Christians: Please Don’t Just Invite Folks to Church

Christians are a “sent” people.  Jesus’ last commandment was to “Go and make disciples…” and He said that His followers would witness to others all over the earth.  The majority of the church’s mission takes place outside the four walls of some building.

But how exactly are we Jesus’ witnesses?  I have absolutely no doubt that the primary way that most Christians witness to others—if they witness at all—is by inviting unchurched people to church.  I’m sure you may have heard someone extend the Christian invitation: “You should come to church with us.”  Maybe you’ve even used that line yourself.  There are plenty of variations (“we’d be happy to have you visit,” “you should hear our preacher,” etc.), but they are all basically the same.

The idea behind the invitation is that if we could just get the person to visit our church, they will have a chance to hear the pastor’s sermon and be saved.  That’s a lot to lay on a pastor (but we’ll save that topic for a future post).  Even worse, it is non-biblical.  Jesus didn’t tell us to invite unbelievers to a worship service.  He told us to be His witness; to go and tell others about Him.

I really appreciate the intent of Christians who extend a church invitation to their friends.  However, I suggest that instead of inviting people to a church service, invite them to Jesus.  Don’t slough off your responsibility as a witness onto your pastor.  Display Christ to others through your words and actions, and when someone asks you, tell them why you have such a hope within you: because of what Jesus has done—and continues to do—for us all.  And if they are interested in learning more, then invite them to a Bible study, or lunch with a couple of other believers who can answer their questions, or yes, even a worship service.  Just be sure to introduce them to Jesus first.