Following the sermon / lesson there will be an invitation. The invitation is a chance for anyone in the assembly to either respond to the gospel message and become a christian or to respond and ask for the prayers of the church on their behalf. We love to pray for those who feel they need prayers and we certainly love to help others in their obedience to the gospel. The reasons we offer an invitation are found below. As always, we would love to study this topic further with you if you desire.
The Command
Matthew 28:19-20 tell us several important things:
- We are to go and make disciples from all over
- We are to help them obey the gospel through baptism
- We are to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
- We are to teach these new converts everything that God has commanded us through His Scripture
- He will be with us as we do this important work
The Action
Each time we are together, an invitation will be given. It will either be attached to the sermon or it may be a mini-lesson followed by an invitation. We will ask that the assembly stand and sing a “song of encouragement” or “song of invitation”.
The Reasons
Saving souls is the entire point of Jesus’ work while he was on this earth.
Luke 19:10 ~ For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
As followers of Christ, it is our duty to also seek and save the lost. We do this in a number of ways:
- Through supporting missionaries involved in out-of-country work
- Performing bible studies with anyone who is interested both online, in-person, or through mail
- Helping those who need to obey the gospel understand what they need to do and how to do it
What better why to encourage people to obey the Gospel of Christ than with an invitation?
In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invites people to come to Him:
28 Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Jesus is salvation and we think that everyone needs to know it, so we do what Jesus did and offer the invitation at all times.
The Method
As was mentioned earlier, we offer the invitation at each gathering. We will stand and sing directly following the invitation to respond and if anyone needs to respond they are encourage to meet the preacher at the front of the auditorium. However, the invitation is always open. If it would be more comfortable to talk to someone after services, we will be very happy to help you. Please talk to any member you feel comfortable approaching. They may introduce you to someone else to help answer your question or concern.
We choose to stand and sing during this time to make it easier for anyone who feels the need to respond to traverse the aisles without hinderance. If you choose to respond to the invitation in a public way, you can simply make your way to the front to meet the preacher. He will sit down with you as the song is being sung and find out how we can help you. If you would like to put Christ on in baptism, we will guide you through that process. If you wish to have the congregation pray for a difficulty you are having, simply tell the preacher what you need and he will help. If it is a private situation, you can ask him to keep it private and he will.
Don’t be surprised if one or more others come to sit with you during this time. We love to show love and often others will join you to give you support during this time. Also, after service it over, don’t be surprised if many people come to you to give you a hug, a handshake, or a few words of support. Some will probably also want to check on you throughout the week to see how you are doing and support you.
That’s what family does.
Revelation 22:17 ~ The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.