Taking the good news to the streets

Jesus did not wait for people to come to Him. He went to them. So we go out too, into neighborhood streets, sidewalks and parking lots, to share the good news of Jesus with whoever we meet.

Why we go out

When Jesus looked at the crowds, He did not see strangers. He saw people who were tired and alone, and His heart went out to them.

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Matthew 9:36, NKJV

Many people around us carry heavy burdens and have no one to turn to. Some have never been inside a church, and some left a long time ago. We go out because Jesus cares about every one of them, and so do we.

Church members talking with people on a dirt street in a neighborhood, beside a block wall.

Jesus sent us

Going out was not our idea. Before He returned to heaven, Jesus gave His followers a clear command, and it is still ours today.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Mark 16:15, NKJV

Jesus also told a story about a great dinner. When the invited guests did not come, the host sent his servant out into the roads to bring in everyone he could find.

Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Luke 14:23, NKJV

We do not force anyone. We invite, with love, and leave the rest in God's hands.

A young man preaching with a microphone in a parking lot, a guitar on his back, while two boys sit in the open trunk of a car beside a speaker.

So that everyone can hear

No one can believe a message they have never heard. So we take it to them. We sing, we preach, and we hand out small printed leaflets that point to Jesus.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Romans 10:14-15, NKJV

A young man with a guitar on his back stands by the open trunk of a car and a speaker in a parking lot, with a woman nearby.

A hand holding a small printed leaflet that says Jesús.

One conversation at a time

Not everything happens with a microphone. Much of it is simply stopping to talk with someone: listening to their story and sharing what Jesus has done in our lives.

for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Luke 19:10, NKJV

Every person matters to God. Heaven rejoices over one person who turns back to Him.

I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15:7, NKJV

A church member talks with a man carrying a backpack outside a shop, seen from behind.

Praying with people

When someone tells us what they are going through, we offer to pray with them right there, on the sidewalk or in the street. No burden is too big or too small to bring to God.

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 5:16, NKJV

A church member embraces a man and prays with him on a city sidewalk.

Talk to us

If you would like to talk, or you want someone to pray with you, send us a message. You are always welcome to visit us at either of our churches.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28, NKJV

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