The Power of the Invite (And Why Your Couch Isn’t Going to Win the Day)
Let’s get real. Most of us love our comfort zones our couch, our coffee, our Saturday morning shorts. Nothing wrong with that… unless it keeps you from inviting someone to experience Jesus.
Here’s the thing: your invite might just change someone’s eternal trajectory and it probably won’t cost you more than a few words and a little courage.
Stats Don’t Lie (Even If People Do)
Studies show 82% of unchurched people are at least somewhat likely to attend if a friend invites them.
Only 2% of church members actually invite someone in a given year. (That’s not a typo. TWO percent.)
And here’s the kicker: people are more likely to accept an invite to church than to your kid’s multi-level-marketing party.
Translation: They’re not saying “no” to Jesus they’re saying “no” because nobody asked.
Why the Invite Matters
It’s not about boosting attendance numbers or making me (the pastor) feel good. It’s about souls.
It’s about the co-worker who laughs off faith but cries at night.
It’s about the neighbor who’s drowning in debt and shame.
It’s about your niece who swears she’s “fine” but hasn’t been fine for a long time.
Sometimes all they need is for someone to look them in the eye and say, “Hey, you should come with me.”
Jesus didn’t say, “Stay where you are and hope they stumble in.” He said, “Go.”
Excuses People Give (and Why They’re Weak)
“They’ll probably say no.”
Maybe. But what if they say yes?“I don’t know what to say.”
How about: “Want to come to church with me Sunday?” Boom.“I don’t want to be pushy.”
Offering hope isn’t pushy. It’s love in action. If the building was on fire, you wouldn’t just wave from the street.
Your Invite is a Seed
Here’s what I’ve learned: you never know which invite will land. Some will be ignored, some will get a polite “maybe,” and some will crack open a door God’s been knocking on for years.
Your job? Plant the seed. God’s job? Make it grow.
So this week text somebody, tap on a neighbor’s door, or invite the guy in line at the coffee shop.
You never know. Your simple invite might be the hinge on which their eternity swings.
And for the love of coffee don’t be the 98% who never asks.