A resolution that will change lives

Bob Russell Jan. 16, 2018

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On New Year’s Eve, I preached at a megachurch in Georgia pastored by a long-time friend. I spoke about the urgency of this biblical leadership quality—evangelism (Luke 14:15-24). I also encouraged people to make a New Year’s resolution to be intentionally evangelistic.

I would challenge all pastors and church leaders to take up this call in 2018 and encourage your members to do the same. Following through can make an eternal difference in the life of someone who doesn’t yet know the Lord.

After all, studies show the vast majority of people come to Christ primarily because someone invited them to church. In spite of all the discussion about “missional” versus “attractional” churches, the bottom line is that most people come to know the Lord because a friend invited them to church. 

Fading in evangelism

Studies also show that the longer someone is a Christian, the less evangelistic they are. One survey revealed that less than two percent of invitations to attend church are extended by people who have been Christians for six years or more. 

I see little evidence that we’re doing much better at inviting non-believers to participate in home groups. We stay in our comfort zones and bend over backward not to offend anyone by bringing up anything “religious.” 

So, I’d like to challenge you at the start of a new year to make a simple, but significant resolution—to add this biblical leadership quality. Make an eternal difference in the lives of scores of people who are without God or hope. Resolve that once a month you will invite at least one person to attend church with you. 

To be honest, most people we invite will not respond affirmatively. The best salesmen expect many more rejections than orders. But they make a living off the affirmatives. 

In the parable of the banquet feast, the first invitations were dismissed with shallow excuses. But the Lord commanded the servants, “Go out into the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house may be full” (Luke 14:23).

If just one out of 10 you invite agrees to come, that’s cause for celebration. The apostle Paul was the world’s greatest evangelist. The book of Acts reports that some scoffed at him and others said they wanted to think about it, but “a few believed.” A few believed! That’s our goal.

Living out this biblical leadership quality

If you become serious about issuing invitations, I recommend you take the next step and make friends with people you invite by serving them. People will be much more likely to be responsive if you show a genuine interest in them and help them along the way.

In November, I attended my grandson’s football game in Florida. I couldn’t get over how much my son was involved in the program there. Four of the football coaches there have started attending the church where Rusty preaches. Some players call him by name. He’s a volunteer weight-lifting coach for the JV.

“Rusty, how did you get so involved in this program?” I asked. “You never played a game of football in your life!” 

“It was pretty easy, Dad,” he replied. “I just went to the coach and asked what I could do to help him. I discovered he was personally laundering all the football uniforms every Saturday. I said, “We’ll do that for you.”

“After every game, I pick up 40 uniforms and take them home. A couple of families from church come and take a share. We each launder the uniforms, and then I take them back to school on Monday.”

After the game, we picked up a couple of loads, the head coach walked by the door and yelled, “Thanks a lot, Pastor Rusty . . . see you in church Sunday!”

Creating opportunities to evangelize

It’s amazing how much influence you can have if, like Jesus, you humble yourself and wash feet or . . . or wash jerseys. Then when you invite people to come to the Lord’s house with you, they’re more likely to join you.

So, as you plunge into this, I suggest making these two resolutions:

• Once a month I will invite at least one person who doesn’t currently attend church anywhere to visit a church service with me.

• I will seek an opportunity to befriend that person by finding ways to serve them.

Here’s hoping you will lead your church to have an evangelistic 2018. 

Photo source: istock 

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Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More »

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