Inviters and Bringers

So far we've build this church as a grassroots movement: people connecting with people. Eventually we'll get to advertising.

But before we do that I want to be sure that we've firmly established a culture of "Inviter/Bringers."

Inviters invite their neighbors to Connections. This is good.
Bringers take it the next step and actually offer to bring them.

We can already tell the story of people who have brought and friend, and how those friends made a connection with Jesus. That's what it's all about people.

Inviting is great. It's what we're all about.
But bringing is simply the best thing anyone of us can do to build this church.

PS...
I read about half a dozen blogs and often resist passing them on ( I figure if folks want to read other blogs, they'll read other blogs). But this one helps emphasize the point I'm making...

A Conversation In The Gym…

Posted: 21 Feb 2008 06:00 AM CST

Last Saturday I was about three seconds away from a heart attack in the gym (for those who do not know–I am an absolute freak when it comes to working out!)

While I was resting between sets a lady came up to me and introduced herself and her family and said they just wanted to say hey and that they were members of NewSpring.

I asked them, “How did you begin attending NewSpring Church?’ Their answer was incredible…I’ve heard it a thousand times before…and I rejoice every time I hear it.

They told me that their neighbors invited them…and not just once, but consistently. After a while they decided that they would finally try it out…and haven’t hardly missed a Sunday since.

We talked for a few minutes and then they walked away when it hit me…there is hardly anything more powerful when it comes to reaching the lost and unchurched population as someone being willing to step out of their comfort zone and invite someone to attend church with them.

We take this VERY seriously at NewSpring Church. We know that hundreds and thousands of people in our community do not attend church anywhere…we know that the people who attend every week know who the majority of these people are…and the deal we make with our congregation is this…if you will do your best & go all out to get people here–we will make sure they hear about Jesus in a way that is relevant to their lives.

Conversation after conversation it’s always the same, “So and so invited me to NewSpring and…”

Sure, we do billboards, direct mail, newspaper ads…all of that; however, NOTHING can substitute for the power of personal invitation…nothing at all.

I said all of that to say this–hey NewSpringer’s–who is it that you need to invite THIS SUNDAY? Seriously, you’ve said something to them in the past–they hinted that they “might” come, but you haven’t seen them here yet? I personally believe that THIS SUNDAY would be a great one to do all that you can to get them here.

AND…when inviting them…don’t play games. Tell them you will come pick them up…and actually BRING them with you. Tell them you will buy them lunch afterwards. Do all that you can to get them here…because, I honestly believe that we serve a God that has never given up on us–therefore we should never give up on others.

Over and over I see it–someone invites someone & they meet Jesus…and LIFECHANGE happens. It’s one of the most awesome things I’ve ever seen…and I know there are more and more people to be reached. YOUR family members. YOUR neighbors. YOUR friends. THIS weekend is YOUR opportunity–don’t give up!!!