Day 22: Invite Someone You Don’t Know

Meet the severe introvert.

People who know me only casually often find it hard to believe that I’m uncomfortable around people I don’t know very well. I can be somewhat outgoing and conversational in such situations if I have to be. But the operative phrase is “if I have to be.” I’ve learned I can be a functional extrovert at times. Because I am in public quite a bit, I can’t just ignore people and stand in a corner by myself. But often that’s exactly what I’d like to do.

Other than when I spend time with family and close friends, I am emotionally and physically drained after spending extended time around people I don’t know or don’t know well. I especially cringe when someone wants to buy me a cup of coffee and pick my brain.

I know, it’s rather snobby of me to feel that way. I should do better. But that’s my reality. I struggle when I am around people I don’t know. But now I am asking you to write to someone you don’t know.

I wonder how this assignment makes you feel. Frankly, being an introvert, it’s easier for me to write a letter than to engage with someone in person.

Perhaps you’re wondering who you should write to, especially when it’s somebody you don’t know. Let’s look at some possibilities.

GUESTS WHO HAVE VISITED YOUR CHURCH IN THE PAST

I love it when churches keep records of people who have visited in the past. Obviously, there has to be some process in place to get that information. Allow me a brief excursion to help your church get more guest cards completed and returned. There are three major elements.

First, the pastor or some person with a level of authority must draw attention to the guest card during the worship service. If no one mentions it, visitors will not complete it and return it.

Second, you must ask everyone to complete it, members and guests alike. If most of the congregation is reaching for the card, a guest is more likely to complete it as well. That’s why some churches don’t call it a guest card but use a general term such as ministry card.

Third, many churches have found it very effective to provide an incentive for turning in the card. Our church donates five dollars to local community ministries for every card turned in during the worship services. If one hundred cards come in, the church donates five hundred dollars to the ministries.

Now, back to the matter of inviting people you don’t know. Again, if your church has records of those who have visited in the past, that would be a perfect source. Try to find the name of someone who is local and not connected with the church.

In some churches, the small groups or Sunday school classes have records of previous guests. If not, some of the members of those groups will likely recall a name for you.

THE GOLD MINE OF MEMBER CONNECTIONS

Here is an almost certain way to get some names of people to write to. Send an email to a few members you know. Here is an example of an email I wrote not too long ago:

I am writing to the three of you so I can become a better Great Commission Christian. Would you give me the names and emails of some people I could invite to church? These names could be your neighbors, coworkers, family members, or anyone else you know. I promise I will write a simple email inviting them to church. I will use your name if you want me to. If you don’t mention using your name, I will not include it in my email. I have no other motive than to invite people to church so they can be reached and ministered to with the gospel of Christ.

The names started rolling in!

I was very comfortable writing to those three church members because I know them well and because I know they trust me. You will be amazed by how many opportunities there are to reach people with the gospel or invite them to church when you start looking.

One church member jumped at providing the name of her mother. Her mom had been out of church for almost twenty years. Though the daughter had invited her mom to church more than once, the mother’s response was tepid at best. But she responded positively and immediately when someone else invited her.

Indeed, this email you will write to someone you don’t know could have profound and eternal consequences.

LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY

Though you may have already written to a leader in your community in this challenge, there is absolutely nothing wrong with writing to other leaders. Here is a possible way to find someone. Look at a recent issue of your local paper or newsletter. Most communities have at least a digital version that comes out on a regular basis.

See if you can find a story about a leader. Perhaps a county commissioner is planning to introduce an initiative to create a small park in the community. You could write to thank her for her efforts and invite her to church in the same email. This approach has been effective in a number of churches.

It’s really not hard to find the names and locate the emails of community leaders. It’s usually a matter of public record. Inevitably, the leader will write back and thank you for your encouragement. And he or she just might show up at your church. That’s the Great Commission in action!

IF ALL ELSE FAILS . . .

I don’t imagine you’ll have any trouble finding someone you don’t already know to write to. I am quite certain you have ideas beyond those I’ve suggested. But if you still haven’t come up with a single name, then invite someone you know. It could be someone who hasn’t been in your small group or Sunday school class in a while. It could be a merchant to whom you’ve written before. It could be a family member who is only an occasional church attender.

The main purpose of these daily challenges is to get you looking beyond yourself. On many of the days, you’ve prayed for specific areas in your life, your church, and your community. On other days, you’ve studied Bible verses to move you toward an outward focus.

The purpose of today’s challenge is simply to get you thinking about someone who needs Christ, or at the very least needs a church home.

So, if you still can’t come up with a name, pray that God will bring someone to mind. Though this challenge is to write to someone you don’t know, don’t worry if you can only think of someone who is an acquaintance or a friend.

Though I should never be surprised at how God works, I am still amazed at how he can use a simple email to change the path of someone’s eternity. Now that you have a name and contact information, write a note to that person. Email him or her right now. Don’t let the moment pass.

God could indeed be using you to impact someone eternally.