Don't Say "NO" for Them

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Dec 29, 2008 by Randy Chestnut | 0 Comments

According to surveys, our un-churched family and friends are much more willing to attend our churches and to engage in conversations about spiritual matters than we give them credit for.

In his book, "The Unchurched Next Door", Dr. Thom Rainer states 82% of the unchurched are at least "somewhat likely" to attend church if they are invited.  In another survey by LifeWay Research this past year, 78% said they would be willing to listen to someone who wanted to talk about their Christian beliefs. The number rose to 89% among adults 18-29 years of age.

So where is the problem?  According to Dr. Rainer, it is with us.  "Are Christians inviting non-Christians to church?  The heartbreaking answer is no.  Only 21 percent of active churchgoers invite anyone to church in the course of a year.  But only 2% of church members invite an unchurched person to church." (The Unchurched Next Door, p.25)

I want challenge all of us NOT to say "no" for our un-churched friends.  How? 

Invite an unchurched friend or relative to attend worship service this weekend.  Offer to meet them at them in the parking lot.  Walk in with them and introduce them to friends.  Sit with them during the service.  Offer to take them out for lunch after the service.

Ask your un-churched friends if you can talk with them about your faith. Before you do, I would make a couple of suggestions...

  1. Pray and ask God to prepare your heart and their heart for the conversation.              
  2. Ask some trusted Christians friends to pray also.
  3. Follow the admonition of the Apostle Peter by giving the answers regarding your faith  "with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15).

 

Remember, Jesus said "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few" (Matthew 9:37).

Be "the few"!