David's Deliberations . . .

Our savior wants everyone to hear the good news of salvation (see Mark 16:15-16), the gospel, because it is the power to save all who believe (Romans 1:16-17).

But what is the most effective way to reach people today? Is it a gospel meeting? Some extensive and expensive advertising? Church "programs"? No, the most effective way to reach the world with the gospel today is the same as in the first century--a personal invitation.

A church growth survey asked over 10,000 people this question: “What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this church?” Their replies were:

• I attended a gospel meeting - 0.5%
• I visited there - 1%
• I had a special need - 3%
• I just walked in - 3%
• I liked the programs - 3%
• I liked the Bible classes - 5%
• I liked the minister - 6%
• A friend or relative invited me - 79%

This confirms that gospel meetings as traditionally held have lost much of their effectiveness--not due to the content nor necessarily to the presentation, but rather to the availability, willingness, and attention spans of the would-be hearers. While this survey shows that churches need to choose their preachers, Bible class materials, and teachers carefully, the most obvious point is that individual members inviting family and friends is the most effective means of bringing people to Christ (Andrew is a good example here; John 1:40-42)! Advertising, programs, and the right combination of teachers and material may help to reach others we may not otherwise reach, but almost 80 per cent of those who come to Christ come because we invite them personally!

Do you keep a "To Do List"? Many successful people do. Making a "To Invite List" will help us successfully focus our attention on those we need to invite to worship or to Bible study.

Start your list with those who are closest to you and work outward. List family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, relatives of fellow church members, regular visitors to the services of the church, casual acquaintances (mailman, bank teller, hair stylist, etc.) At first, limit this list to a handful of people. Having too many on the list may make it an overwhelming distraction rather than a focal point.

Keep this list where you will see it daily, and pray for those on the list daily. Pray also "that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ...that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak" (Colossians 4:3, 4). Pray also that you may "conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity," and "that you will know how you should respond to each person" (Colossians 4:5-6).

Next, invite those who are on your list to worship assembly. They will have an opportunity to see a caring congregation in action as well as your demonstration of love toward them. Invite them to Bible classes. They will hear the word of God taught in love and they just might believe and obey it (Romans 10:13-14).

—David Carl Swanson