I'm big on saving and managing time. This should come as no surprise to those of you who aren't reading here for the first time, I'm forever looking for the most efficient way to do just about anything. Last Saturday evening we attended a function at our local fire department. The station's chaplain, a retired Moravian Pastor, approached me and extended a hand in greeting. Looking me straight in the eye he asked, without any small-talk, "so, where do you go to church?" I was certainly prepared with an answer but was caught off-guard by his direct, to the point, method. We spoke for a few minutes about mutual friends when he learned my congregational affiliation and then he moved on. I heard him inviting several individuals to worship with him as the evening progressed. I have continued to ponder his direct objective all week. He employs every tactic I'm in favor of, time management and direct and focused action; why then did I find his no-beating-around-the bush way of doing business so noteworthy? Probably because, as Lutherans, we're not as quick to ask our friends and neighbors to join us at church. I've heard that the average Lutheran only invites one person every twenty-seven years! I've invited folks to worship, my average isn't quite that shameful, but I may just try my new friend's more direct approach to Evangelism from now on. I know this one thing to be sure, it does save time and certainly grabs one's attention, it got mine! In Matthew 22, the parable of the wedding feast, the table is spread for all to come. Jesus is issuing the invitation for all to join him as God's guests. I need to do that too, simply issue the invitation. I need not fear being direct and to the point, I simply need to do the asking!Y'all come~
Life is Good!
Life is Good!
6 comments:
Rather incredibly, I've been a Lutheran for precisely 27 years. Last week I invited a friend to come to church and she accepted! I think I've rather VAGUELY invited others in the past but this one was DIRECT.
Often direct is best. No beating around the bush!
You, my dear, may be setting yourself for chairperson of your Evangelism Committee!! ;-) We have a big push on at church right now to be more welcoming, invite all to come, and to think of new ways to bring others in. It's tough being Lutherans in New England!
Direct is challenging for me . . .
I was raised by parents who insisted that "nice girls don't ask those kinds of questions" (how much did that cost, can she come home for dinner/to church/to the park with us (unless there was no one within earshot), etc.) ... so I still struggle with skirting issues that could be much simpler if they were handled directly.
Directness can be a tricky dance.
Episcopalians and Lutherans, two sides of the same "Shh! Don't bother people with an invitation!" coin.
My excuse is that I drive 25 miles in one direction to go to church and most of my social activity is 15 miles in the other direction. But, that's just an excuse, none the less. :(
You have made a great point. I haven't used that method....I do ask if the person knows about Jesus...that usually get a conversation started. Thanks for sharing.
Take care.
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