by Rev. James WongAs I said last week, we will emphasize the importance of inviting people to church in November and December. This is what Ecclesiastics 10:10 says about the importance of skill: “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.” It takes skill and knowledge to share with people the goodness of following Jesus Christ.
Have you wonder why is it so hard to invite a friend to a church Sunday service or a church event? Why is it so hard to say those few words about the most important person in our life? Why do we hesitate to pass along the best news we have ever heard? Why is it so hard to tell others that we have found a way of surviving death, living forever, being forgiven of our sins, having the word of God for abundant living and tapping into the goodness of God?
1. We must begin with knowing who we can best reach. Who are the people you can best reach? The Gospel is spread primarily through relationships. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). As soon as Andrew followed Jesus he went and told his brother Simon Peter. When Philip believed in Christ he immediately contacted a friend, Nathaniel. Matthew, as we have seen in the past weeks, he invited his ‘kaki’ (tax collectors friends) to an evangelistic dinner party after he decided to follow Jesus. After talking to Christ the woman at the well went back to her village and told the people about Christ.
2. Go after those whom you are most likely to reach. The most effective evangelistic strategy is to reach those whom you have a relationship or you have something in common. They could be your close friends, relatives, business associates, schoolmates, suppliers, customers, neighbors, colleagues, family members and the list goes on. It is easier to talk to a friend than someone who is a stranger.
Very often the fear that we have is a psychological fear—the fear of rejection. How will my friend react and what happen if they reject my invitation? Well, there can only be two answers to an invitation; they either accept your invitation or they reject your invitation. If they accept your invitation—good. If they reject your invitation, they are not rejecting your friendship but just your invitation.
Just remember, how easily we can share the good things we have found in life. For example, we don’t mind sharing with our friends the medicines that are helpful for treating certain diseases. We recommend to friends the type of cars we drive, the good places of dining and etc. What about sharing something interesting you have found in the church service? It could be a verse in the bible that talks about love and why it is important to you. With that you can extend your invitation. Try it.
Have you wonder why is it so hard to invite a friend to a church Sunday service or a church event? Why is it so hard to say those few words about the most important person in our life? Why do we hesitate to pass along the best news we have ever heard? Why is it so hard to tell others that we have found a way of surviving death, living forever, being forgiven of our sins, having the word of God for abundant living and tapping into the goodness of God?
1. We must begin with knowing who we can best reach. Who are the people you can best reach? The Gospel is spread primarily through relationships. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). As soon as Andrew followed Jesus he went and told his brother Simon Peter. When Philip believed in Christ he immediately contacted a friend, Nathaniel. Matthew, as we have seen in the past weeks, he invited his ‘kaki’ (tax collectors friends) to an evangelistic dinner party after he decided to follow Jesus. After talking to Christ the woman at the well went back to her village and told the people about Christ.
2. Go after those whom you are most likely to reach. The most effective evangelistic strategy is to reach those whom you have a relationship or you have something in common. They could be your close friends, relatives, business associates, schoolmates, suppliers, customers, neighbors, colleagues, family members and the list goes on. It is easier to talk to a friend than someone who is a stranger.
Very often the fear that we have is a psychological fear—the fear of rejection. How will my friend react and what happen if they reject my invitation? Well, there can only be two answers to an invitation; they either accept your invitation or they reject your invitation. If they accept your invitation—good. If they reject your invitation, they are not rejecting your friendship but just your invitation.
Just remember, how easily we can share the good things we have found in life. For example, we don’t mind sharing with our friends the medicines that are helpful for treating certain diseases. We recommend to friends the type of cars we drive, the good places of dining and etc. What about sharing something interesting you have found in the church service? It could be a verse in the bible that talks about love and why it is important to you. With that you can extend your invitation. Try it.
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