AUGUST 2008

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Gal. 1: 3-5)

          Who among us are evangelists? What is an evangelist anyway? If you read your Bible you will find out that we all are evangelists! And that we all are called to make disciples! Matthew 28:19 says, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations." We are all called by Christ to reach out to our family, neighbors, and anyone we may meet along the road and tell them about God's love for them. We are all part of what Paul called the priesthood of all believers. If you ask people why they come to church the majority would say because someone invited them to come. When was the last time you invited someone to come to church with you?

I have served in eleven churches over the last 19 years and the one desire I have heard in almost every church was "we need to grow." But it also seems that the desire does not translate into action. I remember someone once said, "God helps those who help themselves." We cannot "wish" something to happen; we need to make it happen. When was the last time you invited someone to come to church with you?

If every attending member of Grandview would be actively inviting others to our church what would happen? There is not a more satisfying moment than seeing someone join our congregation whom you invited to attend their first worship service. John Wesley believed the Prevenient Grace of God is calling everyone to church. Sometimes, people just need to be reminded of that calling. When was the last time you invited someone to come to church with you?

What prevents you from extending that invitation? Are you ashamed of where you spend your Sunday mornings? Do you lack confidence in God's ability to satisfy the spiritual hunger of others? Does that first step in evangelism seem too tall?

Let me give you some simple suggestions to help you in this step: First, maintain a positive attitude about your church. People aren't interested in going to a church unless they can expect to be uplifted. Second, learn what Grandview has to offer others: Sunday School, movie night, book circle, women's group, men's group, etc. Third, truly believe in God's power to heal the sinsick soul. And fourth, be willing to offer a ride and stay with them during the first few visits so that the newcomer can feel welcomed and not alone. But most important of all is to start and finish it all with PRAYER. Evangelism begins and ends with prayer. And always remember it is God's house and God's people. If your invitee attends it is because of God, not you; do not feel prideful. It is God they are seeking and not you or me. And don't take it personal if your invitee does not come. They are rejecting God not you. If we are sincere about the work of evangelism God will bless it and make us a blessing.

Rev. Jim