For the past year and a half, my wife and I have been involved in a church plant, Creekside Fellowship of Castalian Springs, Tenn. We began the church on Easter Sunday 2013. The church began with a core group of about 10 and began to reach people almost immediately. Over these 18 months, many people have attended to “check us out.” As I inquired, most attended because someone invited them.
I have discovered some realities about the “power of inviting.” These come not only from Creekside, but from previous ministries as well.
1. Unchurched people will attend if invited.
I have seen over and over. It’s true for Christians who are looking for a church home. It’s true for those who dropped out of church in years past. I have also found it to be true with non-Christians, and people who are not even considering attending church.
A large percentage of people will attend a group if they are personally invited. I am not talking about just a passing invitation to a waitress, etc. I am talking about group members intentionally inviting someone to attend their group with them. I have seen this happen dozens of times over these past months.
2. Members invite others when they are excited.
Think about this. It’s true in so many areas of life. We talk about those subjects we are excited about. When our football team has a winning season, we like to talk about it. A baby or grandbaby. A new job. We talk about the things that are new and exciting.
Are your group members excited about their group? If so, they are likely to tell others. If not, what can be done to generate excitement? How about creating something new? “New” often creates excitement. A new type of fellowship. A new Bible study. A new class environment (even re-arranging the rooms). Newness creates a sense of anticipation, which in turn creates excitement.
3. Members quit inviting others when they get comfortable.
This seems to be a paradox. One would think that people would invite others when they are comfortable. In fact, just the opposite is true. When people get comfortable, they simply enjoy the status quo and fail to tell others.
Looking for ways to grow your group? Inviting others is the key!
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