Podcast Episode 17 with Heath Pucel

The transcript is from a podcast episode of Bibles and Bullhorns, hosted by Jonathan Morris and Jon Neifert with their guest, Heath Pucel from Sports Fan Outreach International. The discussion centers around evangelism at sporting events where many gather and training up men for open-air preaching.

Key Points:

About SFOI

• Mobilize the next generation of open-air preachers, similar to George Whitefield.
• Activities: Evangelism at major public events—primarily sports events (e.g., Super Bowl, NBA All-Star, NFL Draft) but also festivals like the Circleville Pumpkin Show.
• Strategy: Reach large crowds by leveraging natural gatherings for gospel proclamation.

Evangelism Approach

• Tactics: Open-air preaching, tract distribution, one-on-one witnessing.
• Philosophy: Use “fishing holes” where people gather (e.g., stadiums, festivals).
• Duration: Teams often stay long hours (8–12) to demonstrate commitment and encourage repeated interactions.
• Response to Opposition: Use discernment to handle hecklers, focus on preaching unless genuine interest is shown.

Preaching Focus

• Why Preach Open-Air? Greater reach and historical precedent from figures like George Whitefield.
• Key Belief: Trust the Holy Spirit to use even brief exposures to truth.
• Comparison: Contrasts evangelistic preaching with rote or obligation-driven outreach (e.g., Jehovah’s Witnesses cart work).

George Whitefield Program & Academy

• Purpose: Train and support full-time open-air evangelists.
• Components: 2-year preaching certificate (six workshops); Support raising guidance; Annual Fellowship Conference; Emphasis on prayer, study, and frequent public preaching.

Success Stories & Growth

• Example: Joe Henson—progressed from participant to program overseer.
• Expansion efforts include building teams internationally (e.g., Europe, Bangladesh, Uganda).

Personal Testimony: Heath Pucel

• Grew up Baptist, initially moralistic without heart change.
• Radically changed after watching Way of the Master, reading Scripture, and conviction via Ray Comfort’s teaching on 1 John.
• Committed to gospel ministry through open-air preaching since 2011.

Encouragement for New Preachers

• Initial Fear is Normal: Many feel intense anxiety before their first open-air sermon.
• Tips: Stay in prayer, be grounded in Scripture, trust God’s judgment over man’s.
• Mindset: You’re not trying to win arguments but faithfully proclaim truth.

Light Moment

• God’s favorite sports team? “Green Bay Packers… but maybe Georgia Bulldogs too.”
• What sport in heaven? “Baseball”—clearly the most divine (debated humorously).

Connect with SFOI

• Website: https://www.sfoi.org | https://www.georgewhitefieldprogram.org
• Social Media: Facebook & YouTube – Sports Fan Outreach International