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Matthew 28:19-20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ESV

Here are some statistics:

  • 48% of churchgoers have never invited anyone to church. LifeWay Research study on church invitation habits

  • Approximately 75–90% of people report that they began attending church because someone personally invited them. Win Arn, church growth expert; survey of 50,000+ people over 10 years

  • The #1 reason people visit a church is “The Friendship Factor,” meaning they were invited by someone they knew. Win Arn, church growth research

  • 37% of Christians say being invited to church played a direct role in their conversion. Study on conversion influences

  • Approximately 40% of people who join a church initially do so because a friend invited them. Study on church membership and invitations

So, what’s the common thread? Most people start coming to church because someone invited them. But here’s the thing: most churchgoers aren’t actually inviting anyone. What does that say about the direction the church is headed in our nation?

As a church, we do our part by advertising, posting on social media, and sharing our sermons. And we’ll keep doing that. But the truth is, there are people in your life, your coworkers, neighbors, family, and friends, whom we may never cross paths with. That’s your circle of influence. And God placed you there on purpose.

Matthew 28:19-20 isn’t just a mission for pastors or church leaders; it’s for all of us. You’ve been given a field to work, and part of that includes sharing the gospel and inviting others into a relationship with Jesus. And yes, sometimes that starts with a simple invitation to church.

There are several ways to extend an invitation, including through a text, DM, a shareable link, or a social media post. But let me tell you, nothing beats the power of a genuine, face-to-face, “Hey, would you like to come to church with me?” That kind of invitation carries weight, because it’s personal. Just make sure they know the details!

Now, I know inviting someone can feel intimidating. It’s easy to get stuck in the “what ifs.”

  • What if they say no?
  • What if it feels awkward?
  • What if they’ve had a bad church experience before?

Those are real concerns, but don’t let fear stop you from planting seeds.

But what if you reminded yourself of the potential, instead?

  • What if God has been preparing their heart and has been waiting for me to invite them?
  • What if they say yes?
  • What if they’re hurting and find healing at church?
  • What if they give their life to Christ, and future generations are changed?
  • What if they experience authentic community and love for the first time?
  • What if the church renews their faith and hope in Christ?
  • What if they find their identity in Christ and walk in greater confidence?

So… who are you inviting this week? The world around us is desperate for hope, and we have the answer. The gospel is good news worth sharing, but if we stay silent, who will speak up? We can’t afford to get so busy, distracted, or even hardened by life that we forget about the people around us who still need Jesus.

You don’t have to look far. There’s someone in your everyday life who’s searching—maybe more than you realize. As the church, it’s not just something we say we believe… It’s something we live. Let’s be intentional about praying, inviting others, speaking the truth, and living our lives in a way that points people to Christ.

Luke 15:4 - “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 

Jesus didn’t just suggest it, He commanded us to share the Good News with those who don’t know Him. And that doesn’t mean you need to have all the right words or a polished presentation. Just start with what God has done in and for you.

Share with someone how He has answered your prayers. Talk about how His Word or a message spoke to you right when you needed it. Share how He brought comfort in a hard season. That’s your story, and it could be the very thing that helps someone else meet Jesus through you.

But what if you get rejected? You will sometimes, but don’t let it discourage you. It’s not the end of the world, and it’s not personal.  A “no thanks” won’t negatively impact your life, but a “yes” could change someone’s life forever.  So press through any fears of rejection and keep inviting! You’ll never get a “yes” if you never ask.

So keep planting seeds. Keep inviting. Keep sharing. You never know what God might do with your step of faith. If we do our part, He’ll do His.

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 NIV 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that you would use my life to reach someone for the kingdom of God. Give me divine opportunities and boldness to speak into other people’s lives. Help me to form meaningful relationships with people so that I may live my faith in front of them. Show me who you would have me invite to church and give me the boldness to do it! In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.