We INVITE Others to Come and See…Even Though It Can Be Hard to Do
PLC Core Value #5 | Pastor Sean Kelly
Let’s do a little word association game. I say “EVANGELISM,” you say… ___________
“PANIC!”
For many of us, especially those of us raised in the Lutheran tradition, inviting someone to church feels only slightly less terrifying than doing your taxes while public speaking. In your underwear. While being live-streamed.
We love Jesus. We really do. And we’re all-in on people meeting Him. But when it comes to actually opening our mouths and inviting someone to “come and see”? (Cue the dry throat and “deer-in-the-headlights” stare.) Awkward silence and a sudden interest in the weather.
Now, don’t get me wrong. At PLC, we are pretty good at hospitality. Once people walk through the doors, we know how to love them well. Smiles, coffee, donuts, welcome...check, check, and double check. But here’s the rub…
Most people don’t just magically walk through the doors.
They come because someone (someone like you) invited them.
And that’s where we’ve got some growing to do.
From where I sit, “inviting others to come and see” is a value we agree with but don’t always live. It’s like flossing. We know we should. We talk like we do. But...well...you get the idea.
So how do we change that?
We start by shrinking the pressure. Evangelism isn’t about standing on a street corner with a megaphone or arguing theology until someone cries “Uncle!” It’s about a relationship. It’s about sharing something you love in a way that’s honest, kind, and maybe even a little funny.
Here are a few fun (and totally doable) ways to work “come and see” into your everyday life:
1. Start with “This made me think of you.”
Heard a song on Sunday that moved you? Forward the Spotify link and say, “This reminded me of something you said the other day.” That’s it. Low pressure. Big heart.
2. Blame the pastor.
Seriously. Say, “Our pastor said I should invite someone this week...so, here we are. Want to come sit with me Sunday?” (I will take the blame. Gladly.)
3. Use food. Always use food.
“Hey, we’re going to church and then grabbing tacos at Jalapeños after. Want to come?” Works 73% of the time. (Ok, that’s not scientific, but I’m 90% certain I’m correct).
[Side note…could you imagine a year from now if 100 of us invited someone to church under the suggestion of tacos at Jalapeños and we all showed up there?]
4. Practice the five-second rule.
Not for dropped cookies on the floor (though we support that too), but for invites. If you think of someone you should invite, don’t overthink it. Just go for it in five seconds or less before fear talks you out of it. Overcome the “paralysis through analysis” trap.
5. Pray for one name a week.
Just one. Ask God, “Who’s close to me but far from You?” Then trust the Spirit to open a door.
Here’s the bottom line: You don’t have to be smooth. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be a little brave…saying “yes” to God’s nudge, not your nerves.
Jesus didn’t say, “Go and convince.” He said, “Go and tell.”
Philip didn’t debate Nathanael. He just said, “Come and see.”
You don’t need a theology degree. You need two open eyes and a willing heart.
And listen...if all else fails, offer them a PQ Donut (now available in our Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings!). That’s half the reason some of us come to church anyway.
Let’s be the kind of people who don’t just hope folks show up, but who go out, take a breath, say a prayer, and make the ask. You never know what eternity might hang in the balance of a simple, brave invitation.
I’ll end with this:
Do you know why most Lutherans refuse to play hide and seek? Because someone might find them…and invite them to church. [Ba-dum-tss]
Let’s change that. Let’s be found. Let’s go find.
Let’s invite someone to come and see.
[Read more: We INVITE Others to Come and See…Even Though It Can Be Hard to Do]