October 26, 2010

Number 43

VIEWPOINT

There is one word that defines the difference between churches that grow and those that don’t:  INVITE.  When a church isn’t growing, it’s possible that its members are not “inviting.”

The Institute for American Church Growth found that 70 to 90% of persons who “join” any church in America come through the influence of a friend, of a relative, or of an acquaintance. 

(In the New Testament, becoming a member of the church that belongs to Jesus is not described in human terms.  It’s the Lord who adds people when they obey the gospel.  No one really “joins” the church – but that’s the language of the illustration.)

Invitations are the way churches open their doors.  It’s not the preacher, the location, or even the teaching so much that will bring people inside the building – but the members inviting.  How do we go about this so it is effective?

In almost any conversation, it is easy to ask, “Do you regularly attend church?”  Don’t ask whether a person belongs to some group because that tells you nothing.  If they say they do not attend, then say, “I would like to invite you to attend our worship on “Friends Day.”  You can meet them or even offer to bring them with you. 

In extending such an invitation, remember that you are beginning the planting of a seed and not harvesting.  It has been said that “95% of all effective evangelistic interactions involve planting, not harvesting.”

That’s exactly why we design a special “Friends Day” to build on Bible School Emphasis in October.  It gives us a great opportunity to “invite!”

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A pig wrestling competition at a county fair in northern Montana had to be canceled after the pigs eluded fair officials attempts to round them up for the event.  I hope we won’t have the same problem rounding up newcomers for our Friend Day in a few days!

I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile, and a positive word!                                  RA

November 7, 2010

Fellowship Meal after Morning Assembly

“Fall Festival” for Children in the Afternoon

No P.M. Assembly