Sometimes the most powerful messages get delivered outside the pulpit.Usually my brother preaches sermons from the pulpit of his inner-city church. Today, he preaches from the street. It is a sermon for an audience of one--a thief.

"Lawrance! You take that Coke right back there into that store," my brother yells from across the street. "I saw what you did."

By now, the preacher has crossed the street and is looking down on the 12-year-old, stolen six-pack of Coke in his hand.

"Lawrance. You steal six-packs when you're 12, and you'll be robbing banks by 20. You're too great a guy to spend your life in jail. Now, let's go tell the grocer what you've done."

With that the preacher and Lawrance march into the little corner deli. Lawrance goes first. In sober tones he confesses his sin to the man behind the counter.

Back on the street, he takes off toward the dilapidated row house where he lives with his grandma. He does not stand around in friendly conversation with the preacher.

"Lawrance can't ...