So I was recently trying to practice the four I’s – Identify, Intercede, Invest and Invite. When I got to the Invite part, I kind of froze up. I said to myself, “this person has probably gotten several invitations to multiple churches. What makes my own invitation different? What is it about Grace Life that makes us different from thousands of other churches out there?” Also I was concerned about how to present my invitation so I don’t come across as manipulative and as a user, a concern friends have expressed about church people. This got me thinking and what I am about to share with you is how I have learnt to present Jesus or our church that has worked for me.  

 

But before I share it with you, let me make one point clear: if you follow the 4 I’s you will find that this is more about you being used by God to touch a life and make a difference in someone’s life than it is about even converting them to Jesus or to attending your church. Please evangelism – spreading the good news – is not about adding members to our church. It is PRIMARILY about you being the church to someone – the body of Christ, his hands, feet, mouth, ears and eyes to someone else. Jesus said “freely you have received, freely give.” Read more…

Many times, as Christians, we look for a magic bullet for evangelism and for our church family to grow. We look for that elusive perfect pastor, guest minister, program, or youth director who is going to attract people in to our church. Yet, time and time again studies have shown that most people (85% typically), visit a church for the first time because of a personal invitation. Someone – a friend, a family member, a colleague – invited them to church. Yes, inviting people is the undisputed best method of reaching people for Jesus and increasing attendance in church, which is the first step toward building disciples for Jesus.

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