Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith

by Bill Hybels

What if you knew that by simply crossing the room and saying hello to someone, you could change that person’s forever? Just a few steps to make an eternal difference. It has nothing to do with methods and everything to do with taking a genuine interest in another human being. All you need is a heart that’s in tune with the Holy Spirit and a willingness to venture out of your “Circle of Comfort” and into another person’s life. Just Walk Across the Room brings personal evangelism into the twenty-first century. Building on the solid foundation laid in Becoming a Contagious Christian, Bill Hybels shows how you can participate in the model first set by Jesus, who stepped down from heaven 2,000 years ago to bring hope and redemption to broken people living in a fallen world. Now it’s your turn. Your journey may not be as dramatic, but it can have a life-changing impact for someone standing a few steps away from you—and for you as well, as you learn the power of extending care, compassion, and inclusiveness under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The highest value in personal evangelism is cooperating with the Spirit, says Hybels. This means playing only the role you’re meant to play—walking when the Spirit says to walk, talking when he says to talk, and falling silent when he suggests that you’ve said enough. Hybels encourages you to “live in 3D” … Developing friendships Discovering stories Discerning appropriate next steps … as a means of learning to understand the Holy Spirit’s promptings. With fresh perspectives from his own reflections and experiences collected during his most recent decade of ministry, Bill Hybels shows with convincing and inspiring clarity the power of this personal, richly relational approach to evangelism. The stakes are high. The implications are eternal. And you may be only a conversation away from having an eternal impact on someone’s life—if you will just walk across the room.

Genres: Christian, Evangelism, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Christian Living, Religion

219 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Bill Hybels is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, a non-denominational church with eight regional locations in the Chicago area. He is the bestselling author of more than twenty books, including Simplify, Axiom, Holy Discontent, Just Walk Across the Room, The Volunteer Revolution, Courageous Leadership, Too Busy Not to Pray, and Becoming a Contagious Christian.

Hybels launched Willow Creek Community Church in 1975 with his wife, Lynne (Berry), and a group of friends who gathered in rented space in a movie theater with a vision of helping people from any faith background (or no faith at all) become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Utilizing contemporary music, the arts, relevant teaching from the Bible, and a small-groups community focus that has revolutionized how people experience community in the local church, Willow Creek has grown to more than 25,000 attendees, one of the largest churches in North America—and one of the most influential.

In 1992, Hybels launched Willow Creek Association, a not-for-profit organization that equips, inspires, and empowers leaders around the world. In 1995, he convened WCA’s first Global Leadership Summit, an annual two-day event featuring top leaders from all perspectives and areas of expertise—both faith-based and secular (past speakers include Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Bono, Melinda Gates, Andy Stanley, Jim Collins, Ed Catmull, Tyler Perry, Sheryl Sandberg, Nicholas Kristof, David Gergen, and Brené Brown). Telecast live from Willow Creek’s 7,000-seat South Barrington auditorium each August, more than 400,000 pastors and community leaders attend the Summit at hundreds of locations across North America, and around the world at 675+ sites in 130 countries and 60 different languages—making it the largest event of its kind on the planet. “Everyone wins when a leader gets better,” Hybels says.

Hybels holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity College (now Trinity International University) in Deerfield, Illinois. He and his wife, Lynne, have two grown children and two grandsons.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bill Hybels has a realistic approach to expanding the idea of Christianity. It's not about walking door to door or stopping people on the side of the street to preach to them. It's truly just about investing in people. Not too long ago my brother made a comment along the lines of he doesn't do good things for people because he's being watched by God but because he is invested in humans. How true! It's in our nature, or should be, to love one another. Not to judge or to force someone to believe in what we believe in. It's hard when there are those "pushy" people out there who ruin it for everyone else. Whatever happened to just taking the time to get to know someone and to truly invest in their life. Then, if it so happens that they decide to switch their faith to what you believe in based on your actions towards them and the word, then so be it.

I think this book has a lot to offer about just being a good person who is genuinely open to meeting and learning about other people around them. Hybels has a lot of good points and wonderful stories that he has experienced in his life.

[Priscila Roncancio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy bueno! Es práctico y realista, anima a no solo evangelizar sino también invertir en las personas e indagar un poco más de sus vidas. Me animó mucho y aprendí bastante también! 🤩

[Becki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary from B&N: What if you knew that by simply crossing the room and saying hello to someone, you could change that person's forever? Just a few steps to make an eternal difference. It has nothing to do with methods and everything to do with taking a genuine interest in another human being. All you need is a heart that's in tune with the Holy Spirit and a willingness to venture out of your 'Circle of Comfort' and into another person's life. Just Walk Across the Room brings personal evangelism into the twenty-first century.\nI picked up this book from the library because in the recent past my church did a sermon series and small groups based on it. I missed some of the sermons due to working with the junior high group and shuttling Jeff to the airport. And I didn�t attend a small group because�well, life is crazy. So I definitely wanted to read the book.\nAnd it did not disappoint. I absolutely believe that you earn your right to speak into people�s lives � whether it�s about faith or choices or whatever. And so evangelism like Pastor Hybels writes about just makes sense. You need to have a relationships. Build a relationship. Care about people. And then listen to the Spirit and follow the leading there.\nI will admit, although it makes sense and sounds simple, for a natural introvert like me it is anything but. The fear of rejection keeps me from �walking across the room� and engaging people more often than not. Although it is interesting. I spent a week or so reading the book and finished it up Friday night. Saturday we were going to the birthday party for the daughter of friends. I use the word �friends� loosely. They are Jeff�s friends. I would like them to be mine. But we live an hour apart. So there hasn�t been time to build that sort of relationship. So we�re really more acquaintances. \nAnyway, back to the point.\nTwice during the party I walked up to someone, introduced myself, and engaged in conversation. I didn�t even think about it. I just did it. This book and its concepts must have been in my subconscious. \nDid we have deep, spiritual conversations? No. I don�t think there was anything remotely spiritual about them. But I got out of my �circle of comfort�, walked across a room, and engaged in conversation. That�s huge for me.\nDefinitely a book worth reading. Practical and encouraging all in one. \n\n

[Terri Milstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent common sense book about evangelism. Makes me feel more equipped because it really is simple. We have Good News and it is life changing. Let's walk across the room with the Spirit's guidance and see what happens!

[Daniel Brisbin · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the silliest books I've ever read in my life. Wouldn't have finished it if I didn't have to for Bible school.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was inspiring, encouraging, and relaxing.

[Ashtonmehrle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walk Across The Room, by Bill Hybels, is a creative book filled with evangelistic illustrations and tips to help you learn to hear, and understand the voice of God. This book will inspire you to share your story, and help others understand God's love for them. As you walk through the basics of sharing your spiritual story with others be ready to hear God's voice.

This book has inspired me to make some personal changes in my life, and in my evangelism strategy. Through this book i learned that one of the best ways to evangelize is to be involved in community programs. Will you take the jump, and invite one of your friends or neighbors to church? I know that the next time I get the chance I will follow God's voice and do what he asks of me, no exceptions.

This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to evangelize people in a new way. I think this is a book that will help you evangelize with a new set of eyes. I give it a 9 out of 10.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard that the most terrifying word in the english language to Christians and Non-Christians alike is evangelism. This book takes the tension right out of it. In his natural, winsome way, best selling author and pastor Bill Hybels gives very practical instruction on how sharing your own faith story naturally through the relationships already established in your life can be liberating to all involved. Bill Hybels simply loves people and shows the reader how to deepen their love and genuine concern for the people we encounter every day. Great inspirational reading from a man who walks his talk.

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy book to read; conversational, warm, encouraging in style. Evangelism isn't rocket science, but we like to make it rocket science. I liked the section on faith stories and he also had some helpful tips and suggestions. And it was helpful to have him point out that our role may be just to help someone a little, not get them all the way to being an elder in the church. This book should make evangelism less scary for most people.

[Sarah Honkanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is book on how to love. how to encourage. with out being preachy in any way. Step by step on how to speak about your love for Jesus and His love for you, but in a way that is from your heart and not from a manual. More on just being available and how to share your story quickly, to help put people at ease.

[Chuck Engelhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bill Hybels has a different take on what living the Christian life means than what many of us have been taught. He warns us about living the exclusively Christian life and encourages engaging in the world enough to be able to relate Christ's love to those who truly need him.

[Donna Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* some good ideas to seek and save the lost.

[Mh Weyler]

It is not a new concept to me, but it has been very challenging!
I have been thinking about this very thing for a while. I grew up in a family where sharing the gospel with anyone and everyone or at least sharing God's love is second nature. Truly, thank the Lord! However, I was convicted again about my lack of intention in doing this when someone we know mentioned her intentional effort to meet, greet, smile, and begin conversation with people in the grocery store, post office, department store or wherever. I was still mulling this over when my mom moved in with us for the summer. She immediately did just that! I wandering after her at many a location heard her greet every checkout person with a smile and a somewhat unexpected comment like "Lovely cross you are wearing. Is there anything special about it?" or "Are you from India? What part? Do you like it here in the United States?" or "You must be tired from standing all day."
The book is under the same premise that merely starting a conversation with a stranger is opening the door to God's love to be passed on to others through a spiritual conversation. Bill discusses how it is the prompting of the Holy Spirit that leads the conversations and that there are times to keep it merely on an unspiritual level, but that God can use even those conversations at a later date as others (or even yourself) might reap and sow the harvest that God prepared long ago.
He challenges that we should so actually believe that others would be better off if they knew the Father that we live like it.
"The key is this: my objective is not to contrive ways to "get someone save"; rather, my objective is to walk when he prompts me to walk, talk when he says to talk, fall silent when I'm at rish of saying too much, and stay put when he leads me to stay put." Discover people's stories.

All this has put a new desire in my heart to seize every opportunity to ask questions to hear other people as they might or might not open up to simple questions. God can do what He wishes through those conversations.
Frankly, I was not sure I was expected much from the book, but it is on my recommended reading lists. I think it is a wonderfully challenging book. One that requires application.

[Shona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of "Just Walk Across the Room," opens your eyes to a new and LOVING way to point people to the faith (the gospel of Jesus Christ). The central theme of this wonderful book is to meet people where they are. The steps given to us by Pastor Bill Hybels are not your traditional evangelism steps we have been taught in church over the years: the quoting and force feeding of scriptures, but Pastor Hybels encourages one to simply walk across the room and simply share your story. "Your before and after." We all have a story: what your life was like before you were introduced to Christ, and what your life is like after being introduced to Him. Pastor Hybels also introduces one to what is called, "Living in 3D." This refers to (1) Developing friendships, (2) Discovering stories, and (3) Discerning appropriate next steps). Now this leads me to what I want to say next. Pastor Hybels tells us in his beautiful book to be sensitive to and cooperative with the Holy Spirit. In Pastor Hybels words, "This means playing only the role you're meant to play---walking when the Spirit says walk, talking when he says to talk, and falling silent when he suggests you've said enough." Isn't this powerful?

I did not read this book alone, but was blessed to read, study, and discuss it with my Pastors and church family. It was truly a wonderful journey!

Pastor Hybels has been blessed with the gift of sharing the Word of God while teaching others how to evangelize in the world we are living in today. We thank God for the powerful nuggets that have been deposited into our lives through the reading of the words of this book. All we have to do is just walk across the room when we feel the Holy Spirit leading us and God will do the rest.

This book will remain an integral part of my library and my life: a resource that will be referred to on a regular basis. ❤️

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've wanted to read this book for years. In the bibliography at the front of Too Busy Not to Pray: Slowing Down to Be With God, Just Walk Across the Room appeared. It's been hard to find, then randomly, I found it on a friend's bookshelf on Monday.

What makes Hybel's guides to the aspects of Christian living (prayer, evangelism) stand out is how practical they are. In the first part of Just Walk Across the Room, Hybels advises you to speak to new people and say, "Hi. I'm Daniel. What's your name?"

In the next section, Hybels urges us to take a 3D approach to evangelism: Develop new friendships; Discover people's stories; Discern next steps.

He also goes on to help readers develop a 100-word-or-less testimony of what life was like before Christ and what it's like after Christ.

Even as I was reading the book, I noticed opportunities I was missing to share my faith. A common thread throughout the book is that conversion doesn't fall on my shoulders, I'm just responsible for my part. That said, it falls on me to do my part to the best of my ability.

If you're a Christian seeking a practical guide to evangelism, then you'll want to find a copy of this book. Read it, implement it, win souls.

[Rohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked:
- Easy to read with lots of stories, self-depreciating humour
- His main point: Leave your circle of comfort and walk across the room, to redirect a person's forever
- Acknowledging that most times you'll just be the first step in many people's stories, not the one who actually sees their transformation.

What made it 3 stars:
- The stories were not that relevant to me ("neighbourhood parties" or fishing boats, and he seems to travel a lot!)
- Lots of hearing God's voice directly telling him what to do.
- His gospel presentations were human focused (e.g. bridge to God, Jesus crosses it for us), not mentioning resurrection or creation. [But I guess his plan is to teach that through discipleship later)
- Missing some questions I have:
* What about long-term unanswered prayers demotivating you?
* How do you care for people after conversion?

So I'd still recommend Honest Evangelism as number 1 I think, and I want to re-read "The gospel and personal evangelism" which I gave 5 stars like 10 years ago. Would be good to revisit.




Given to me by the Moore College evangelist as an encouragement for a bit of a slump

[Paul Veldhouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Hybels makes a lot of points about how “anyone” can evangelize, he sure spends a lot of the book telling stories about how a Pastor of a megachurch focused on evangelism does it. I’d love to hear more stories of “everyday evangelists”. Most of the points are told from his personal point of view.
I learned that relationship is important. I learned a bit more about how conversion is up to the person and God and I am not scoring conversion points for God. He scores them himself.
However, it was all done in story, which he defends as saying most people need anecdotes. Therefore the book is anecdotal (again, all his own stories). I do like facts , though, so if you’re writing a book a few more references and stats to back up your claims could also be helpful. Just an OK book for me.

[Tali Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING and something that every Christian should read. Bill Hybels shares story after story that will have you questioning your daily habits (or lack of) when it comes to non-Christians. I would recommend this book again and again. The way Hybels encourages, convicts, and persuades you to think more deeply about the souls of our neighbors, co-workers, or even family members who don’t know Jesus, is incredible, exciting, terrifying, and amazing all in one. I am so thankful for this book and the way it helped open my eyes to a necessary part of being a child of God. I feel like life can’t be the same now and I pray that that sticks.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy reading, conversational tone, easy to understand. I enjoyed reading it. It's encouraging, motivating, and challenges you to get off your duff and share your faith without being preachy, judgmental, or guilt-trippy. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who wants to share their faith but is feeling nervous about doing so, is afraid of being rejected or people will roll their eyes, challenge them with questions they can't answer, or that they'll mess up sharing the Gospel. If you don't feel you have to/should share your faith, this book is also for you.

[Kent Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if changing a person’s life has nothing to do with methods, but simple taking a genuine interest in them? You have to be willing to venture out of your comfort zone and listen to the Holy Spirit. In fact, walking, talking, and listening to the Holy Spirit are the skills necessary to live in what Hybels calls, “3D”--Develop friendships, Discover stories, and Discern the next steps. God may use you to walk across the room and be one conversation away from impacting a life for eternity. If you like being moved by real encounters with people and God, a must read.

[Shirley Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best chapters of this book are 1-11 with special emphasis on chapters 6-8. Hybel explains that the great commission, is not just for Missionaries, Pastors or church leaders, it for every Christ follower. He encourages everyone to develop his/her own salvation story of the change Jesus has made in his/her life. He gives helpful examples.

[Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set it down for a while. Picked it back up recently and glad I did. Will be one to return to from time to time as a reminder. Especially enjoyed the last few chapters. Each of us only has so much time to act...

[Anthony Risson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and engaging book. Staying with the integrity of what Hybels offers, and changing the 'format' of walking across the room, talking with people and using my own 'language' of faith, this read offers great encouragement for all Christians of how to evangelise.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic insight. Although, my personality sometimes wishes for even more....like what did you say? Directions please.... But this had some great information...and certainly has you thinking about looking at situations and asking...'should I walk across the room?'

[Jessica Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most practical and realistic portrayals of evangelism—helping Christians share their faith in real life scenarios. Hybels gives A LOT of examples of how he has shared his faith over the years, and then gives some practical ways for you to share your faith.

[Dulce Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read For Every Leader

This book convicts you and challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and be the hands and feet of Jesus. It's as simple as walking across the room!

[Aaron Wong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hybels, B., & Wiersma, A. (2006). Just walk across the room: Participant's guide. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

[Sandy Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a simple and interesting and patient and nonjudgmental idea. We all could use more friends in this life.

[Tim Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read on practical ways and insightful tips on how to share your faith with others.

[Matt Witten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Realistic and simple approach to evangelism, with inspiring stories from his life.