Invite a friend to church.
What could be so hard about that right?
But we all know it’s more challenging than it appears. Culture has shifted, and while it is true that there is a resurgence of interest in God and spiritual life, it is also true that popular culture does not see a need for regular church attendance.
The invitation, however, is extraordinary.
- It’s about meaningful relationship and community.
- It’s an opportunity for a changed life and a better way to live.
- It brings answers to unanswered questions.
- It helps make sense of a world that doesn’t make sense.
- It offers joy instead of sadness.
- It’s an invitation to purpose and meaning rather than random hopelessness.
- It offers freedom from what holds you captive.
- It presents truth rather than confusion.
Attending church is a sacred practice of high value, but we are more likely to engage a heart in moments of everyday life first, then community within the church begins to make sense.
Without proactive effort and energy toward evangelism, all churches naturally drift toward discipleship, but both are needed. God designed them to function fully in partnership with each other.
Why are some churches more evangelistic than others?
Intentionality.
The following are seven strategic questions that help you become more intentional about evangelism.
7 Helpful Questions:
1) Does your church consistently lift up the name of Jesus?
Jesus is the focal point of the church. He is the head of the church and the reason that it works. Jesus is the image of the invisible God and holds all things together. It is through Him that we are reconciled to God. (from Colossians 1)
Church programs, classes, events, mission trips, next gen ministry, global missions, etc., are all good and needed. But apart from Jesus they mean very little.
It’s easy for us as church leaders (with good intention and a heart to serve) to get so wrapped up in the design and execution of helpful programs that we lose sight of the big picture.
It’s not like we forget why we do what we do, we know, but under the pace and pressure of leadership its easy to fall into “make it happen” mode rather than a “point to Jesus” mindset.
2) How do you remain relevant with current culture?
Remaining connected to current culture without being controlled by it is a significant challenge.
The important idea is that if we don’t understand the culture around us, what people think and how they feel, its extremely difficult to communicate the gospel in a way that makes sense to them.
Discernment is important.
- When are we silent for the sake of unity?
- When do we speak up for the sake of truth?
- When do we take action for the sake of change?
Reaching people for Jesus is not just about what we say and what we do, but how we say it and why we do it.
3) Is your hospitality wildly attractive and felt at a heart level?
I was recently on a delayed flight from Dallas to Atlanta. I arrived home at 1:30AM. The longer we waited at the airport, the shorter patience became. I was holding steady but getting weary.
Then when finally boarding the plane everything changed in a moment. A flight attendant with an infectiously positive attitude was holding the baby of a frazzled young mom trying to carry all the baby bags and navigate a stroller about the size of a Volkswagen. Mom and baby were exhausted, and I fear would have had a meltdown without this extraordinary flight attendant. She carried the day with genuinely cheerful hospitality that made us all feel good about being on the flight.
When we carry that disposition in the local church, we can change the day for everyone around us. In fact, at 12Stone Church, we call our volunteers “Daymakers” for that very reason.
Wildly attractive and genuinely meaningful hospitality will help make your church, and more importantly, Jesus, irresistible.
4) Do you intentionally unclutter the church calendar?
In a previous post I wrote about a “lean ministry” model. This idea becomes even more important when we consider the primacy of evangelism and the mission of the church.
If we are too busy as leaders, and the programming calendar is too busy, it’s likely that the church will be too busy to reach out to those who don’t know Jesus.
What can you eliminate from your programming that will allow your congregation to breathe enough to make a new friend and invite them to church?
Greater simplicity in the operation of your church makes it easier for those outside the church to feel welcome inside.
5) Do the leaders set an obvious example?
The pastor, staff, board and key leaders need to set the example if you want the congregation to follow.
Our senior pastor Jason Berry leads the way personally and with the question “Who’s your one?” It’s a heartfelt question that reminds us all about our purpose. Reaching people for Christ.
The particular method doesn’t matter near as much as the fact that you are modeling personal evangelism in some way.
It’s not necessary to over-complicate evangelism. We either lean in, or we don’t. It’s not about performance; it’s about passion.
Encourage the congregation by telling stories from the platform, in groups and one to one.
If the leaders of the church make evangelism a regular part of their lives, it is much more likely to catch on in the congregation.
6) Are your expectations of the congregation realistic?
The consistent practice of evangelism comes toward the mature end of discipleship. It requires courage, burden and intentionality.
It’s not realistic to think that everyone in the church will be inviting a friend every week or sharing their faith on a consistent basis. It’s a process.
I’m not remotely suggesting to lower the bar of leadership, faith or encouraging the church to be salt and light in their world. But see it as a process of spiritual growth and acknowledge all aspects of being salt and light as successful parts of evangelism.
For example, merely smiling at a neighbor you’ve never spoken to, a random act of kindness, praying for someone, a visit to the hospital, etc.. these are steps toward inviting someone to church, speaking Jesus name and ultimately sharing the gospel.
Cheer on those you love and lead to keep making progress.
7) Are you tapping into your greatest advantage?
Prayer unleashes the greatest force in the world that empowers your evangelistic efforts.
Prayer taps into the power of God through the moving of the Holy Spirit in peoples lives. Many people have come to faith because someone prayed! Your prayers matter as much as your words and actions.
When it’s all said and done, if one person comes to faith, everything you do is worth it.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”Matthew 9:37-38
