Only 2% of church going people ever invite someone to church in a given year.

Church is a great place for you unchurched /non-Christian friends to hear the gospel. If they know you go to church and have asked you a number of questions – maybe you have a foot in to ask ‘hey, if you are keen to come to church sometime let me know’ or ‘if you want why not come check out my church for yourself….’

The sermons preached each week at church are more than often aimed at the believer… but the truths being taught apply to all of God’s creation and so will be a word in season even to our unbelieving friends. The word of God speaks of his grace and mercy and the people of God are testimony to his grace and mercy – why not invite friends along to taste and see.

A challenge to preachers and pastors at churches – we need to create a place where members feel they can bring friends and ensure in your preaching that you address unbelieving friends and their reactions.

How great would it be if we walk out of services saying, “I wish my unchurched friend had been here,” …. the more this happens the more I think we will be ready to invite friends along.

November Poster from Outreach Media

Praise Jesus for Brian Flower a farmer from the Southern Highlands and his idea of pursing opportunites for the gospel at the Easter Show. This is creative thinking about how we take the gospel to people in rural areas as well as the city folk who attend.  “It’s such a no-brainer… I don’t know why we didn’t think of it before.” (Read More about this story at Sydney Anglicans)

Are there other events like this that we have thought about before? Perhaps Carols in the Domain… ???

creativity (kree-ay-TIV-eh-tee) verb

1. to make the new, or rearrange the old to appear new. 2. action taken as a result of imagination.

Notice, the word “art” doesn’t appear in that definition. Is there creativity beyond artistic expression?

Creativity can be frightening—also disorganized, noisy, and chaotic. And, by the way, “Who’s gonna clean up the mess in the Fellowship Hall?!”

Ask any church with a reputation for innovation if they’ve ever tried something that didn’t work. If they say no, they’re lying.

Read the full article

H/T 9 Marks :: Church matters.