Inviting

Since coming to Christ involves an individual human body coming into the body of Christ, the practice of inviting takes on fundamental evangelistic importance.

Invite God to come into this space and take some time to reflect on what He has done in your life. 

Now, take a few minutes to think of the last time you were invited to something. How did that make you feel?


The power of an invitation

Body-life witness defined

Body-life witness happens whenever someone who is not a Christian encounters the gospel as it is spoken and lived out in the communal life of a group of Christians.

Body-life witness emphasizes the visible, social, and communal dimensions of the gospel, salvation, and evangelism.

Body-life witness in Addie’s story?

Where do you see body-life witness show up in Addie’s story?

What are some ways that God used the simple practice of inviting to draw Addie to Christ?

What about you? How has body-life witness, and especially inviting, played a role in your relationship with Christ?

The Bible describes the result of God’s saving work in your life in two ways.

“Christ in you”: Jesus comes into you

Colossians 1:27; Galatians 2:20; Romans 8:9-10

If becoming a Christian involves more than Christ coming into your life, but also you entering into the body of Christ, what implications does that have for body-life witness and the practice of inviting?

“You in Christ”: You come into the body of Christ

Ephesians 2:19-22; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 1:2, 2:6-7

Inviting in Jesus’ Ministry

Read John 1:35-50

Imagine yourself as one of the people in this story. Then answer the questions as if you were that person.

  • What person did you choose? What stands out to you about this person?

  • What did it feel like to be invited? Or to be the one inviting?

  • What things are already beginning to change about your characters identity as a result of the invitation?

Big Ideas about Inviting

  • Coming to know Christ involves more than inviting Jesus into our lives, it involves and invitation into the body of Christ (or family of God).

  • Inviting played a critical role in the ministry of Jesus.

  • Inviting people into a Christ-centered community is an example of living out the gospel.

  • Body-life witness happens whenever someone who is not a Christian encounters the gospel through invitation into the communal life of a group of Christians.

Making inviting…inviting

  • What has been your experience with inviting friends into your Christian context? (i.e. hanging out with your Christian friends, a Cru event, etc.)

  • What concerns or hesitations do you have about inviting a friend into your Christian context?

  • What elements do you think make up a good, non-awkward, inviting invite?

  • In your groups, come up with some tips for inviting friends to join you in your Christian context.

Challenge

Take a moment to think of a person you could invite to join you and your Christian community to have a small get-together. (i.e. grab some boba, a meal, a sporting event, etc.) Keep it simple.

Before you leave today do two things:

  • Choose the event

  • Invite that person to join you!

Why Body Life Witness?

  • Identity, belonging, purpose, and love are things everyone desires to have in their lives.

  • The goal of body-life evangelism witness is to bring others into a community where they can get to experience the unconditional love of Christ.

  • A personal invitation is a powerful way to not only invite others to experience this love, but to bring them into a space where they feel seen, appreciated, and understood. 

Subscribe

Subscribe