Albert McMakin was a farm hand on his friend’s family farm. One day he invited that 16-year-old friend to attend one of American Evangelist Mordecai Ham’s Crusades. Albert’s friend was very reluctant at first but was persuaded when Albert offered to let him drive the milk cart to the event. On that day his friend encountered Jesus and became one of his disciples. McMakin is hardly a household name and possibly did not have a part in bringing anyone else to faith, but his friend was no other than Billy Graham who of course was used by God to bring millions of people into a relationship with Christ. In this true story we see something of the power of an invitation!
A big highlight for me during May (and going by many positive comments, for others also) was Pentecost Sunday. We had two excellently attended services culminating in the evening Pentecost Praise service, with guest speaker Evangelist Steve Herd and some lovely Spirit filled worship, not least that which was led by our Gospel choir. It was particularly encouraging that some had invited others to come along including not yet Christians and at least one adult was in church for the very first time in his life.
Encouraging a culture of invitation within our congregation will without doubt result in growth. Simply voicing, “I’m going … it will be good! .. why don’t you come too?” as we perhaps offer a flyer, is a simple way of inviting friends, neighbours, colleagues and members of our family who do not yet know Jesus to something special and potentially life changing.
Encounter: The aim of all worship leaders is to enable members of the congregation to encounter our living God. This will certainly be our aim as we launch a new service called Encounter, taking place on the 4th Sunday of each month. In the Gospels we see that every encounter with Jesus is life changing and transformational and so it is with those who encounter our risen and ascended Jesus today. Our first Encounter is headed: Does Jesus Heal Today? Through worship Word and Witness (testimony) alongside prayer ministry we will discover the healing power of Jesus, for our lives and for others. Come and join us for what we hope will be powerful evenings as we encounter our Lord together .. and don’t forget the power of an invitation. “I’m going … it will be good! .. why don’t you come too?
With much love and prayers, Neil