Does the Holy Spirit work without outward communicative means?

Define "work." He chased me to heck and gone, nagging me relentlessly despite my dogged resistance. I don't think I was saved, i.e. regenerated, until a few years ago, although I was raised Episcopalian (baptized 53 years ago this very day, AAMOF) and was RC for a dozen years.

Does He normatively work through means? To be sure, He does. Still, all we can do is share the gospel and leave the timing up to Him. We cannot force Him to redeem someone. The timing is up to Him. Whether or not He redeems someone at all is up to Him.

Are preaching or baptism necessary for regeneration?

Well, sprinkling or dunking someone with/into water isn't necessary. I already said that, didn't I? I'm no paedobaptist, so I obviously don't tie baptism with regeneration, except that someone who has come to saving faith in Christ ought to obey His command to be baptized.

As to whether or not preaching is necessary, I don't suppose so. It's the most common means He uses, but unless one believes those born profoundly mentally challenged have no chance at salvation, which I don't, obviously preaching is not required in every case, without exception.

Plus some people have come to faith through the sole agency of a Bible. The LORD can easily use His Word to bring someone to eternal life.

This is not common, mind, but it does happen.

If not, does the Holy Spirit come to men through their own preparations, prayers, and works?

Okay, you've sort of lost me here. I don't perfectly understand you're asking.

Isn't anyone else going to respond to your initial question, though? Or am I going to be left to be the mug?

Anne