Come And See
EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Ken McDaniel | Springfield, Illinois
What is the most effective approach in evangelism today? Is it street-preaching or town square proclamations? Could it be a radio call-in program or a TV show on the local cable channel? How about a weekly newspaper article or a mass mailing campaign? What about Facebook, Meetup, or maybe YouTube? To be certain, all of these have their place and have been used successfully to develop contacts and lead people to Christ. But they are not the most effective approach in evangelism today. What works today is the same thing that has worked for generations, which is a personal invitation. Of course, a simple invite alone is not sufficient to convert someone to Christ, but for most, this is where it begins.
When asked, “What brought you to church?” one survey discovered:
- 6-8% Walked in by their own initiative
- 2-3% Liked a program offered
- 8-10% Liked the “pastor”
- 3-4% Had a need that the church met
- 1-2% Were evangelized
- 3-4% Attracted by Sunday School
- 70-80% Invited by a relative or friend
https://churchtrainer.com/the-power-of-an-invite/
Could it be that simple? Could it be that just a warm and friendly invitation to a worship service, a small group Bible study, a gospel meeting, a song and prayer service, a lectureship on a relevant topic, a one-on-one Bible study, or a casual visit in our home could put someone on the road to salvation? Yes, it is that simple, and it is something we all can do.
Personal invitations have been a part of evangelism since the beginning of Jesus’ ministry (John 1:35-51). Upon returning from the wilderness temptations, John the Baptist pointed his disciples to Jesus and identified Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Two of them were so intrigued that they began to follow Jesus. When Jesus asked what they were seeking, they indicated an interest in where He was staying – implying that they wanted to spend time with Him and learn from Him. Jesus responded with a hospitable invitation, “Come and see” (V. 39). After just one day, Andrew was so convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, he went and found his brother Peter and invited him to come and meet the Lord; as they say, “the rest was history.” The following day, Jesus met Phillip and invited him to join Him on His journey to Galilee. He, too, was convinced that Jesus was the promised Messiah and went and found Nathanael and invited Him to come to the Lord.
Two things are notable in these few short verses, 1) the number of invitations that were extended, and 2) the ripple effect that they had. Yet, it comes as no surprise. When we realize who Jesus truly is and what He is willing to do for us, it is something we enthusiastically want to share with others. When they come to the same conclusion, they, too, will want to do the same.
Another account of someone eager to share the good news of salvation with his friends and family is found in Acts 10. Here we are told about Cornelius, a good man who worshiped God, but he had not yet been saved. An angel appeared to him and instructed him to send for the apostle Peter who would tell him words by which and his household would be saved (Acts 10:1-9, 11:13-14). While waiting for Peter to arrive, Cornelius not only gathered his household, but he also invited other relatives and close friends (Acts 10:24). Because of a simple invitation, several people were saved that day (Acts 10:24, 44-48).
It is encouraging to know that though times have changed, people are still favorable toward invitations today. In a recent Lifeway survey, 51% of people who do not attend a church said that a personal invite would be effective. If we take into account our friends and relatives who attend a church of one type or another, that number would likely rise significantly. The survey went on to say that among the “unchurched,” 35% say they would attend a worship service if they were invited by someone they knew. (Some studies report a much higher percentage).
It should be obvious that personal invitations are by far the most effective way to help lead people to Christ, but sadly, it is estimated that only about 2% of church members do so.
If we could somehow help our brethren see how effective invitations are and encourage them to invite people every week, we would no doubt see the church grow unlike anything we have seen in recent years.
Coincidently, I heard a story just this morning about a preacher who went to an advertising agency to seek their expert advice about effectively reaching the community for Christ. Should the church purchase a billboard sign, TV ads, radio spots, Facebook advertising, or what? The agent replied, “Purchase a large billboard sign and place it right in front of the church building. Do not point it toward the street but point it directly toward the parking lot of the church with this message ‘Don’t forget to invite someone this week’. Then you will see your church grow.” Isn’t it amazing how simple and obvious the answer is, and yet so many of us stumble right over it?
What we need, brethren, is to build the faith and conviction of today’s Christians so that we, like our brethren of old, are eager to share what we have found with others (John 1:40-45, Acts 4:19-20). We need to light a fire. That fire needs to burn in the hearts of believers so that we are zealous for and active in good works (Titus 2:14). We need to create evangelistic opportunities so that brethren can invite their friends and relatives. We need to have small group Bible studies that focus on topics of interest for those outside of Christ (Acts 10:24), or timely and relative lectureships and gospel meetings, or song and prayer services. We need to teach brethren the importance and effectiveness of hospitality toward those outside of Christ. We need to be a holy people who excel in brotherly love and offer heartfelt, reverent worship to God. When we have such an atmosphere, many would be pleased to invite people they know to the assemblies. In short, we need to remember who we are, what we have found, and what the Lord expects of us.
God expects us to do the same thing that Andrew, Phillip, and Cornelius did. He wants us to speak to our relatives, close friends, and all that we find the opportunity to invite them to come to Him. It might begin with a simple invitation, something similar to “Come and see.” “Come visit our worship service.” “Come check out our small group Bible study.” “Come join me Friday evening for a lectureship on how to find peace in a troubled world.”
Invitations are a powerful tool. As recent studies show, there are people all around us who would respond favorably if we were to invite them. So, when we think about an invitation, let us not become overly nervous or apprehensive. Some will be interested, and some will not. But for those who are, they might end up cleansed of their sins and eager to share what they have found with others. So, go ahead, invite them.
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January 2021 | GROW magazine
