Luke Greenwood, the European Director of Steiger International, shared his vision for innovative evangelism strategies that connect with the young generation who are often disconnected from traditional church structures in a recent episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast.
Raised in Brazil by missionary parents, Greenwood grew up grounded in faith yet free to explore his identity and culture—a formative experience that shaped his passion for connecting with those disconnected from the church. This later inspired his work with Steiger, a ministry that mobilizes Christians to reach young people who would not walk into a church.
As a university student in southern Brazil, Greenwood encountered a secular culture where the gospel was met with indifference. Despite his involvement in a vibrant local church, he realized that his peers viewed Christianity as irrelevant. This cultural disconnect sparked a deep desire to reach his generation with the gospel in a way that resonated with their lives.
His turning point came when he discovered No Longer Music, a band that performed in clubs and festivals while boldly sharing the gospel. Inspired by their approach, he joined them and was thrust into a radically different way of doing mission work—reaching the unreached in unconventional spaces.
Over the past two decades, Greenwood has helped grow Steiger into a global mission active in over 200 cities worldwide, using creative methods to engage secular youth.
At the core of Greenwood's ministry is a deep conviction that every believer is called to mission, and that ministry is a response to God's invitation, not a career ladder. This conviction sustains him even after more than 20 years in youth ministry. He encourages young people to focus on taking the next faithful step, whether that's through prayer, seeking God's direction, or stepping out into unfamiliar or uncomfortable places.
At Steiger, six core values guide their mission: seek God with all your heart (depend on God in everything), courage (follow God boldly), relevance (understand and listen to the culture around you), preach the cross (keep the gospel message clear and central), holiness (maintain integrity while entering dark spaces), and be a family (evangelize together, not in isolation).
These principles emphasize a balanced approach: being deeply rooted in Scripture while engaging the secular world with empathy and authenticity. Greenwood stresses the biblical call to be both salt and light, challenging believers to remain distinct from the world while still being present and visible in secular spaces like clubs, festivals, and urban streets.
A key element in Greenwood's approach is not to retreat from secular spaces but to enter them with the intention of reaching others. "Go into the scene to reach the scene—not to be reached by it," he said. For Greenwood, the goal is not to condemn secular culture or conform to it, but to bring Christ's light into spaces where the church is often absent.
One of the biggest challenges for church leaders today is reaching secular youth who often see little relevance in traditional religious gatherings. Greenwood notes that the cultural gap has only widened, especially in cities dominated by secular ideologies. The church can no longer rely solely on people walking into its doors; it must go out into the world, meeting people where they are—whether in festivals, on university campuses, or even on online platforms.
To effectively engage young people, church leaders must mobilize their congregations for missionary work outside of the church. Greenwood advocates for raising up the next generation of missionaries and evangelists from within the church. He encourages leaders not to overload young people with internal church activities but instead to empower them to engage in missionary work in the world around them. Young people are uniquely positioned to reach their peers because they understand the struggles, values, and complexities of secular culture.
One way Steiger equips youth is through the Steiger Mission School, which trains young adults to creatively engage with secular culture. The school teaches the importance of "knowing the scene," spending time in places where young people gather, such as city centers or campuses, and building relationships through authentic conversations.
For example, churches can set up a "take and leave" station on the streets where people can leave something they want to let go of—be it regrets, emotional baggage, or past hurts—and take something new, like a Bible verse or message of hope. Other strategies include hosting public graffiti installations that address issues like human rights, love, and justice—topics that resonate with young people. These methods can offer an alternative narrative to the anxiety and noise of modern life.
Ultimately, Greenwood emphasizes that evangelism must lead to discipleship. It's not just about making a connection; but about nurturing relationships that lead to long-term spiritual transformation. He urges churches to start Bible studies specifically designed for non-religious individuals or create environments where people can explore their faith questions without pressure to grow in their faith in a community of support.
Greenwood also describes how his team uses "community housing" as an outreach tool. By creating open homes where non-believers are invited to dinner and fellowship, his team fosters deeper, relational connections that often lead to real spiritual change. One example involves a young man who was contemplating suicide but found hope and community through these relational outreach efforts.
In conclusion, he urges the church to rethink evangelism—moving beyond its walls to engage secular culture with creativity and courage. By rooting itself in Scripture while building authentic relationships in the world, the church can reach the next generation with bold faith.
