There's Power in an Invitation

As we get ready for the Fall 2011 Small Group Semester, I am reminded how my life has been radically changed by the power of an invitation, both receiving and giving them.  They are literally the basis for the life change that I have experienced over the last 10 years.

When we invite people to be part of our small group, we are giving them a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves;  something that could change their life.  In fact, we are modeling what Jesus did in Matthew 4:18-20:

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were called fisherman.  "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people."  At once they left their nets and followed him.


Jesus knew that what he was doing was what Father God asked him to do.  He invited (vs.18) Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew to join him on a life changing journey, one that changed the world.  Within his invitation, there are two things that stand out to me as things we can do as we invite people to be a part of our small group.

1.  The invitation was personal.  He spoke to them.  There is something special about looking someone in the eyes and asking them to be a part of something that you are doing.  People want to be wanted.


2.  He made it clear what they would be doing.  He spoke to them in a way they would understand what it was he was doing.  An invitation should be tailored to the individual receiving it.  It should be easy for them to understand and something they can find value in.  This is why it's so important to invite you know.  If you know what's going on in a person's life, then you know how to invite them.

I am not saying any of you are Jesus, but I will go out on a limb and say that I believe that small group you are leading you have been lead to do so by Father God, just as Jesus was.  So, if you have been lead to start your small group by Father God, shouldn't you invite people to join you for the journey?  After all, it will be life changing for them, and for you.

As you read this, who is standing out in your mind that you need to invite to your small group?  someone whose life needs to change and maybe your small group can help with that?  Go ahead and decide to reach out to them and invite them to join your small group.

Do you have a story about how you life has been changed by the power of an invitation?  Feel free to share below in the comments section.