The Crossover: Engaging in God’s Mission

Today, Clare Jewell, Executive Director of ABWE EveryEthne and Director of Generate for the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, walked the campus community through John 4, exhorting listeners to cross boundaries for the sake of the Gospel. In today’s world, we are facing a critical moment for the church. Only 17% of Americans regularly attend church, over 500 people groups now live in America, and young people are leaving the faith at an alarming rate. But this is not a time for fear — it’s an opportunity. Like Noah stepping out of the ark after the storm, God is calling us to step out of our comfort zones and engage in His mission.

Crossing Over Requires Leaving Comfort Behind

Many of us prefer to stay in familiar circles with people who think, talk, and believe like we do, but Jesus calls us to something greater. Crossing over means making intentional connections with those who are different from us for the sake of redemption.

We see this in John 4, where Jesus engages with the Samaritan woman at the well.

• John 4:4-7 – Jesus, a Jewish man, crosses cultural and social boundaries by asking her for a drink.
• John 4:9 – The woman is skeptical, as Jews and Samaritans did not associate with one another.
• John 4:13-14 – Jesus offers her "living water," showing that salvation is for all people.

Jesus had every reason to ignore this woman — she was a Samaritan, a social outcast, and living in sin. But He saw beyond her labels and engaged with her heart.

The Church’s Call to Cross Over

Too often, the American church is unwilling to engage in the messiness of people's lives. But Jesus calls us to love our neighbors, not just tolerate them.

• Love requires action. The Good Samaritan didn’t just acknowledge the wounded man — he crossed over to help him.
• The disciples in John 4 missed the point. When they saw Jesus talking to the woman, they were shocked. Their inward focus blinded them to the mission of God.
• John 4:28 – The Samaritan woman, after encountering Jesus, left her water jar and ran to tell others. She crossed over from shame to testimony, and many believed because of her.

Taking Action: How Can You Cross Over?

• Identify one person who needs to know Jesus.
• Pray for them daily for the next week.
• Engage in a spiritual conversation. Ask questions, listen, and share your faith.
• Step outside your comfort zone. Reach across cultural, social, and religious divides.
• Use your resources to pursue those who are lost.

Luke 15:1-2, 12 reminds us that we are the older brother in the parable — we have the resources to go after the lost, but will we use them?