Introduction (feel free to use my testimony if you like)
Personal Story: There was a time in my life where I really didn’t like to be around people, I was a workaholic and a gym rat… I had been away from church for a long time and really didn’t think I would ever get back to a right relationship with God. In my mind I felt like I was to far gone and God certainly didn’t want anyone like me…But God…He had something else in mind.
There was an older guy that went to the fitness center that I was a member of and he was always there around 7:00 a.m. My workout time when I was on shift at the fire department was usually 5:00 a.m. to about 6:30 a.m. and on my off days it was about 7:00 a.m. till 8:30 a.m. and I would see this guy about 3 days a week just doing cardio and some light strength training. I was into some heavy powerlifting and didn’t have time for conversation… but this guy talked to everybody. One day in the locker room he said hey and asked me about my lifting program. So, I told him the short version and moved on… Then he started talking to me a little in the steam room just small talk nothing serious. So, I told my wife that some crazy old guy had been talking my ears off in the gym and I couldn’t figure out what his motive was, my mindset was that he had heard I did remodeling on the side or that I had a personal training certification, and he must want something…
One day it all became crystal clear… He said Hey where do you go to church? I told him I didn’t have time for things like that I stayed busy. He responded with “I’m the pastor at a church and we would love to have you visit”. I got home and told my wife I had figured out the motive behind the conversations…he was one of those religious folks that couldn’t help themselves and was a pastor at a local church. Anyway, he kept having short conversations with me and didn’t really mention church again for a while and we became good acquaintances and then around Christmas he said “do you like music” I said sure… and he asked if my family might like to come to their Christmas cantata no strings attached… So, I said sure and that weekend we showed up and there were even some of my retired brothers from the department there, some who had been rough drinking guys and I thought wow! I never would have guessed in a million years, and it was obvious they were different than they were just a few years before…
We started going to this church on Sunday mornings at the 8:30 contemporary service and sat near the back and were always out the door first… But it wasn’t long till we joined the church and really got involved and life was good… I lightened up a little and really began to seek God and get my relationship with Him back in order…
After a few years I began to feel a tug toward the ministry and said, “Not me Lord” We it was persistent and I couldn’t shake it , I taught Sunday school, sang in the choir but nothing worked to stop that tug for ministry. In 2007 I surrendered to the call and in 2008 I became the pastor of two great churches and God has blessed me and my ministry efforts ever since… God changed me and gave me a love for people and a heart on fire for God…
I am a testimony to the power of the invitation…
Sometimes I think we forget the importance of Inviting others to Church. We must realize that sometimes a Journey with Christ begins with our invite, there is no way to know where anyone is in life at any given moment … They may be running from God, they may be in a bad place in their life or maybe even given up on God and Church altogether… your invitation or friendship may be all they need to get back on track with God’s plan for their life.
We have a Biblical Basis for an Invitation
We have the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20 - Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations. I like the way the Amplified Bible puts it Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
In Luke 14:23 we find the “Parable of the Banquet” … Where the Master says Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled."
And in the Book of John, we see Andrew Bringing Peter to Jesus in John 1:40-42 we read where Andrew invited Peter, and look how that worked out… Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (NIV) (Peter became one of Jesus’ closest followers.)
So, what’s so great about an Invitation?
An Invitation can change lives… You know why? Because Encounters with God have the power to radically transform people’s lives by instilling hope, purpose, inner peace, sobriety, and improved relationships with others.
An Invitation to Church can help Build Community:
Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
To invite people to church we all must Overcome some Common Barriers
We have to overcome the Fear of Rejection: Rejection is a normal part of the discipleship process, but the potential reward of facing our fear is worth the risk. Think about it… People even rejected Jesus, and people are still rejecting His invitation even today.
We all struggle sometimes with Not Knowing What to Say: How do we go about inviting someone to church? There’s a saying “Make a Friend, Be a Friend, Bring a Friend to Christ.” You don’t need to be pushy or condescending… Just be yourself… Invite them to a special event or something… For instance, our back-to-school bash or even Wednesday night meal & Study… (Pick someone to act out an Invite) You ready for school to start back? (Wait for reply) Me to, I’m not sure where your kids go to school but we are having a big Back to School party next Sunday and we have kids and teachers from most all of the schools around here. We are gonna have food and a waterslide and just hang out and have a good time, you should bring your kids, it’ll be fun no preaching or anything, just a good time and some free food… You get the picture?
Who do I invite? Friends, family, coworkers, neighbors… basically anybody… Don’t assume everyone goes to church.
Be Authentic and Personal: Share why church is meaningful to you, tell people what Jesus is doing in your life…
Use Church Events as Opportunities: Invite people to special services, special events, or small groups. Like Women’s Bible Study, Men’s Breakfast, Wednesday Night, or any of the other events we have throughout the year..
Follow-Up: Follow-up after the invitation, whether the person attends or not… Don’t abandon the mission continue to reach out as a friend with genuine care and compassion… YOU CAN'T FAKE IT YOU MUST BE REAL AND YOU MUST BE AUTHENTIC…
Conclusion
Think of one person you can invite to church this week.
Pray for boldness and opportunities to invite others.
Be the Hands and feet of Jesus Make a Friend, Be a Friend, Bring a friend to Christ…
