. . . inviting people to church . . .

We have become accustomed to fear inviting people to church. I get it - nobody likes rejection! Think back to those days when you got up the nerve to ask a boy or girl out on a date, and they said no! It's not fun to be told no. We begin to think we don't measure up, or we're not good enough. It's the same when God finally gives you the courage to invite someone to church and you're told NO! It's awkward and defeating. But guess what? God is with you no matter what. I have to remind myself that each Sunday when I look at the congregation and don't see many of the people I have personally invited to church. I get it!

I've had people express that they love hearing messages about focusing outward and developing relationships with people not yet at church. You want to invite, but you're not sure where to start. Over the next few weeks, I will give you some resources and tools to help you invite people.

Today I have two:

1. Pray - This is the most important step. God will be at the forefront of the invitation. God comes before us, God comes alongside us, God carries us, God comes behind us. Prayer is essential as it gives you the courage to lean into God in what can be an uneasy situation.

2. Change your thought process - for real! So often when we think about inviting we start thinking about the "what ifs." What if it makes people uncomfortable? What if they have been hurt by a church? What if they reject me? Lots of "what ifs!"

But, "what if" you begin thinking about the opportunity instead?

What if God has been at work in someone's heart? What if they are simply waiting to be invited to church? What if they are grieving and in need of healing? What if one question changed a life?

This week know that I am praying with and for you as you find ways to begin sitting down with people and investing in new relationships. Remember first and foremost, people respond when we have a relationship first.

One tiny step you can do today is like our Facebook page. Social Media awareness is important these days!