“-Compel them to come in so that My house will be filled.” Luke 14:23b
Amazingly, nine out of 10 unchurched people say they would come to
Diana Davischurch if they were asked.* Will you be the asker? I double-dare you to take the “52 Challenge”:
Step #1: Think of one person you know who doesn’t attend church. Only one. Invite that person to your church this Sunday and arrange to meet at the front door. Write their name on Sunday’s date in your personal calendar.
Step #2: Commit to God that you will repeat that process weekly for one year. Don’t know 52 lost people? Don’t fret. Just ask God’s direction and watch for one person to invite this week. Suddenly, you’ll notice masses of lost people around you. Need ideas?
? As you walk the dog and observe a neighbor outside, remember the 52 Challenge.
? Ask that friend you’ve been intending to invite.
? Invite the Wal-Mart greeter. How about your hairstylist, doctor, tax advisor or landlord?
? In the post office or grocery line, or riding the bus, converse with someone who needs an invitation.
? Make a list of relatives, acquaintances or neighbors, and systematically invite them.
? During coffee break at work or chatting with the butcher or working out at the gym, think “52.”
? Who could you invite at the PTA meeting, reunion, company picnic or ball game?
? Ask your new neighbor, car salesman, insurance agent or sister-in-law. Invite your mail carrier, restaurant waiter, fireman, repairman, or mayor.
During the next 52 weeks, write the name of the person you invite to church on every Sunday’s box of your calendar. 52 weeks. 52 people. One week at a time.
The 52 Challenge is for individuals, but a church can encourage personal invitations by providing “invitation business cards” with church address, worship times and Web site. Attendance more than doubles at Plymouth Baptist’s annual Friend Day. How? Each member simply invites one friend.
What would happen if every Christian in South Carolina committed to ask just one person to church every week this year? They’re waiting for an invitation, and eternity is at stake. Will you take the 52 Challenge?
(*Statistic from Thom Rainer’s book, “The Unchurched Next Door,” Zondervan).
Davis is author of “Fresh Ideas” and “Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry” (B&H) and wife of Indiana Baptist Convention’s executive director.