Commentary: Tables, tailgates, and treadmills - the power of third space discipleship

Scott Sullivan

The question isn’t if third spaces will shape souls; it’s who will show up there with the presence of Christ.”

In an era where coffee shops buzz with conversations, parks echo with laughter, and community centers pulse with everyday life, the future of discipleship isn't confined to stained-glass windows. Churches clinging to a "come to us" model risk fading into irrelevance, as Jesus's Great Commission in Matthew 28:18 calls every believer to "go and make disciples" amid the rhythms of the world.

Enter third space discipleship: a transformative approach that meets people where they are—in those neutral, vibrant hubs beyond home and work.

Sociologists often describe three “spaces” that shape our lives. The first space is home—the foundation of family and faith. The second space is the workplace, where much of our hours and energy are spent. The third space is where life slows down and relationships form naturally— coffee shops, parks, gyms, ballfields, barbershops, or even backyard patios.

These third spaces aren’t just neutral hangouts; they represent fertile soil where friendships grow, trust deepens, and gospel conversations can take root. In many ways, they’re the modern- day wells and dinner tables of Jesus’ ministry—ordinary places where extraordinary transformation begins.

Why Third Spaces Matter

Third spaces can lower defenses and raise conversation. People come to a park bench or a café table for connection, not confrontation. That makes these environments ideal for story-sharing, question-asking, and trust-building—the very ingredients that allow disciple making to flourish.

Research from Barna Group shows that 66 percent of U.S. adults now say they’ve made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their lives, marking a significant rise since 2021.

There’s reason for hope. found that in 2025, more than half of America’s Protestant churches have grown by 4% or more in just two years—a reminder that God is still moving among His people. In other words, the gospel is making inroads. As Discipleship Catalyst at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, I am always on the lookout for best practices. I believe that third spaces will be a big part of the relational ecosystems from which growth emerges.

Encouraging signs are emerging! Lifeway Research reports that in 2025, over half of U.S. Protestant churches have grown by at least 4% in the past two years—a reminder that God continues to move through His Church. I’m always studying what drives that momentum. I’m convinced third spaces will increasingly anchor the relational networks that fuel disciple making.

Benefits of Discipling in Third Spaces

• Habit Stacking. Many of us find it helpful to be combine important tasks like going to the gym and sharing Jesus. Third spaces also provide repeat contacts and natural follow-ups without adding to our personal or professional calendar. Can anyone else get on board with accomplishing more in less time?

• Shared experience. A pickup game, a latte, or a stroller walk creates common ground that makes spiritual conversation feel human, not forced.

• Visible witness. Ordinary, public friendship can allow the gospel to become real. How Christians listen, serve, apologize, and encourage becomes an attractive living apologetic.

• Pathway to community. Third-space friendships often become first-time entries into a small group or Sunday gathering. Consider Colby, a 14 year who used to walk by my house. One day I engaged him in conversation. After several weeks of talking on the driveway, I was able to lead Colby to Christ on the tailgate of my truck and help him find connection in the church.

Challenges to Navigate in Third Spaces

• Indecision about evangelism. Barna found 47% of practicing Christian Millennials believe it’s at least somewhat wrong to share one’s beliefs with someone of another faith, which can chill outreach efforts. We must retrain hearts toward loving, respectful witness.

• Privatized faith. A recent Barna “Stats for Sermons” brief shows that 56% of U.S. Christian adults view their spiritual life as entirely private, which works against public witness. Third-space discipling invites believers to bring faith out of private containers and into everyday relationships.

• Chaotic environments. Noise, busyness, and distractions require intentionality. Plan to listen well, provide clear next steps, share targeted Scriptures, and ask questions that invite reflection.

• Consistency. Since third spaces aren’t “owned,” leaders must show up predictably and follow through relationally. The more common it is for people to find you in a certain location, the more trust they will have to engage, at least initially.

Third Space Moments in Scripture

Jesus and the early church regularly discipled beyond “religious” venues:

• A well in Samaria (John 4): Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a community water source, engaged her story, made her feel not just noted but known, and a village believed.

• A tax booth and a house party (Luke 5:27–32): Jesus called Levi at work, then joined his table where many outsiders heard the good news.

• A riverside prayer spot (Acts 16:13–15): Paul met Lydia at a public gathering place and discipled her household.

• The marketplace and public forum (Acts 17:17–34): Paul reasoned daily in the agora and addressed seekers at the Areopagus. One could call this classic third-space evangelism.

Getting Started: Simple Practices

1. Pick a place and a pace. Choose one third space you already frequent. Be a regular at the same time each week.
2. Listen before you speak. Ask about people’s stories, hopes, and hurts; then bridge to your testimony and to Jesus. Make sure to keep Jesus the hero of your story. Lifeway Research data says people are open—especially with friends.
3. Form micro-communities. Invite two or three to read a Gospel over coffee, pray for one another’s needs, and practice obedience together. Make sure that each person is not just noted but known.
4. Connect to the church. Third-space discipleship is not a replacement for the local church; it’s a front porch with the hopes of inviting others into a deeper relationship. Invite new friends into a relationship and eventually connect them into a church family.

*NOTE: one can lose all credibility and opportunity in the third space if you act irresponsibly.

Dallas Willard captured the spirit of third-space discipleship by advancing a Jesus model of discipleship: “My central claim is that we can become like Christ by doing one thing—by following him in the overall style of life he chose for himself.”

People already gather in cafés, gyms, parks, and backyards. The question isn’t if third spaces will shape souls; it’s who will show up there with the presence of Christ.

Source: Center for Parent/Youth Understanding remembrance of Dallas Willard. cpyu.org

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Scott Sullivan is a Louisiana native and married to the love of his life, Elizabeth. They have four children: Erika White (husband Kyle), Austin, Caleb, and Noah. He serves as the Discipleship Catalyst for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and Director of the SPARK conference. Scott is an author, thought leader, podcaster, discipleship consultant, personal disciple-maker, and professional speaker. He is passionate about Jesus, family, and the outdoors.