Do you remember the story about the woman sitting in a lecture when the speaker announced  “that the average Episcopalian invites a friend to church once every 21 years”?  And the lady exclaimed “Oh, good, I don’t have to do that for another 11 years.”  There are good reasons for not inviting folks.

  • Someone might confuse you for one of “those” Christians. You know, the kind of Christian who judges everyone else who is not exactly like him/her.
  • Or maybe you are shy and feel awkward revealing that part of yourself that believes that faith is important

Good reasons for sure. It is a risk.  When I was in the 5th grade, I sat in the middle row on the front near the teacher’s desk.  Dana, the girl in the desk next to mine, invited me to go to church with her after school.  They were having a party and she was excited to share the joy.  I called my mom and she said it was ok for me to go.  That invitation changed my life.  In that church I had the most formative experiences of my youth.  I have been forever grateful that I was invited to the party.

What if we saw the invitation as a gift, not a burden?  Most of us are not at all inhibited about recommending a new restaurant.  We  suggest a book, a movie or concert to a friend because we want to share the joy with a friend. The purpose of inviting someone to church is not for us, but for them.  We invite them to the table because we assume that everyone is hungry, just as we are hungry.

As the incredible “party” of Easter morning approaches, I invite you to think about people in your life:  neighbors, co-workers, family members, gym buddies, yoga pals, golf groupies, rotary club friends, book club friends.  Who in your life would you be willing to offer the gift of spiritual nourishment that you have discovered inside these hallowed halls?  You can make it clear that they can say no. And you can share the holy wonder of our stained glass, glorious hallelujahs, amazing people, and hopeful message of love in a fractured world.

Not too many years ago folks would say “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t already have a church.” But today, we all know someone who is without a church.  Maybe her church closed.  Maybe he didn’t grow up in a church.  Maybe they are new in town.  Maybe they got burned at the last church they attended.  Maybe they think Christians are all about “no” instead about an abundant life of joy.  Maybe they think you believe the world is flat.

They might be wondering why we haven’t yet invited them…

Grace and peace,

Carla