And it has. They didn't end up joining Roxanne's church, although they attended a few times. But it started a journey that led them to Imagination Station and Southport United Methodist Church. Brandon and his family have been such a big part our church, and a blessing to so many, for a number of years now. And Brandon has told me of the impact that so many of you at the church have had on him. Roxanne's invitation did, in fact, change their lives.
Every invitation to church has the potential to change a life. Every invitation promises an introduction to the grace and hope of Jesus Christ, which I believe is what everyone needs. It's what the world needs!
And what's more, most invitations are accepted. That's right, this statistic has held pretty steady over a number of years, that 60 percent of those who are invited to church by a friend or family member will come and check it out. Sixty percent! I'm not sure where else you might be getting that kind of a return on your investment of time and energy.
I know inviting someone to church is different and difficult now. You may not have come back to church yet yourself. But you can always be preparing for that invitation, thinking now of who you might invite, praying for that person, sharing with him/her something about the church, perhaps sharing a post or message on Facebook if you are both on social media.
Who knows, what you do, the invitation you extend, the message you share, may just change a life.
Grace and Hope to you,
Pastor Duane
