Keith Darrell: Open Air Preacher
Photos and Writing by Ryan Blake
Keith Darrell is an open-air preacher often seen on the campuses of Washing State University and University of Idaho. Darrell travels the country and preaches the gospel at colleges, which he labeled a marketplace of ideas He brings a chair, a water bottle and a bible to every preaching where he often spends up to five hours and talking.
Many of the topics Darrell discusses are deeply personal and often considered offensive. Audience members frequently speak out and confront him on many issues. He said he believes there isn’t a voice for Christians on campuses and that he won’t be shamed away from sharing the gospel.
A crowd gathers around Darrell in a semicircle.
Darrell argues across the circle. Some look on while others ignore the confrontation.
Darrell invites arguments from people in the crowd.
Darrell brings a chair, a bottle of water and a bible every time he visits a school.
Students line the stairs outside the entrance of the CUB.
Darrell often preaches from behind his chair.
Emotions run high during many of the confrontations.
Sometimes people just ignore Darrell.
Darrell began open air preaching eight years ago. He formerly had a job in finance on Wall Street.
Darrell has been punched five times and been arrested once.