A special message from your Pastor about intentionally inviting people to church

As Christians, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Inviting people to come to a worship service on Sunday morning is one way to fulfill this calling and share the love of Christ with others. Here are a few reasons why church members should invite people to come to church worship services:

1. To introduce others to Jesus – Church worship services provide an opportunity for people to hear the gospel message and learn about Jesus. By inviting others to come to church, we are giving them the opportunity to encounter Christ and begin a relationship with him.
2. To build relationships – Church worship services also provide an opportunity for people to connect with others and build relationships. By inviting others to come to church, we are inviting them to be a part of a community of believers who will support and encourage them in their faith journey.
3. To share the love of Christ – Inviting someone to church is a tangible way to show them the love of Christ. By extending an invitation, we are demonstrating that we care about them and want them to experience the joy and hope that comes from a relationship with Jesus.
4. To fulfill the Great Commission – Jesus commanded his followers to go and make disciples of all nations. By inviting others to come to church, we are obeying this command and fulfilling our role as ambassadors for Christ.

Overall, inviting people to come to church worship services on Sunday morning is an important way to share the love of Christ with others and fulfill our calling as Christians.

How to Handle Rejection if The Person You Invited Declined Your Offer?

It can be discouraging to invite people and receive rejection or lack of interest in return. However, it’s important to remember that evangelism is a process, and not everyone will respond positively to an invitation right away. When tempted to get discouraged, here are some ways to stay encouraged to continue inviting and pursuing people in your local network:

1. Celebrate every effort – Even if someone declines an invitation, it’s important to celebrate the effort made to reach out. Share your story of inviting others, and we will celebrate your obedience and faithfulness in doing so.
   
2. Provide training – As church leaders, our responsibility is to offer training on how to share the gospel effectively and how to make inviting others a natural part of your everyday lives. Tools such as Revive Texas or formal evangelism training equips you with the tools and resources you need to confidently share your faith.
   
3. Remember realistic expectations – Evangelism is a process and not a one-time event or project. It often takes multiple invitations and conversations before someone is ready to make a commitment to Christ. There is no set number of invitations or conversations that it takes for someone to make a commitment to Christ. The process of coming to faith is different for each person, and some may require more time and conversations than others. Some people may respond to the gospel message on their first encounter, while others may need to hear it multiple times before they are ready to make a commitment. It has been said that it takes a total of SEVEN INVITATIONS from Christians for someone to come to church.
   
   As Christians, our role is to faithfully share the gospel message with others and trust in God’s timing and sovereignty in the process of salvation. We should continue to pray for those who we have invited and shared the gospel with, and trust that God will continue to work in their hearts and bring them to a saving knowledge of Christ.
   
4. Share success stories – Share stories of people who have come to Christ as a result of someone’s invitation or persistence. Seeing the fruit of your labor can be a powerful motivator for your church members to continue inviting and pursuing people in your local network.
   
5. Pray – Pray for the people you’re inviting and pursuing. Pray for open hearts and receptive spirits, and for opportunities to share the gospel.
   
6. Your Pastor Models Evangelism – As a follower of Jesus, it is my pleasure and responsibility to share my faith with those outside the family of God. Additionally, as your pastor, it is my responsibility to share my own stories of inviting and pursuing people in my network.
   
7. The Importance of Evangelism – Remember the importance of evangelism and the great commission. Keep an eternal perspective in mind and remain committed to sharing the gospel.

Ultimately, it’s important to trust in God’s timing and sovereignty in the process of evangelism. While it can be discouraging to receive rejection, God is still at work, and we can trust that He is using our efforts for His glory and kingdom. Go love your neighbor!