Matthew 26:19-20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
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Afraid but not “SO” Afraid
Let’s face it. When we invite people to church, the idea of it can be nerve-wracking.
There’s a lot of inner dialogue that happens. How do I bring it up in conversation? What if I come across judgmental? What if I get rejected?
The tendency is to ask a lot of “what if” questions that focus on the negative side. But what if you reminded yourself of the potential, instead?
What if God has been preparing their heart and has been waiting for me to invite them?
What if they say yes?
What if they’re hurting and find the hope and help they need at MVA?
What if they give their life to Christ, and future generations are changed because of it?
How do you bring it up in conversation?
It’s simple to just let folks know you’d love to have them come to our Easter service with the invite cards we shared Sunday. It can be as simple as that! But maybe you’d like to take it a step deeper in conversation. Here are a few options…
Approach #1 – When you’re not sure whether they attend a church.
Lead with this simple question.
I was wondering, do you go to church anywhere?
If they answer yes, then the follow-up conversation is easy.
That’s great! So happy to hear you have a church home.
What church do you attend?
If they answer no, you can follow up with an invite to Easter service this week or another time when they are available (:
Approach #2 – When you know someone doesn’t attend a church.
Try leading with this question:
I’m curious—did you ever go to church when you were growing up?
The key with this question is how you follow up.
This question is an easy way to start a conversation, but the real value is learning more about a person’s background with church, faith, and Christianity.
There could be many reasons why someone doesn’t currently attend a church. They could’ve had a bad experience growing up. Been hurt by people. Maybe they’ve always wanted to but never made it a priority.
Whatever the reason, you’re trying to understand why. So don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions.
Have you ever thought about attending church (again)?
If you don’t mind me asking, how come you don’t see yourself going to church?
If it’s not too personal a question, what was the bad experience you had?
The answers to these questions will help you tailor a more personal invite at the right time. Use what you learn, and ask God for encouragement to not be SO afraid to simply invite them to MVA where it’s our prayer that people see Jesus in spite of the imperfections of is followers.
Below you’ll see several options for text to copy and paste into a social media post as well as a graphic you can copy and paste. Feel free to use as is or adjust it as you see fit!
Option 1: This coming Sunday is Easter. I want to welcome you to my home church, Mount Vernon Avenue Church of Christ, to celebrate. Maybe you haven’t been in a church building in a while or you never have been at all. Well, you’re welcome just as you are. I’d just love you to come and see the hope I have in Jesus.
Option 2: Easter is here this Sunday and I’d like to welcome you to join me at MVA Church of Christ to celebrate. Check out the post below for more information and message me if you’d like to come! Would love you to be my plus one!
Option 3: Our Lead Minister, Jeff Bush, has been preaching through a series called “Powerhouse”. It’s all about the power of Jesus Christ to change lives. I can’t wait to celebrate His power on full display in what he did this Easter Sunday. I’d love for you to join me and my church family at MVA Church of Christ. Let me know if you’d like to join me! Details below (:
Option 4: Spring hasn’t quite sprung but hey it’s central Ohio. Easter is here regardless of the weather and so is a spirit of celebration because of what Jesus has done. Join me at MVA Church of Christ this Sunday and we’ll have a proper party rain or shine.
What if I get rejected?
You will, but don’t let it discourage you. It’s not the end of the world, and it’s not personal.
Jesus said that the road is narrow and few will find it.
A “no thanks” won’t negatively impact your life. But a “yes” could change someone’s life forever. So press through any fears of rejection and keep inviting! You’ll never get a “yes” if you never ask.
Another common fear is getting a negative reaction.
Almost everyone will accept your invite graciously whether they’re interested or not.
As you invite people to church, you’ll find most of your fears are not reality. Rejection isn’t as bad as you think. People generally avoid confrontation. They’re not going to be hateful toward you or feel judged by you.
Exodus 4:12
Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”