Rethink Invitation

In the May/June 2009 issue of Interpreter (Vol. 53, No. 3 by United Methodist Communications; www.interpretermagazine.org) the Reverend Larry Hollon said that young people (18-34) want to find “a way to connect with friends they can trust. They want to be a part of a group of people that are making a difference in the world” (pg 13). Isn’t that what we all want? Isn’t that they way most of us enter the Church?
In their book Faith-Sharing, Eddie Fox and George Morris state: “Research clearly indicates that more than seventy-five percent of the persons active in church today got their start as Christians and church members through the influence of friends, relatives, neighbors, or colleagues at work” (pg 91 Faith-Sharing; 1996). It all starts with one person getting to know (making friends with) another person. Then one person invites one other person to join in a meaningful activity like worship, a Bible study, a musical performance, etc. where they may encounter the risen Christ. Isn’t that what Philip was doing with Nathanael when he said, “Come and see” (John 1:46)?
The idea of wanting “a way to connect” is not limited to, nor peculiar with, 18-34 year old North Americans. While I live in Arkansas I notice people grouping together according to shared interests and/or shared cultural experiences.
What about you? Who is in your group?
It all starts with an invitation. Who do you invite into your group?