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Would you even consider inviting me?

By Franklyn Gallup of Biblefree.org

Would you even consider inviting me to your church?

At first that might seem like a strange question.

Consider the answers you might receive from asking such a question. The beauty of the question is that it is more "politically correct" than asking someone to your church. It is a basic conversation starting question.

Some people will answer yes. If these people do in fact invite you, ask for details about their church. If you choose to accept the invitation make one small request. Ask them to make a commitment to personally introduce you as their guest to at least 10 members of their church. You might be amazed at what you can learn from visiting another church.

Others will answer that they don't go to church. Many people today consider going to church a huge waste of time. Tell them this is a very common belief today. Ask them why they think that is. You can also inquire if they always felt that way.

After listening to their responses you might ask the question, "Could I invite you to visit my church as my quest?"

To make this even easier I have made a master that you can use to give to friends and people you don't even know.

Make several black and white copies. On one copy add your name and phone number. Print this out on bright colored card stock paper.

Even if asking is easy for you it might not be for someone else. This is an easy skill to teach to others who have a hard time asking the question. You just teach others to give a piece of paper.

Simply cut the printed copy out and cut them into strips. Even if a person says no they would not consider inviting you there is no bad feeling on their part or your part.

If you do happen to invite someone and they except be sure to introduce them to at least 10 members of your church as your guest.

If you use this system regularly you will be surprised how many people you will be finding that don't go to church and that will accept your invitation.

Don't be surprised if someone at your church asks you about it. Simply supply them with a white master and explain how you use it.

If you would like to send out a global invite to your church add information about your church in your comment.

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This is rather a futile question because I believe that Jesus spoke the truth when He said he would be present at any gathering held in His name.

We are in no position to invite anybody into our church because they are there - whether they accept that fact or not. All we, as church goers, can do is attempt to let them see what is there to be seen.

All around us are sermons, lessons and the justification for our beliefs. The simple joy in the song of a single, free bird belies the purpose of the dirges to which most churces are so attached.

It is said that the Devil has all the best tunes and that, unfortunately, is the measure of the current level of Christian understanding. We should all be celebrating the pleasures of our faith in the beauty of the music sung by the congregation whether it be the Misa Luba or Old McDonald had a farm.

How can any Christian believe that a building that will be used infrequently could possibly replace the trees used in its construction?

theoldcoot Aug 15, 2010 01:46

I wish someone would invite me to church! I don't really know how to begin looking for a church now that I have moved across the country. I am not a fan of not having that "anchor" when I go to a place filled with people I don't know. I am betting there are many who feel the same way.

I loved the idea of introducing your guest to 10 people. I am sure it would encourage another visit!

Karla Whitmore Aug 15, 2010 01:52

Arthur, for the majority of Christians, it is not about the building. It is about gathering to worship God and enjoying the Christian fellowship. It can be a tremendously uplifting experience. Besides, we are directed to witness to others and inviting people to church is much more "people-friendly" than hammering the Bible at them on the street. :)

The only hammering you will see me doing of the Bible is the fact that it is totally irrelevant in the understanding and worship of God.

I belong to my own church - my own church follows me where ever I go and although it might be 'proper' to witness to others, nowhere in any religious book does any God say - "Go forth and build me great meeting houses". The building of religious edifices is a greed oriented control factor designed to con the poorest out of the little that they have.

There is not a single physical church that has been built for the glory of God - far too many of them were built as an indulgence to try to ensure that wealthy patrons would get admission into Heaven. The priests who say that they worship God actually worship Mamon - they all ask for sacrifices that they, themselves do not make.

One of my most welcome visitors is a Jehova's Witness, even older than myself, and he, also, sees that when we meet, we are not alone. Neither of of us proselytise but we do openly discuss our beliefs - and we both believe in God. All we try to do is work out who or what God is.

I hope you find a church that will encourage you to explore your own. It does worry me that people feel that they must belong to one particular church and choose them like they were choosing a laundromat.

theoldcoot Aug 15, 2010 03:49

I believe your idea would go a long way in terms of creating a community within your church. Best of luck with it.

Good Intel. It's created quite a lot of discussion too. Like Arthur, I gave up going to churches as everyone I went to had a minister or padre either haranguing the congregation for not donating enough or screaming at them in english or latin that they were all going to "Hell" because they were terrible sinners. Doesn't sound like the God I talk to regularly.

The theme of this Intel is to start a discussion. Where it goes from that point is anybody's guess. I try to visit as many different churches as I can.

I have been to many churches where people seem to turn it into a social even talking to those they know and not looking for the new face to welcome.

I agree with Arthur that Jesus is present wherever two or more gather in His name and welcome the same visitors he does.

Thank you for sharing this interesting intel, Franklyn. It certainly does lend itself to discussion and that is great.
My grandfather lived to be 102 years old, yet I never saw him enter a church. I still believe that he was a good, God fearing man who did right,because it was the thing to do.
Best wishes.
Frederick

I believe that people pooling their finances to invest in a piece of Real Estate is a good idea. It is basic Capitalism. I also believe that it is good for people to gather together to fellowship with a common belief. I think problems occur when you mix these two concepts to the point where you can't tell the difference.

interesting article and idea. I believe each individual finds god in their own way and as the old coot said below, we are in no position to invite anybody into our church because they are there already whether they accept it or not. we can attempt to let others see what is inside of us all and what connects us all.

lotuspetal Aug 22, 2010 12:19

My church has a tradition of encouraging the members to visit the service of at least one other denomination at least once a year. So although we do not proselytize, we do feel that it is OK to invite others to our church as well as accepting invitations to visit other churches.

Of course, my church is not by invitation only! Anyone is welcome to visit, and we post an invitation in the newpaper every week as well as inviting people by mouth.

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