Jesus’ final instruction to his followers is commonly referred to as the Great Commission. It’s become a familiar call to spread the gospel throughout the world. Learn how to live the Great Commission in your daily life. Discover tips for building relationships, breaking out of Christian circles, and sharing faith intentionally in everyday situations.
The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, is one of Jesus’ most profound instructions to His followers. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
But what does this look like for modern believers today? Especially in the United States, where churches are abundant, how do we live out this command in our daily lives? Here, we’ll explore how the Great Commission applies to everyday moments and share ways to step out intentionally in faith.
Rethinking “Go” and “Make”
Two key words in the Great Commission are “go” and “make.” These simple words can sometimes trip us up if we think they require massive, life-altering changes like moving to a far-off country or dedicating years to missionary work. While overseas missions are important, most early believers lived out the Great Commission closer to home. And we can do the same.
After all, we all go somewhere every day. We go to work, school, the store, or even just to the park or a coffee shop. These ordinary places are opportunities to live out our faith. But the word “make” reminds us that this kind of living requires intentionality—spreading the Gospel doesn’t happen by accident. It involves a purposeful plan.
Intentional living is crucial, especially in a culture where Christianity may feel more like a backdrop than a call to action. People around us might be familiar with church, but that doesn’t mean they’ve experienced the truth of Jesus. That’s why making a plan for Great Commission living is so vital in our everyday routines.
Going With a Plan
Years ago, when I was a full-time missionary, I felt the need to be intentional about ministry outside of my job. I didn’t want sharing my faith to be reduced to a strategy or something I checked off my to-do list for the day. I wanted to make new, non-Christian friends who I could hopefully share Jesus with someday. But between work and church, my social circles were largely Christian.
That meant I had to make a plan to go find new circles. One can’t just approach random people and ask to be their friend (without being labeled a weirdo), so I decided to sign up for friends. Or rather, I signed up for an art class – watercolor painting, to be exact – at the local art museum. There, I slowly planted gospel seeds with people over our paint palettes.
Before I knew it, I was going to art class – with a plan.
When my kids were young, oh my goodness, the temptation to stay in my Christian circles was so strong. I had plenty of church friends with good little Sunday School kids. It felt normal to go to each other’s houses, and it was easy to make plans that revolved around Veggie Tales and Bible crafts and bubbles. But that wasn’t Great Commission living.
So, I searched up another mommy group – one unrelated to church – and made some new friends in the community. Their kids knew more about Sponge Bob than Bob the Tomato, and it was normal for them to plan mommy craft nights. But I got to watch my babies talk freely about Jesus with unchurched friends, and oh my goodness, it was more beautiful than I ever dreamed.
Before I knew it, we were going to the zoo – with a plan.
Building Intentional Habits
If Great Commission living doesn’t come naturally, don’t worry. Most of us need a plan to break out of routines and build relationships beyond our immediate circles. Here are some practical ways to “go” with a purpose as you follow Christ’s call.
1. “Go” to Work or School
For many adults and students, work or school is where we spend the majority of our time. Building relationships here is one of the simplest ways to live out our faith. Strike up a conversation on lunch breaks or while working together on a project. Invite coworkers or classmates to outside activities, like a cookout, a movie night, or even a faith-based community event.
2. “Go” to Community Spaces
The library, local coffee shop, or even a nearby park can be natural spaces to meet people. For example, if you’re chatting with another library visitor about a shared reading interest, you might have the chance to talk about deeper topics like faith. Or, at the park, connecting with other parents while your kids play could be an easy way to build community.
3. “Go” Find a New Hobby
Do you want to break out of your comfort zone? Trying a new hobby is a great way to meet people outside of your typical circle. Whether it’s joining an art class, taking up pickleball, or learning something hands-on, like woodworking or pottery, hobbies connect you with people from various walks of life. These connections often lead to meaningful opportunities to share about your faith over time.
4. “Go” to the Store or a Favorite Local Spot
Becoming a “regular” at a store, café, or restaurant creates natural relational moments. One family intentionally frequented the same coffee shop, got to know the baristas by name, and consistently asked about their lives. Through simple acts of interest and care, they created opportunities to share prayers, encouragement, and eventually, the Gospel. Consider the small but meaningful ways you can connect with your community.
5. “Go” Beyond Intentional Conversations
Once relationships are established, look for ways to take your conversations deeper. This might mean inviting someone to a church event or offering to pray for them during a hard time. It could also mean initiating a heartfelt conversation, saying something like, “I really value our friendship and would love to know your thoughts on faith or life. What do you think about God?” External resources like the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association outline practical ways to share your faith effectively.
Breaking Free From the Christian Bubble
For many believers, staying within a comfortable Christian community is an easy trap. Church programs, Bible studies, and social groups can unintentionally isolate us from reaching others. And while Christian fellowship is a wonderful part of our faith, it’s important to step out and connect with people from all walks of life.
If you’ve found yourself too insulated, take a step back and ask God for opportunities to break out of that bubble. Like one mom who joined a parenting group outside of her church community and ended up building friendships that allowed her children to naturally talk about Jesus, we each have unique ways to integrate faith into daily life.
Making Your Plan Today
The beauty of the Great Commission is in its simplicity. It doesn’t require grand gestures or extensive planning to begin. Instead, it invites us to be faithful wherever we are and with whoever we meet. To get started, take a few moments to think about the places you go every week and brainstorm how you might build intentional relationships there.
- At work or school, could you invite someone to grab lunch or coffee?
- At the gym or during a hobby, might there be an opportunity to encourage someone?
- On errands, could you slow down and ask someone a meaningful question about their day?
The opportunities to “go” are everywhere if we’re willing to be intentional. And as we take those steps, we can trust that God’s Spirit goes with us, equipping us to share His love.
Encouragement for Everyday Great Commission Living
Jesus’ promise in the Great Commission is clear and comforting: “Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” You’re not walking this path alone. With His guidance and strength, you can bring love, truth, and hope to the people around you.
How are you making everyday life a part of Great Commission living? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear what’s working for you and how you’re stepping out in faith. Together, we can encourage one another as we live intentionally for Christ.
How do you practice everyday Great Commission living? Let us know in the comments so we can encourage one another to make a plan as we’re going.
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