Stories at The Well
WELL STORIES
The Role of Community in Evangelism
God uses ordinary people and community to reach the lost.
I felt God urging me to take a bold step of faith.
Discipleship doesn’t just include strengthening the faith of those who already believe. Throughout Scripture, discipleship also involves reaching the lost and bringing them into the Kingdom (Matt. 28:19; Lk. 15:4; 19:10). God has called every Christian to reach the lost (Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:18-20), and He often calls individuals to specific groups of people or locations (Acts 9:15; Gal. 1:15-16; 2:7; Rom. 15:16). We desire that every Christian make disciples wherever they go (Matt. 28:19). Our goal should be that every person hears the Good News of Jesus Christ, in the hope that God will work on their hearts and bring them to Himself (Rom. 10:13-15; 1 Tim. 2:4).
Ryan was born in Austin, Texas, but grew up in Oregon before returning to Austin as a teenager. Those years were marked by a profound sense of disconnection—from his family, from a spiritual community, and even from himself. Isolation became a familiar companion, and belonging felt just out of reach.
His first steps toward faith weren’t driven by personal conviction but by the encouragement of others. He recalls how his then-girlfriend invited him to church. “At the time, I was not a believer,” he says candidly. “I had just broken up with her, but I asked her to bring me to her church, and it turned out to be The Well.” What seemed like a random decision became a turning point in his life.
For many people, faith begins like this: with an invitation. A simple, human gesture can serve as the threshold into something eternal—a community where they can see, hear, and experience the love of Jesus.
When Ryan first joined a community group, it was unfamiliar territory. He was shy, hesitant, and unsure of whether he truly belonged. His first visit to the Newell family’s home left an impression—not because of profound theological discussions, but because of warmth. “They did such a good job of welcoming me in and showing me love,” he remembers. “They showed me how I could be a part of a community.”
This sense of belonging was pivotal. True community isn’t just about attending Sunday services or events—it’s about showing up for each other, wrestling with difficult questions, and extending care in tangible ways. Ryan’s community group became a refuge where he could ask questions, receive prayer, and be met with grace.
The significance of this connection became clearer when Ryan’s grandfather was nearing the end of his life. Overwhelmed by grief, Ryan reached out to his roommates—fellow members of the community group he was attending. “I remember texting them and asking if I could have a hug when I got home. And when I walked in, they were already there, waiting for me. I gave them a hug and just started crying,” he shares. “It was a release of so many emotions I’d been holding back. Seeing my friends show up for me in that way reminded me of the love Jesus has for us.”
In moments like these, community stops being a program or a structure—it becomes a reflection of God’s steadfast love.
For Ryan, the choice to accept Christ and get baptized wasn’t an impulsive decision but the result of a long journey marked by reflection, prayer, and support from his community. During a prayer session with his group, where they collectively sought to discern God’s calling, Ryan felt an unmistakable nudge. “I felt God urging me to take a bold step of faith,” he explains—a step that would publicly symbolize his commitment to Jesus.
But the road to that decision wasn’t without its struggles. Ryan wrestled with the significance of baptism, questioning its necessity and meaning. Through ongoing prayer, thoughtful conversations, and growing clarity, he came to see baptism not as an obligation, but as an act of surrender and trust.
When the day came, Ryan stood on stage, nervous but resolute. “It was really nerve-wracking being up there because I don’t love being in front of people,” he admits. But as he looked out into the congregation, surrounded by faces who had walked with him every step of the way, he felt a deep sense of peace. This was where he was meant to be.
Now, Ryan finds himself extending the same kind of invitations he once received. He reminds himself often that rejection isn’t personal—it’s not him being turned away, but Jesus. “Jesus will continue to soften their hearts,” he says. “I just have to keep pursuing others, just as He pursued me. It’s not through our strength that people come to Christ—it’s through God’s strength. Our job is simply to be faithful and to love others the way Jesus loves us.”
For Ryan, discipleship isn’t about grand gestures or perfectly crafted words—it’s about showing up. It’s about living out faith in quiet, steady ways and trusting God with the results.
The journey of faith isn’t measured by attendance numbers or instant results. It’s measured by relationships—by the quiet moments of prayer, the open-door invitations, and the faithful presence of people who choose to walk alongside one another. Ryan’s story is a reminder that discipleship is often slow, sometimes messy, but always worth it.
As we continue walking this path together, let’s remember this: The goal isn’t to build impressive programs or chase immediate outcomes. It’s to reflect the love of Jesus in every interaction, trusting that God will do what only He can—bring the lost home.
Reflection Questions
Think of at least one lost friend in your life. How can you pray for them?
What does Baptism mean to you?
