THE POWER OF AN INVITATION

Easter is behind us, but the impact is eternal. There are so many stories of life change. And, most of them thank me and/or our phenomenal team of staff and volunteers for what we did. (And, I have to admit…our team is amazing. They gave so much to make our 11 Easter services beyond any superlative I could assign it. I am so grateful to them for their passionate commitment and to God for gifting us with these awe-inspiring people. I’m humbled by the privilege I have to serve with them.)

However, the truth is that all of the stories of impact and life change don’t stem from what we did in putting on our services. Though God used us to play a role, these stories stem from the willingness of these people to take a risk, go out of their way, and put themselves on the line by inviting someone. All of these stories reveal “the power of an invitation.”

The following excerpts, from two letters I received from the same person…one prior to Easter and one post-Easter, are a great example.

First letter:

“I was really moved by your talk last weekend (April 9-10, 2011 “The Mission”) and I decided to invite a specific person to come to the Easter weekend service with me…I know you say to never give up hope, but it is hard to have hope when I hear the things that come out of this person’s mouth. I know I am not the person to get through to him, so I know it would have to come from someone else. Anyone who would ever try to talk with him would more than have met their match…But I asked him this time, because of your urging, and he said he would come with me to the service. Of course, he already believes in his mind that he won’t agree with anything he hears, but I guess getting him there is the first step. I am praying that something you say will strike a chord with him, but I also have to admit that I am very doubtful.”

Second Letter:

“The person I invited did come to Northridge with me. He was awed by it and truly impressed. He did not receive Jesus, but this is a start. And he wants to come back. Praise God! He even thanked me for bringing him. I was shocked. If you knew him, you would know how huge this is…The only reason I asked him to come with me was because you encouraged us to do so. If not for your urging, I most likely would not have asked him to come. So, thank you so much for that. He really liked your message and delivery. He told me he could relate to you. That is so amazing. Know that you made an impact on many people’s lives, the person I invited being one of them.  I am so grateful to you. I don’t know how else to say it.”

Obviously, a letter like this is a huge encouragement to me and our team. But, please don’t miss the point. Though we’re being thanked, it was the invitation that made the difference. Think of all the people who never experience the power of Jesus’ life-changing truth simply because no one ever invites them. Now, think of how many of those people are in your sphere of influence. You have the power that could ultimately lead to their lives being changed…eternally.

There really is power in an invitation…and we don’t have to wait until Easter to use it. Every weekend at NorthRidge, (along with any church working to faithfully and relevantly share the hope of Christ in their community), is another opportunity. Take advantage of it. Invite someone this weekend.