Dear Friends,
We've spoken often about how important it is for all of us to think often about our friends and family who aren't going to church. We think about them because we know how much our relationship with Jesus means to us.
There is a passage in the Bible where a certain man, having met Jesus, runs to find his brother to let the brother know the impact Jesus has made on his life. The verses below record the account:
Andrew, Simon
Peter's brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed
Jesus. Andrew went to
find his brother, Simon, and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means
"Christ"). Then Andrew
brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "Your name is
Simon, son of John-but you will be called Cephas" (which means
"Peter"). (John 1:40-42)
Notice what Andrew did, he brought his brother to meet Jesus. He didn't just tell Simon Peter about Jesus, he didn't just tell Simon Peter about his great church or Sunday School class or the cool coffee bar at church, he went to find his brother and then brought him to meet Jesus.
We know from surveys that 8 out of 10 unchurched people would come to church if they were invited. Those are incredible percentages. I was a really good salesman and only closed about 60 percent of my calls, 80 percent close rate? DUDE!
OK, here's the deal, you've got an 80% chance that whoever you invite to church would come and Easter is only two weeks away. The odds are hugely stacked in your favor. So here's what I want you to do, will you do this for me? You all know people who, for some reason or another aren't going to church. Sit down right now and make a list of all your unchurched or dechurched friends, pray for them until this Saturday, then call and invite them to church this Sunday. If they tell you no, or give you the old hem-haw, say to them: "OK, but next week is Easter Sunday and you know you should be in church on Easter. Why don't you ride with me." Or, if they have to drive themselves say: "OK, I'll wait for you in the parking lot."
Slam dunk!
Good Fishin' and see you in church!
Your Pastor and Friend,
Trey
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