I’m going to ask you a question, ready?
Who could you invite to church this Sunday?
Now pay attention to how you felt when you read that. Here are some likely responses, see if one matches you…
That’s sounds good, someone came to mind right away!
Great! Now why not invite them right now?
I couldn’t think of anyone.
OK, here’s a simple idea: for the next 7 days, anytime you leave through the front door of your home pray a short prayer asking God to keep your eyes open for someone you could invite next week.
I thought of someone, but I know they would say “no”.
Maybe they would, or maybe they wouldn’t. Don’t say no for someone else; at least give them the chance to make the decision. There are many things I enjoy now that I never would have even thought about until someone gave me a opportunity and an invitation.
I thought of someone but I’m too scared/embarrassed/shy to invite them.
You’re not alone – literally! God is with you as you face your own fear/embarrassment/timidness. There is a verse that speaks to us when we find ourselves facing situations outside our comfort zone: “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) If someone in your life knows you care more about them than whether or not they go to church with you, they won’t mind being asked to join you in going to something that means a lot to you. They may still say no, but it’s not a rejection of you or your friendship; keep loving them!
I would be arrested and imprisoned for practicing my faith publicly.
Really? There are countless people around the world that face this kind of persecution everyday, and yet they pursue Christ willingly. Some of them are actually dying to be able to invite their friends to church. I don’t say this to bring you guilt, just a new perspective. How will you use your freedom today?
Some of these answers are a little simplistic, but the goal is to get you thinking and even doing. If going to church is something meaningful for you, it’s worth sharing with those closest to you. Most people appreciate being invited to something their friends enjoy, so long as the invitation is thoughtful and authentically warm. So… who could you invite to church this Sunday?