Yesterday afternoon I pondered this question for quite a while:"What keeps us from inviting neighbors, co-workers, fellow students, and friends to join us for worship?"
The latest polls show that 80% of people attend Church services because they were invited by a trusted friend. Not advertising, not messaging; invitations are the clear winner in this effort. I reflected on the service I experienced with it's music, message, creativity and laughter; against the back drop of life change, I could not imagine any one that I know that would have found it boring or irrelevant. In fact, my sense is that they would have thanked me for including them in an experience of worship that literally overflowed with life.
Why, then, do so few of us INVITE others to join us. The number one reason is that we no longer have unchurched friends; or we've created our "Christian cocoons" that insulate us from those who don't know the Lord. Second, we fear rejection. If the friend says "no thanks" we see that as personal failure, which is simply a lie from the enemy. But mostly, I don't think that many of us really believe that our unsaved friends are in serious eternal jeopardy. We don't believe that "to not know Jesus, is to not have life"; so we let it go.
Here's my encouragement. Pray for ONE person that God places on your heart and look for an opportunity to graciously, confidently, invite them to the new series starting Sept.5-6 "The Hope Summit". EVERYONE needs hope in one area of their lives and that's what we'll be talking about for four straight weeks.
Then, when the Lord gives you the moment, say the words: "Great things are happening in our Church. Would you come and sit with me, and be my guest this week-end and see for yourself"? "I'd be honored if you'd come". My guess is that we would see 100-200 new first time visitors that week! The Lord will use you just because you were willing; and then imagine what will happen as they see and experience what God is doing in our midst!
Why not?! Let me know if you'll take the challenge for Sept.5-6th "The Hope Summit"!
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
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