Everyone at some point finds themself at a complicated, busy intersection in life. Think of the busiest intersection you’ve ever experienced while driving yourself, or Google what many call the busiest intersection in the world, the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan. Because the intersection’s unique design allows pedestrians to cross from all directions simultaneously, it is estimated that during peak traffic hours, up to 2,500 people can be crossing the Shibuya Crossing at the same time, every two minutes!

This time lapse illustrates the chaotic busyness I am speaking about quite beautifully:

This leads me to a question: What is significant about our intersections in life and what do they have to do with following Christ today?

I would venture to say that learning to identify and navigate points of convergence and decision-making is crucial to our cultural moment as believers seeking to live for Christ and advance His kingdom in a pluralistic society. This reality has been and continues to be significant for me personally as a long-time practitioner of Christian Community Development with Building Hope in the City, my context for ongoing missional empowerment with local urban ministry leaders in the inner-city neighborhoods of my hometown, Cleveland, Ohio. 

What intersections are daunting for us in Cleveland? To name a few: The ongoing intersection of racial tensions, gross economic disparity, political division, neighborhood decay, Christian nationalism, and a religious rhetoric void of Spirit-filled, self-sacrificing activation makes me want to disengage frequently. To complicate matters, many Christ followers I meet are living with their heads down, choosing not to engage in the messy streets of life. But Christ calls us to meet Him in the midst of societal chaos and human brokenness. Jesus is our source of shalom in the street.

To be honest, I do indeed identify with the desire to retreat. Without the indwelling, loving presence of the Holy Spirit, folks would likely find me in my darkened bedroom, hiding under my bed in fear. Intentionally being present in uncomfortable and unfamiliar situations is not something that comes easily for me. 

Let me be clear: Without the Holy Spirit, I would be a melted stick of butter, overwhelmed by the pressures of our time.

The Holy Spirit is essential—not just for my daily existence, but to open the door to being able to thrive as part of the Body of Christ in trying to discern how to live as a faithful presence in the hard places within our communities. I want to yell from every intersection of inner-city Cleveland: “Embrace the person, power, and fullness of the Holy Spirit!”

To navigate these intersections, we need to know where we’re going and understand our role on the road. Thankfully, as Christ followers, we’ve been given the Holy Spirit. Yet many of us step into life’s busy streets without activating this supernatural gift. Some are unaware of the Holy Spirit’s role, while others avoid the topic due to past abuses or charismatic confusion. In many churches, the Spirit is present but locked in a cage—wings clipped, power stifled.

Learning to identify and navigate points of convergence and decision-making is crucial to our cultural moment as believers seeking to live for Christ and advance His kingdom in a pluralistic society. Share on X

But Scripture is clear about the person and work of the Holy Spirit:

• John 14:26: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
• Romans 8:14: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”
• 1 Corinthians 2:10-12: “These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.”
• Galatians 5:16, 25: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”

Scripture reminds us that the Holy Spirit is our teacher, guide, and source of discernment. As leaders—especially in urban, unorthodox ministry—we confront challenging, systemic intersections constantly: generational poverty, unjust systems, disillusionment with the Church, spiritual apathy, and physical exhaustion. Without the Spirit’s guidance, we risk reacting in our flesh or retreating altogether.

So how do we engage the Holy Spirit as leaders? Five initial responses spring to mind:

1. Daily surrender and acknowledgment: Begin each day welcoming the Holy Spirit into your day. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill your heart and mind afresh, as well as your meetings and ‘ordinary’ moments.
2. Ask for wisdom: James 1:5 promises that God will give wisdom generously. Ask the Spirit for insight before making decisions.
3. Practice spiritual listening: Make room for silence before God. What is the Spirit highlighting for you?
4. Read Scripture with the Spirit: The Word is alive. Ask the Spirit to illuminate what you read.
5. Step out in faith: The Spirit doesn’t merely comfort; He empowers. Obey those Spirit-led nudges, even when they stretch you.

The confusing, challenging intersections of life aren’t going anywhere. But we are not left to cross them alone. We have a Guide who knows every street, stop light, and upcoming traffic jam. Lets unclip the wings of the Spirit and allow the God to lead us—boldly, wisely, lovingly—through every intersection we face.

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As leaders—especially in urban, unorthodox ministry—we confront challenging, systemic intersections constantly. Without the Spirit's guidance, we risk reacting in our flesh or retreating altogether. Share on X