Easter is just a few weeks away. So, of course, I am going to encourage you to be praying for people to find a great church so they can hear the timeless message that Jesus Christ has defeated death. We have hope. If you don’t have a church home I want to encourage you to make it a point to find one. If you do have a church home, the rest of this post is for you…
For a long time, inviting people to church was as simple as it sounded – you just gave an invitation. Sometimes it is still that simple. But for most people there is a disconnect. They believe in God but they don’t experience His hope. It is important to serve people’s needs but there is still something deeper.
Today I invited someone to our Easter services. This person asked, “Are you doing the Easter egg hunt again?” I told her, “No, but it is going to be awesome anyway, and it will totally fill you up with hope.” She then told me some of the struggles she was going through. I listened for over 15 minutes, and we prayed together. Hope is not found only in the powerful message of Christ – but also through the lives of those who love Jesus, who are willing to take the time to personally care for people, and pray.
Listening is powerful. Genuine prayer is also powerful. I find myself listening more and giving advice less. I don’t just tell people I am going to pray for them, I pray on the spot – even on the phone – with people. Many people, even men, shed a tear. God is close in their lives but they don’t always experience His hope. I often then invite people to our church family, where we focus on helping people get filled up with God’s hope – it is always stronger in community. Sometimes I don’t even have to invite people – they invite themselves!
Easter is coming. God has brought hope into our lives, and we need His hope. Help people find hope by listening and praying – authentically. And then, yeah, invite them to church with you, too.
