HOW TO INVITE PEOPLE TO CHURCH

6 Oct

The Explanation

One of our favourite sayings at IKON Church is, “Invest and Invite.” This is particularly applicable when it comes to building healthy friendships outside the church.

The invest-and-invite strategy makes it easier for us as a church to reach those in our spheres of influence without thinking we need to have a Degree in Communication Skills to know how to chat with people. As followers of Jesus, we can leverage our relationships to allow us to reach others with the good news about Jesus for their lives.

We are not responsible for knowing the answers to every question our friends may throw our way. But we are responsible for exposing them to an environment where they will be presented with the good news. This could be at a BBQ, church service, Connect group or another type of setting. You will know what best works for your friends and family.

A good question for us to consider is, “what would we like people to line up at the end of our lives and thank us for?”

Scripture Focus

Matthew 5: 13-16 (MSG)

13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

The Practice

Be intentional - create space to pray and consider those you wish to connect with in your life.
Invest - spend time with those in your sphere of influence.
Include - involve them in what you are doing in your life.
Invite - ask them to a suitable environment where they can feel, hear and experience the message of Jesus.

You could invest in them by:

Inviting them for a meal

Taking them out for a drink

Helping them with some DIY / craft / gardening

Celebrating key moments in their lives

Inviting them to key moments in your life

Throwing a street party / BBQ

You could invite them to:

Imagine Event

Youth Revival Night

Social event

Sunday service

Alpha

Connect Group

Team Night

The Elevator Pitch - why people should come to our church

Inviting people to church or the right environment is easier than you may think. These three simple steps explain why people should come to church and explore more.

Life is complicated.
They want to get it right.
We want to help.

An important note - although we suggest you should be intentional about inviting people, it is essential to do this naturally. When we spend time with people and genuinely invest in their lives with no strings attached, it often causes people to open their lives to us. This can be a perfect time to talk to them about Jesus. If someone tells you they are not interested in faith after a conversation, please do not ditch them as friends, as this would be cold and unethical.

Remember, what someone does with that invite is their responsibility and not yours; always be kind and gracious to those in your circles of influence.