Tyler Walea presented a version of this material on Ministry Central. In this blog he discusses the importance of inviting people to church.
“God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son” (Romans 1:9, NLT).
We serve God by spreading the gospel.
One of the fundamentals of having a relationship with God is accepting the fact He has a work for you to do. We have actions to perform that will benefit the kingdom of God. We all have work to do—a mission.
Invite People to Church
If we miss this mission, we’ll live lives oblivious to the need, the suffering, and the pain around us. Scripture tells us faith without works is dead. Knowledge without action is worthless. We are not saved by works, but we do live by works.
The primary role of our mission is to bring people to Christ.
The longest prayer recorded in the Bible is found in John 17. In this prayer, Jesus prays: “As you have sent me into the world, even so also have I sent them” (John 17:18). The primary role of our mission is to bring people to Christ.
We serve God by spreading the gospel. Click To TweetPaul said in the first chapter of Romans we serve God by spreading the gospel. David Barret, a prominent statistical researcher, found that 30% of the world profess to be Christian, but only 11% consistently practice Christianity. The majority of people don’t know God loves them and has a plan for their loves.
We are living in the shadow of a very real eternity. There are countless souls that need Him now. God has entrusted the fate of every person you meet daily to you. A great mission is before us.
God’s Plan for Growth
God’s plan for growth has always been invitation.
Jesus was in the invitation business: He invited sinners to come and reason together. He invited “all who are weary and heavy-laden.” And He invited the thirsty. From the beginning His message was an invitation. His followers understood that and took up the call. God’s plan for growth has always been invitation. You can’t make them come, but it is our responsibility to bid them to come.
How Do We Invite? Who Do We Invite?
The answers to these questions are found in Luke 14:23: “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”
1. Invite with purpose.
Invitations are most frequently accepted when they are intentional and specific. Whether the house is full or whether the house is empty is on our shoulders. It is not a matter of more church programs or events or technology that draws people. Promotions and advertisements are necessary, but they need a face, a person, to reach out to them.
2. Fill the house with people who are separated from God.
3. Build relationships.
If people don’t accept the invitation, continue building that relationship and don’t give up. Keep inviting. Pray that you would feel God’s love for them. If you love someone, you cannot give up on them.
If you would like to view the entire lesson, or find similar courses, visit Ministry Central.