Mission at the Mall: Being a Witness Without Being Weird
Can we talk about practical evangelism in everyday spaces today?
How many people do we deliberately interact with when we go to the grocery store, an office, the bus or train station, the gas station, or the mall?
Do you ever get that nudge in your heart when you’re standing in a line at the bank, for example, to say something kind to the person next to you, but hesitate because you didn’t want to disturb them or come off as strange or pushy?
Well, you’re not alone.
Many believers struggle with how to be a witness without being “that person”—you know, the one people avoid.
The good news is: God never called us to be awkward. He called us to be available.
Scripture tells us in Matthew 5:14–16 (NLT): “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
This is about visibility. Not visibility that draws attention to us, but visibility that points to God. And that visibility often starts in everyday spaces—like the mall.
Jesus Himself didn’t limit His ministry to the temple. He met people at wells, on streets, in marketplaces, and even at dinner tables.
One relatable example is in John 4:7–10 (NLT), the story of the Samaritan woman at the well: “Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’ He was alone at the time… The woman was surprised… Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you…’”
Jesus starts with a simple request—a drink of water. He doesn’t begin with judgment or deep theology. He begins with conversation, and that’s a model for us. We don’t need a loudspeaker to be a witness. It starts with connection.
Sometimes, we overcomplicate evangelism.
Look at Colossians 4:5–6 (NLT):“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Gracious. Attractive. Not forced. Not robotic. Just real.
When you compliment someone in the shoe store and end with, “God bless you,” or when you comfort a stranger at the food court with a “You’re not alone. I’ll say a prayer for you”—you are planting seeds. Seeds that God can water.
Hear what 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) says: “If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.”
That’s the balance: ready, but respectful. Bold, but not brash.
Let’s also not underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit to guide these moments.
Acts 1:8 (NLT) says: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Imagine if Jesus were walking today. Do you think He would avoid the mall? Absolutely not. He would be there during the busiest times.
Jesus wouldn’t need a megaphone. His ears would be perked up, listening to our prayers of thanksgiving, and to our cries for help.
Jesus would have some warm words, and timely truth.
Anybody willing and ready to go on a mission at the mall today? Remember, being a witness for Christ doesn’t make you weird. It makes us obedient to God’s call.
aub - 3Jun25
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