Strength for Today

"Andrew...first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus" (John 1:40-41). Just think how different the history of the church might be if Andrew had not invited Peter to church, as it were. Who would have stood up on the day of Pentecost to proclaim the Gospel? Andrew was always inviting someone to church. He introduced a little lad to Jesus and from that boy's lunch, Jesus fed a multitude ((John 6:9). He invited some Greeks to hear Jesus preach (John 12:20-22). Peter was a great preacher but Andrew was a great inviter. He was always looking for someone he could invite to what he knew was very good. This week Evelyn and I had a double appointment with our eye doctor. Dr. Soriano told Evelyn that the reason she came to our church was because one of the members, also a patient of hers, had simply invited her to come to Fairview Christian Church (where I preched for five years). There you have it. A friend inviting another friend to church. Surveys consistently show that the number one reason people become Christians is because a friend or acquaitance invited them to church. You have far more influence than what you think. Why not invite someone to church today? Be like Andrew the Inviter.

P.S. When I invite someone to church, I tell them that I will be waiting for them in the foyer or vestibule. That added note can make the difference for people coming to a church for the very first time. To see a familar face when they enter the church for the first time helps relieve their fears and concerns. Then I usher them to the pew that Evelyn has been reserving for us. During the "greeting time" I can be by their side so they are not overwhelmed.