CAN I INVITE MY FRIEND?
Thanks again to Richard Reisling!
Here’s what people ask before hand, before they will ever ask a friend to come along. In other words, if nobody is bringing anyone, here’s why…
Will they feel welcomed? = Hospitality. Whatever your ‘churchmanship/ style’ – the key word would be non -intimidating.
Will they fit in? = Compatibility. People innately pick up on large cultural and social gaps.
Can I feel confident in how the church service will turn out? = Unpredictability. If those leading the services don’t give some form of consistency (in preaching and worship), I’m not going to invite my friend.
Will my friend get something out of it? = Relevance. How often do your people think, “I wish I’d brought Bill to hear that one…” The more often that happens, the more likely they’ll bring Bill along one week.
Will she understand it? = Comprehension (If an 8 year old can’t understand the sermon, a lot of adults are missing it). That sound too simplistic? Look at the parables – Jesus taught in practical illustrations!
Will anything that can seem strange to the unchurched be explained from scripture? = Interpretation. Are we spiritually sensitive enough that if something happens that would freak people out, some leader the up there will help everyone get a handle on what and why, like Peter did to the Pentecost crowds – ‘This… is that…’
Okay – if you’re involved in leading/ planning church services, give yourself a number on these; 0 —–to ———10.
Then discuss with others how to improve at least one by a practical change in the next couple of weeks.
