There has been a theme among many in the C2C family of churches regarding outreach and influencing the culture around us. Some of the themes we hear are things like “Invite Jesus In, Live Jesus Out” and “Deeper in God and Broader in Influence.” They reflect a growing desire to influence the culture around us as “ambassadors for Christ.” Tom Rainer in his research for the book “The Unchurched Next Door” discovered that “82% of the unchurched are at least “somewhat likely” to attend church if they are invited. More than 8 out of 10 of the unchurched said they would come to church if they were invited. Conducting these numerous interviews showed me there are people all over the US who are just a conversation or a relationship away from being introduced to Jesus Christ.”
When we think of outreach we cannot forget the importance of simple things like an invitation to church. Many people are one conversation or invite away from encountering Jesus Christ and a new life in Him. The following is an interview of one such encounter with Andy from Mankato MN. God used one simple invitation to church (even with a little off color language) to begin a process of turning his life around in Jesus.
This is great! Thanks for doing the interview, Doug, and for posting it to encourage the rest of us.