How Drones Help Spread the Gospel

Image Courtesy of STARTRC (Amazon)

There is a compelling reason why Christians should embrace drones to preach the gospel publicly: they extend the reach of the message into places where most believers feel nervous or afraid to witness.

I am unsure whether others are using drones equipped with speakers to proclaim the gospel publicly, but in the coming weeks, our church will pioneer this approach. I have seen drones employed to capture breathtaking images of church buildings, picnics, and similar events.

However, we are not called to glory in such things. While I do not diminish the value of fellowship, if we are to utilize modern technology to remain relevant, let us do so for the primary purpose for which we were brought into the world: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When someone is committed to spreading the good news beyond the four walls of the church, numerous obstacles arise.

As both a church pastor and a dedicated street preacher for the cause of Christ, I have encountered the following challenges while sharing the gospel in public spaces:

• Law enforcement arriving after being called, with people reporting me for everything from disturbing the peace to making threatening remarks, and even accusations of terroristic threats in the early 2000s.

  
  

• Being confined to public sidewalks or other areas which, in smaller towns especially, are often far from where foot traffic is heaviest, limiting the audience.

  
  

• Facing verbal or physical attacks from those who, influenced by Satan, oppose the gospel message. For instance, I was assaulted in a church after publicly calling a false prophet to return to Christ, and on another occasion, someone threatened to strike me with a large stick, claiming they would swing it at my head.

  
  

I could list more challenges, but these pale in comparison to the trials Jesus and His apostles endured! Although I have yet to launch my first drone preaching mission, here are seven compelling reasons you should incorporate a drone equipped with a speaker into your public ministry outreach:

Ministry Drones Allow Anonymity

One challenge of street ministry is that its uncommon nature causes people to focus on the messenger rather than the message.

In other words, “What are they doing?” often overshadows “What are they saying?” I began street preaching around the year 2000, over 25 years ago as of this writing.

As a pastor, this is an unusual sight in urban areas. Black cogregants understand the solemn dignity black pastors portray throughout the history of the African American Church.

A a wild, undignified street preacher is anti-thetical to this and remains a taboo of sorts.

While a younger generation is increasingly taking to the streets—unlike previous generations—many of those I speak with desire a degree of anonymity.

One brother considered wearing a mask but concluded, as I did, that it might draw even more attention. With a drone, the speaker can remain up to 300 feet away while the message is delivered from the air, allowing listeners to focus on the voice rather than the messenger.

Admittedly, the novelty of a drone-delivered message may initially shock communities, but it will likely become commonplace sooner than most anticipate.

Preaching Drones Provide Safety

Let me be clear: I personally object to prioritizing safety in ministry, as I believe confrontation is part of the calling.

However, I recognize the utility of drones for those not naturally gifted in handling confrontation, such as a dear brother of mine, a local pastor with the gentle heart of a shepherd, who desires to share publicly but struggles with the inevitable opposition from those influenced by Satan.

Preaching the gospel carries inherent dangers, but as the Apostle Paul noted, whether of contention or not, the gospel is still preached.

Drones allow those who lack boldness to deliver the message in potentially hostile environments while remaining as safe as possible.

Another motivation is the ability to bypass restrictions on public preaching. For example, when preaching near a Walmart, it typically takes only 8 to 10 minutes before security or police intervene, often banning you from returning.

However, they cannot restrict airspace, provided you adhere to Federal Aviation Administration rules and avoid protected areas like airports.

Below is a PDF guide resource which anyone intending on using a recreational drone must read and adhere to from the FAA (Federal Aviation Adminitration).

Drones Used in Ministry.pdf

Download PDF • 718KB

Drones Provide a Fresh Ministry Platform

A preaching drone offers a dynamic platform to awaken people from spiritual slumber, delivering a “shock and awe” effect while maintaining relevance in a modern context. Drones are now a ubiquitous part of our culture. My sister, a 55-year-old woman, owns two!

The value of drones lies not only in their reach but also in their ability to engage listeners in a novel way, with the message coming from the air, offering a fresh avenue to connect with God’s Word.

In conclusion, using drones equipped with speakers to preach the gospel publicly offers profound benefits to the Kingdom of God, extending the reach of the message into areas where traditional street preaching faces resistance, hostility, or legal barriers.

These accessible and affordable aerial tools provide anonymity for the messenger, allowing the focus to remain on the gospel rather than the preacher, which is particularly valuable for those who face scrutiny or prejudice due to our faith.

Drones also enhance safety for those less equipped to handle confrontation, enabling even the timid to participate in public evangelism while minimizing personal risk.

Furthermore, they introduce a vibrant, culturally relevant platform that captures attention in an increasingly technological world, shaking people out of spiritual complacency with a delivery method that is both innovative and engaging.

This bold approach honors the sacred call to evangelize the lost through proclaimation the gospel beyond the church walls. Furthermore, it leverages modern technology to overcome longstanding obstacles like restricted access to public spaces or swift ejection by authorities.

By embracing drones, churches can revitalize their evangelistic efforts, ensuring the message of Jesus Christ resonates with diverse audiences in urban centers, small towns, and everywhere in between.

This method is not merely a novelty but a strategic tool to fulfill the Great Commission, reaching the lost in ways that are both practical and profound, and inspiring a new generation of believers to boldly share their faith.

As drones become more integrated into daily life, their use in ministry will likely become a standard, transformative practice, amplifying the gospel’s reach and impact for the glory of God.