Invite One
“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).” John 1:41
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When it comes down to sharing your story, there’s no right or wrong way. However we all can attest that there are more or less productive approaches to sharing our faith with others. This month the Evangelism Ministry team at Franklin First is kicking off “Invite One” and it will change the way you think about outreach. “Invite One” is at the core of Jesus’ ministry to us in the New Testament when He said to “Go and tell…” We’re not talking about a type of going and telling that makes people uncomfortable. But rather a going and telling that’s based on relationships and lets people know that you care. We all know people who are not already a part of a local church. “Invite One” is outreach made simple by being mindful of people you know; looking for opportunities to share a part of your faith story; and inviting that one person to be a part of something God is doing. It’s about building trust and letting God work in and through you.
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Invite One is simple.
- Look Around where you work, where you live, where you go to school and where you spend your free time.
This is your mission field. Make a list of names of people you know who are not a part of a church and who need a relationship with Christ. Select one person you feel God is leading you to reach out to.
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- Look Up because God changes people through prayer.
Pray each day for the one person on the list you’ve identified. Pray that God will condition their heart and open their mind to the possibility of attending church and discovering a new life in Christ.
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- Look Out for ways to cultivate this personal friendship.
Intentionally spend time with that person. Offer an invitation to dinner, a movie, a walk in the park or a sporting event. Spending time helps to strengthen your friendship and build trust.
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- Look Forward to possible opportunities to share a small part of your faith journey with that person and invite them to church.
Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to that place and time where it is safe and appropriate to begin to share how Christ has changed your life.
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- Look After those who respond to your invitation.
These people need our hospitality, our guidance, our instruction, our encouragement and our full support when they take that first step to discovering more about Christ.Focus on one person who needs a more meaningful relationship with Christ and a connection to a local church.
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Look for more details on this Invite One strategy in your Sunday School classes, Wesley Life Groups and in our Worship service on Sunday, May 15.