Can you be amazing one more time?

By Pastor Tom Anderson

One of the two disciples who heard what John said and followed Jesus was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Christ.) He led him to Jesus. (John 1:40-42)

Last December you took up the “One-a-Week” challenge, giving one personal invitation to worship each week leading up to Christmas Eve Sunday. We set a goal of having three hundred combined in-person and online attendance.

Amazingly you blew past the goal and we had 428! We are bringing the challenge back for Easter! The board will appear again on the wall just outside the main worship center doors. Each time you invite someone, write their name or initials to encourage others. If you don’t know the name just write “sales clerk” or “waiter”. We will all be in prayer for those who’ve been invited.

One of you told me the story about a particularly cranky waitress in a restaurant they frequented. One Sunday, you asked her, “How can I pray for you?” She didn’t give a specific answer but just the question itself seemed to flick a switch in her. The sour disposition drained away and her attitude visibly changed. It was a very kind question–one almost no one would reject. Just one act of kindness done in God’s name can make a big difference. What if you’d never asked the question? The same is true for giving invitations. It’s important to remember why we do this. We are seeking to see people enter into a transforming relationship with God!

Be genuine when you invite. If it's appropriate offer to pick them up on Sunday. Tell them you’ll meet them at the front door and sit together with them. Go out to eat together afterwards or cook a meal in your home. Show that you are interested in them as a person and not just completing a church assignment.

Be specific. Don’t leave out the details like what time the services are, where Thirve is located, where children’s ministry is, and which door to enter. Give them a card or a church brochure which you can get from the welcome center.

Invite with expectant hope. If you hold a defeatist attitude you’ll likely underplay your invitation with words like these, “You probably won’t like it but…” or “I don’t think you’d be interested but…” You don’t need to go overboard but you do need to speak with some confidence about our church and our God. Don’t make decisions for people you’ve never invited. Many people are curious. Many people are looking for a church home. Many people would welcome a personal invitation to come to Easter services. Bonus: there's a breakfast in the Family Life Center on Easter!