Most Christians want to rush a new Christian into a worship service at church. That’s like feeding a steak to a 2-month-old baby!
Ever hear of “baby steps”? What does that look like for my friend Fred at work, who just started to show interest in spiritual matters?
- DON’T invite Fred and his wife to worship! Invite them to coffee, or lunch, or a ball game.
- Continue the faith conversation. Share what God has done in your life in other instances. Be sensitive, go slow.
- If Fred and his wife continue to show interest, invite them to what we officially call an Outreach Cluster: a group of Christians from the same church who (1) have fun together, and, (2) invite unchurched people like Fred and his wife to the gathering of your Outreach Cluster once or twice a month.
- Introduce Fred and his wife to the group, and, while your group is partying, introduce them to each person/couple one at a time, personally.
- At the end of the gathering, the leader of the Outreach Cluster says, “Anyone want to share what God has done in your life since we were together last month?” Fred and his wife learn that others have stories about how God has worked in their lives.
- If and when Fred and his wife keep coming, they will become friends with the others in the Outreach Cluster.
- If and when they inquire about your church, you bring them, with you, and sit with the group from your Outreach Cluster. Fred and his wife are already assimilated, to a degree, through the relationships they have developed in the Outreach Cluster, even before they first visit the church.
Turn your faith inside out!
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