The church is bigger than any single congregation. As Christians, we know that we are the Church—individually and collectively as the body of Christ. But what does that look like in practice?

Our inboxes and social media feeds are filled with announcements for VBS, seasonal events, holiday programs, and ministry activities. Whether in a rural community or a large city, there is rarely a shortage of church-hosted opportunities for fellowship and evangelism. This is not meant to diminish the value of those ministries. Instead, it is a reminder to consider the children and youth who never attend them.

Stewarding the Call to Disciple

Our mission does not stop at the doors of our church buildings. Nor is it limited to occasional displays of kindness and the fruits of the Spirit in our daily interactions. When we commit to being disciples of Christ, our mission field extends far beyond those who attend Sunday services, Wednesday programs, or special events.

Discipleship does not always mean quoting Scripture or teaching Bible lessons. Often, sharing Jesus in our personal lives looks very different from how we serve in organized ministry settings.

Maybe you have a large family or a close-knit group of friends. Make it a point to intentionally engage with the young people around you. Ask about their interests, sports, academics, clubs, or hobbies. Showing genuine interest in them—not just because of your connection to their parents—is a powerful way to love them as Jesus does.

By building relationships, you create a foundation of trust. That trust may make you one more caring adult they can turn to when life becomes difficult. There may be times when parents need to be involved, but simply being willing to listen and offer encouragement can have a lasting impact.

Many of us already lead busy lives. Some serve in full-time ministry, while others volunteer alongside demanding careers and family responsibilities. Taking on more can feel impossible. Yet when it comes to reaching people for Christ, the investment of our time is never wasted.

Perhaps you love sports—football, basketball, baseball, golf, wrestling, cheerleading, or softball. Maybe your gifts draw you toward music, theater, dance, or other community activities. Participating in these settings can sometimes feel like a luxury when time is limited. But if we are called to steward our time as carefully as our finances, shouldn’t we be intentional about where we spend it?

Many of the young people involved in these activities will never walk through the doors of a church. While direct preaching may not always be appropriate or welcomed, there are countless opportunities to invest in the lives of those we coach, mentor, or simply spend time with.

Leading by Example

When conflicts arise between teammates or cast members, when a referee makes a difficult call, or when personal struggles create frustration, fear, or disappointment, we have opportunities to model a Christ-centered response.

Mentoring outside of church can be both rewarding and effective because it challenges us to live out our faith in practical ways. Looking back, I can remember many wise and caring adults who invested in me. It wasn’t until much later, when I was studying Scripture for myself, that I realized how deeply their advice was rooted in biblical truth.

They didn’t need to quote chapter and verse for their lessons to stick. They didn’t preach at me or judge my struggles. Instead, they met me where I was, shared from their own experiences, and demonstrated wisdom through their actions.

When I think about the kind of coach and disciple I want to be, I often remember something my mother said: “Use words if necessary.”

Much of our influence comes from how we carry ourselves. We can communicate patience, integrity, compassion, humility, and grace without saying much at all. For those of us accustomed to church ministry, it can feel challenging to enter environments where openly teaching Scripture may not be possible. Yet those spaces often provide some of the greatest opportunities for impact.

Many children do not have families who take them to church or read the Bible at home. They may never attend a youth group or hear a sermon. For them, a coach, teacher, mentor, or trusted adult may be the closest example of Christ they encounter. That reality should encourage us to step into these roles with purpose.

Many coaching, mentoring, and community leadership positions are volunteer-based. Adding another commitment without financial compensation can feel overwhelming. Yet we should not be afraid to serve where God calls us, even when it requires sacrifice.

Our reward is not measured by earthly recognition. Scripture reminds us that our treasures are in heaven. One day, we may fully understand the impact of the seeds we planted through simple acts of faithfulness.

If our desire is to see heaven filled with people who know Christ, then we must be willing to cast our nets far and wide. Our role in the community extends beyond church walls. Through the power of Christ working in us, we can reach people who may never attend a church service.

Doing so may require sacrifices of time, energy, and comfort. It may require creativity beyond planning Sunday school lessons or church events. But the return is immeasurable.

Let us pray and ask the Lord where He would have us cast our nets, trusting that He will use our faithfulness to reach those who need Him most.

Samantha Moser is a disciple of Jesus who has served for over a decade and a half in ministry, from nursery to VBS to youth group. She and her husband, Dallas, homeschool their four children with an emphasis on biblical foundations, world history, and life skills. Their oldest son graduated early, and added a daughter-in-love and grandson to their family. The couple serves in their community by pouring into everyone they meet, young and old, and volunteering and donating to many local organizations. Samantha believes having both sons and daughters gives her a thorough perspective on what boys and girls are facing today. The Moser family is passionate about serving Jesus, seeing and filling needs in all areas of their lives. When they aren’t at church, they enjoy camping, kayaking, and anything that brings their family together.