people feel that evangelism is something for a certain type of Christian, those who are especially confident or knowledgeable. But in reality, it’s much simpler and more natural than that. At its heart, it’s just about being willing. You don’t need to have all the answers, and you don’t need to speak perfectly. Some of the most meaningful moments come from simply sharing your own story, asking a thoughtful question, or listening with genuine care.”
Starting, he says, does not have to be complicated. “It can begin with a conversation, a kind word, or even just being attentive to someone who might need encouragement. Start with prayer, ask God to guide you, and be open to simple opportunities. It might be a conversation with a friend, a colleague, or even a stranger.”
And the responsibility, he is quick to add, does not rest on our shoulders alone. “It’s important to remember that the responsibility isn’t on you to change someone’s life. That’s God’s work. Our part is simply to be faithful and willing. As you take those small steps, you’ll find that your confidence grows and you begin to see how God works through even the simplest acts of obedience.”
Do you have a calling for evangelism? To find out more about the Connect Evangelism Training Programme, visit: countiesuk.org/training