Prayerful, Intentional, Personal Invitation

People say “yes” (to involvements, classes, groups…) because they have been prayerfully, intentionally, PERSONALLY invited. Announcements and email blasts are just that—announcements. Marketing. Education. They are NOT invitations.

Yes, personal invitations take time. Lots of it. Energy. Knowledge about individuals. Care. Prayer. Do you know the following about the person you are considering inviting to get involved:

·         About what/whom are they passionate?

·         Where do they have experience they wish to continue to use or further develop?

·         What spiritual gifts has God bestowed upon them—to be called out, developed, and used?

·         What hidden or not-so-hidden talents do they have that might dovetail with a ministry opening?

·         Do they have support systems in their lives to enable them to serve well? If not, consider inviting them into a Small Group instead.

No one wants to be just a warm body to fill a slot. Everyone wants to be known and needed and seen as a unique contributor to something.  Let’s treat each person with the incredible value they have in the Lord’s eyes. Let’s focus on how He has crafted them and gifted them and provided them with life experiences and skills and talents that fit distinctively meaningful serving opportunities.

Our people grow in community and they grow by serving.  How are you and I working to help individuals and families in our congregation get better connected within the life of the church and in the community—even in this pandemic?

People say “yes” because they have been prayerfully, intentionally, PERSONALLY invited. Be really clear on what you’re asking in terms of time, resources, expectations, training, etc. A written job description is essential.

Happy inviting! Let me know how I can help.

Discipling Others With You!

Shirley