As we have been working our way through John 17 on Sunday mornings, we’ve been reminded about the clear and focused mission the Lord Jesus has given to all believers: He has sent us into this world to bear testimony of Him. As Jesus says to the Father in the midst of praying for His disciples in John. 17:18
“As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”
This and many other passages make it clear that for as long as God has us in this world, we who know the Lord Jesus Christ are to tell other people about Him. We’re to talk to people, in the power of God’s Spirit, about how they can be reconciled to God through faith in Christ. I’m convinced that all true Christians intuitively know this is our God-given task. I’m also convinced that most of us, if we are honest, are ultimately pretty wimpy about this task when it comes right down to it. So we all need help in being more faithful.
Many things can and should be said about this matter of evangelism. But I’d like to challenge and encourage you with a simple, profound, radical thought for how you can “break the ice” in talking to your unbelieving friends, family, and acquaintances about the Lord. Are you ready? Here’s the radical thought:
INVITE PEOPLE TO OUR CORPORATE WORSHIP SERVICE ON SUNDAY MORNINGS!
That’s it! Crazy, wild, and earth-shattering idea, isn’t it? Seriously, think about it. How many non-Christian folks, that you interact with on a regular basis, have you invited to join you in worship over this past year? If you are like me, probably not as many as you could have or should have. Just think about the opportunities that a simple invitation to join you for worship on Sunday morning might lead to. If a person accepts your invitation, you have the opportunity to let them know what to expect when they come. We sing, we pray, and we hear Scripture read and preached. You’ll also have the opportunity to “debrief” with them after the service. Most likely they’ll either be intrigued or offended with what they’ve heard and observed, but at least they know more fully what you are about. And who knows what kinds of conversations might come from this.
If they decline your invitation, you might still have an opportunity to talk about why you are a part of RCG, which can ultimately lead to more directly talking about the Good News of the Gospel. So whether a person accepts or declines your invitation, you have at least opened a door to talk about spiritual matters. Again, who knows what kinds of conversations might come from this.
There is, of course, much more to evangelism than simply asking people to church. But I really believe that this can be one of the best, simplest, and most practical ways to break the ice. The results are always in God’s hands. How people may respond is between them and God. But we need to do our part. So be praying about specific people that the Lord might have you to extend such an invitation to, and likewise be praying that you would be graciously bold and faithful in bearing witness of Jesus Christ. This is our God-given task and mission – let’s diligently keep at it!
Growing with you,
