Extend the Invite

By: Jenifer Metzger

Recently I was accused of proselyting -trying to take members from another church to come to my church. When I first heard the accusation, I was angry. My accuser knows me better than that. Besides, the people I was accused of "stealing" don't even come to my church.

I spent a couple of days stewing over the situation when God spoke to me. He reminded me that I was just the victim of misplaced hurt. So instead of letting this gossip bother me, I began to pray for my accuser.

While it isn't right to take members from one church to attend your church, we should be inviting people to church!

We are all on social media. Chances are, you check your Facebook and Instagram accounts a couple times each day. Think of all the friends you have on these platforms. More than likely, you have dozens of friends who claim to be Christian, yet don't attend church anywhere. Also highly likely, you have dozens of friends who are not Christian and haven't been to church in years, if ever. When is the last time you posted your church's service times and invited people? When is the last time you shared a video of your church's service or reshared a post from your church?

Think of your family. We all have someone in our family who is not living for God. When is the last time you extended an invitation to church? Invited them to a program your child was in (family will often come to see programs our children perform in even if they claim "church isn't my thing.")? When is the last time you invited them to a special event your church has?

What about your neighbors, co-workers, gym buddies, and fellow school parents? Do they know you attend church? Have you personally extended an invitation? What about those extra events your church holds like fun nights, VBS, and outreaches?

Friends, God is coming back. He is coming at any given moment. We don't know the hour, the day, or the year. It could be today before you eat lunch. It could be before 2024 is up. It could be in two years. We have absolutely no idea. We have to live ready, but we also need to be sharing the Gospel. We need to invite people to church. We should desire to see people come the Lord. We should be excited when someone comes to our church and learns about God. And we should be over the moon with excitement and rejoice with the angels when someone gives their life to God.

Reflection:
1. When is the last time you invited someone to church?
2. Think of someone you can invite today. Call or shoot them a text and invite them to church this Sunday. Even offer to take them out to lunch after services.
3. Share the first name of the person you invite in the comments. Sunday, if they show up, come back and tell us so we can rejoice with you!