Crossing the Street: The Starting Point of Obedient Witness

Evangelism Is Not Optional

For many believers, the word “evangelism” can feel intimidating, even paralyzing. It brings to mind overseas mission trips, theology degrees, or door-to-door conversations. But Jesus never made sharing the gospel a task for the few; He made it a command for all.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) is not reserved for pastors or missionaries. It is the natural outflow of a life transformed by Christ. The call to “go and make disciples” actually begins, for many, with those at our breakfast table and right next door.

The First Step: Cross the Street

“We don’t even cross the street.” 

This simple phrase reveals a deep truth: many Christians feel more comfortable sending others overseas than walking in obedient witness themselves.

But evangelism doesn’t have to start with a passport. It starts with presence—intentionally engaging with family members, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates who don’t know Jesus.

The first step in missions is not going overseas. It’s walking across the street.

It’s not brain surgery. It’s heart surgery.

Rediscovering the Heart of Evangelism

Evangelism isn’t a presentation, but a posture. It begins with seeing others as Jesus sees them: image-bearers in need of hope and the Good News. The Western church often focuses on the mechanics of evangelism, but the heart of it is actually love. It’s simply asking, “Do I care enough about someone’s eternity to start a conversation today?”

From my experience around the world, one of the most powerful tools in sharing the gospel is not preaching, but listening. Listening to stories, recognizing brokenness, and building trust all create space for the gospel to be heard.

Simple Ways to Begin

Obedient evangelism doesn’t require a script. It simply requires availability and courage. Here are a few practical ways anyone can begin:

• Invite a neighbor over for dinner. Meals open doors for trust. The most common strategy in the New Testament was breaking bread over a shared meal.
• Ask good questions. Learn someone’s story before offering your own.
• Look for opportunities to pray. When someone shares a need, stop and pray right then.
• Engage wherever you go. Ruth often strikes up gospel-centered conversations in grocery stores by asking about unfamiliar ingredients and inviting others to share their knowledge.

These aren’t complicated strategies. They are small acts of obedience that plant seeds of eternity.

Obedience Over Outcome

One of the biggest barriers to evangelism is fear. Fear of rejection, failure, or awkwardness. Remember: Satan’s greatest tool is fear! But God never asks His people to convert anyone. He asks them to be faithful.

Success in evangelism is not measured by results but by obedience.

Crossing the street is not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, being present, and trusting that the Holy Spirit does the work that only He can do.

Reclaiming the Mission Field at Home

The mission field is not just “over there.” In fact, the unreached are often next door. From international students to new immigrants to neighbors disillusioned with church, the need for the gospel is real in every community.

The persecuted church reminds us that evangelism isn’t optional and it isn’t complicated. It’s about saying yes to Jesus—yes to His command to go and yes to the people He’s already placed around us.

Conclusion: Start Where You Are

For those waiting on a call to missions, read Matthew 28. You’ve already been commanded. The question is no longer if, but where.

The first place to go may not be far. It might just be across the street.