The New Trend in Religion: Preaching on Buses for Money

A trend has developed in Jamaica where preachers earn their living by asking for money after delivering the word of God.

Preaching on the road, bus or train is not new, neither is begging, but certainly this is a new career as many has given up their day jobs for this.

Mark 16:15 states - He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."

One is not disputing the right of any evangelist or missionary to preach the gospel on the bus or in the church but one has to wonder about them making it a business. It's like saying "you pay us and we tell you about Jesus". This is of concern to many as people are made to feel that they are paying for the service.

Jamaica is one such place where there are more bus preachers than commuters. On daily basis you will see many males and females who claim to be carriers of the gospel.

In many instances these so called preachers spend the half hour or so singing and praying without one relevant bible verse or discussion of the scriptures. In other cases they quote scriptures in their own interpretations. Some of these preachers belong to a church but many are non-denominational and their service to God and Christian faith is in question.

Between the years 2006 and 2009 I lived in a particular apartment complex (that's what we call them here in Jamaica). There was a man who was called "Pastor" who lived there with a younger gentleman. At first I thought the young man was his brother but upon further investigation I understood he was not. The young man I will call Sam.

Sam liked me, which led me to believe he was not gay, but by us becoming somewhat acquainted he wanted to get out of his living arrangement and to get married. According to Sam, he was introduced to the "bus type preacher" by Pastor. He was not a christian when he moved in, he was a young man who needed help and Pastor agreed to give him a place to live if he would help him with the preaching.

Not only was Sam expected to go with Pastor on the road to preach but to wash, cook and clean. I will not say that my suspicions were not aroused by the living arrangements but I have no proof that Sam provided other services.

Sam eventually moved out and became a real Christian and got married.

Pastor moved in another young man who did not deny that he was providing private services for the Pastor. There were also instances where other men visited and stayed overnight too. The apartment where the Pastor lived was seen as a gay brothel.

Not only was Pastor obviously gay but also a thief as I caught him stealing a bunch of bananas about midnight, from the neighbor's garden.

I since moved out and have not been unfortunate to meet him on th bus so I don't know what has become of Pastor.

I have concluded that many of these roadside preachers are nothing more than beggars. They study whatever scriptures strike their fancy and practice to preach in front of a mirror.

There is nothing wrong with roadside preaching but the manner in which you do it or the message of the word needs to be in context with what is happening in the world.

If I want to hear gospel music I'll listen to it on my cd player or the radio. If you are a troubadour then tell us. We do not need to hear your raspy voice singing when you purport to be a preacher.

There are wonderful street singers who bless or ears and hearts with their melodious voices on the buses and public transportation. You the preacher needs to preach. Tell us something we don't know. Remind us of what we have forgotten.

I don't mind giving an offering but don't ask for it. Let the words of your mouth and the message you bring do it work and I guarantee you wont want for bread.

Now you have me preaching!