A Good Invitation

      The number one source for conversions in churches across America today is the people who begin with a visit to a church’s worship services? Understanding that opens some major doors for us. If we want to get the gospel out, one of the best ways is to get some guests in.

      According to Gallup polling data, 1 out of 4 people who do not go to church anywhere say they would go at least once if someone invited them. Further, between 70% and 80% of Americans do not attend worship services.

      Let’s do a little number crunching. There are about 42,000 people in Franklin. Since this is the Bible Belt, lets go with the low end number and say that only 70% or 29,400 people do not attend.

      25% of these say they would visit at least once if invited. That means 7350 people in Franklin claim they would visit a worship service if they were invited. Keep in mind that does not take into account our proximity to Brentwood, Thompson Station, Spring Hill, Fairview, Nashville, etc.

      But what is the key to getting these 7350 people to visit the Franklin Church of Christ? They have to be invited.

      That is where you come in. The Franklin church needs you to invite people to be our guests.

      Let’s think about some keys to good inviting.

      First, think everyone. Start by inviting people with whom you already have a relationship—family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. However, do not be afraid to invite people you do not even know—bank tellers, grocery store cashiers, the person standing in line behind you. Whatever you do, do not just focus on people who are already good church goers. Certainly, we can convert some of them, but we know that 25% of those who don’t go anywhere are willing to visit with us. Let’s find them.

      Second, be informal and casual. Most people do not want to make the most important decision of their lives today. Therefore, do not make it sound like every important aspect of their lives is riding on this decision. Just let them know about the Franklin church and invite them to come sometime.

      Third, make it special. Don’t say, “You wouldn’t want to come to church with me sometime would you?” Instead, recommend some special aspect of the congregation. Say, “You ought to come check out our singing sometime, it is awesome.” Or learn ahead of time what the sermon is going to be and invite them to hear a particular sermon.

      Fourth, just do it. Don’t worry about inviting the wrong way. Just get out and invite people. We have 7350 people to find in Franklin. We can only find them by inviting as many as we can.

      How many will you invite this week?

Edwin L. Crozier