Leaning In: Finding God on Campus
In this interview, we sit down with Cash Fields, a ministry leader who moved from Brooklyn, New York, to Bryan, Texas. Aware of how easy it would be to settle into a Christian bubble; Cash committed to a simple weekly rhythm: one hour on a college campus each Thursday to share the gospel. What began with awkward conversations and a weekly temptation to skip grew into a steady practice of “leaning in.” Through honest moments and surprising openness, Cash discovered that showing up faithfully, even in small ways, creates space for God to move in big ones.
Read MoreLeaning In: Finding God on Campus
Cash Fields | Jun 12, 2025, 13:43 PM
In this interview, we sit down with Cash Fields, a ministry leader who moved from Brooklyn, New York, to Bryan, Texas. Aware of how easy it would be to settle into a Christian bubble; Cash committed to a simple weekly rhythm: one hour on a college campus each Thursday to share the gospel. What began with awkward conversations and a weekly temptation to skip grew into a steady practice of “leaning in.” Through honest moments and surprising openness, Cash discovered that showing up faithfully, even in small ways, creates space for God to move in big ones.
INTERVIEW WITH CASH
Hosted by Jon Crawford
Jon: Cash, I know you made a big move from Brooklyn all the way to Bryan, Texas. What was that transition like, especially spiritually?
Cash: It was a big shift. Coming from Brooklyn to Bryan, I knew one of the biggest temptations would be settling into the comfort of a Christian bubble. I had just started working at a bigger church, surrounded by other believers, and while that was a blessing, I didn’t want to lose touch with the lost. I felt this conviction to stay connected with people outside of my Christian community and to continue sharing the good news of Jesus.
So, I committed to this simple rhythm of going out on campus every Thursday afternoon, just to share the gospel. Nothing flashy, just one hour each week from 4 to 5 PM. I’d walk the campus hoping to meet people, hear their stories, and hopefully get to share the gospel.
Jon: That sounds both awesome and kind of nerve-wracking. What were those early weeks like?
Cash: Honestly, I struggled. I’d ask random students, “Can I pray for you? Is there anything you need?” And a lot of times, the responses were polite but distant. I felt super awkward. I started questioning if it was even worth it. I started thinking about anything I could do besides go to campus on Thursdays.
But I wanted to stay faithful. Early on, I met Ezra Cole a senior involved with CRU. He introduced me to this tool called Snapshot Cards. They were cards with images on them with stuff like a group of people dancing, or a rowboat, or a beer bottle spilling. We started using those cards to ask questions like, “What card best represents your life? Your view of God? Your relationship with God?”
This tool was super helpful and led to deep conversations. People started opening up in ways I didn’t expect. And every time I felt like nothing was happening, God would remind me He’s still moving. I might only see a small piece, but I was part of a much bigger story.
Jon: Can you share a moment where that really hit home?
Cash: Definitely. There was this guy, John, a college student from another church in town. I didn’t expect much from the conversation, to be honest, but Ezra was with me and encouraged me to keep leaning in. As I did, John began to let down his walls. He told us he and his girlfriend had been sleeping together and felt convicted to change, and that he hadn’t told anyone besides us.
We encouraged him to be honest with his roommates as a way towards confession and sharing it with fellow believers. And right there, he pulled out his phone and texted them that he wanted to chat that evening. The next day, he told me their relationships had deepened because of that honesty. You could just see God moving.
Jon: I love that story. Especially your continued decision to lean in beyond multiple layers of hesitation and doubt on your end. Are there other stories that stick out?
Cash: One of the most surprising was with this freshman named Luke. I’d walked to a different part of the student center that day, just praying for God to lead me to someone who needed to hear the gospel.
I met Luke while he was sitting alone and, through some questions and Snapshot cards, learned that he had gone to Catholic school but didn’t know God. He was open to the gospel, so I walked him through the Romans Road. When I asked if he’d ever made Jesus Lord of his life, he said no—so I asked if he wanted to. He said yes! I explained the weight and consequences of the decision, and he was all in. Right then, Luke prayed and surrendered his life to Jesus. It was awesome!
Jon: Wow, that’s incredible. What a powerful reminder of how God meets people right where they are. Moments like that must make all the hard weeks worth it. But I imagine not every Thursday felt that impactful, right?
Cash: Definitely not. Some weeks, I’d leave campus amped. Other weeks, I’d feel like, “Did that even matter?” I’ve learned how fickle my emotions are. It’s so easy to let feelings dictate faithfulness. And honestly, I realized I have a tendency to avoid the unknown. It’s uncomfortable stepping into conversations not knowing where they’ll lead.
Yet, I’ve learned that God is already at work. He just invites me to be a part of it. I’ve come to trust that, even when it feels awkward, even when I don’t feel like it. That simple act of leaning in, of saying yes to the discomfort, holds more beauty and purpose than I could ever plan.
Jon: That’s a powerful perspective. As we wrap up, curious if you have anything you would add around being steadfast in this practice of evangelism and ministry?
Cash: That it’s not about perfection or immediate results. It’s about being present. Showing up. Trusting that God is doing something bigger than I can see. The stories with John, Luke, and others have reminded me that obedience, not outcome, is what matters. God’s got the rest.
Jon: Amazing. Thanks Cash. It was great to hear more about the work God is doing in and through you in Bryan, and grateful that we can partner with you in that.
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