Why do we, as a church, host Guest Sundays? Is it to market CrossWay? Is it to increase our attendance? Is it to even celebrate Christmas? NO; it is for none of these reasons. We host Guest Sundays to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, the divine Son who came to us , to save sinners from the wrath of God, earn their righteousness, and secure them an eternal inheritance.
Personal Evangelism
“But,” you might argue, “we can do that ourselves. We can clearly articulate the gospel.” Yes, and amen. In fact, you have a responsibility to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not placed their faith in Christ. So, you have a personal responsibility to evangelize those outside of Christ. The strategy of Guest Sundays is not to make evangelism event driven, but to create a context where you can invite your family and friends that you are already witnessing to. The advantages of Guest Sundays in your personal evangelism are several.
Advantages of a Guest Sunday
First, the corporate witness of the church is a visible light of the grace of God in community. When guests enter a place like CrossWay and see that God is really among you, the Holy Spirit uses that to open their hearts to consider their own relationship with God.
Second, it dispels misconceptions about church services. Many guests have images of church from their youth that are not biblical. Inviting them into the context of CrossWay gives them a more accurate understanding of the church.
Third, it connects your guest to other specific people in our church body. Often, guests meet people they know are connect with people they will see again in our community. This gives others an opportunity to sow the seed of the gospel in their life.
Fourth, it exposes them to Exploring Christianity and prepares the way for you to extend a personal invitation for them to explore their faith further this winter. The majority of those who attend Exploring Christianity hear about it on Sunday morning.
Fifth, and most importantly, they hear a clear presentation of the gospel from someone else, from someone who is particularly gifted by God to proclaim the truth of the gospel.
I know, it is awkward to invite people (I agree); I’m afraid to invite people (me too!); I don’t know what to say (I know). But,
But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? -Romans 10:14
Biblical Motivations
I have been thinking about a series on the Biblical motivations for evangelism. Here is a sneak preview: (1) the glory of God; (2) the grace of Jesus Christ; (3) predestination; (4) redemption accomplished; (5) obedience to God; (6) the reality of hell; (7) sanctification. Do you need more reasons? How about love for God and love for neighbor?
Faith
Would you join me in stepping out in faith to invite those who right now are doomed to eternal destruction and separation from God and His glory? On Christmas morning, God became man to save sinners, some of those sinners God wants to save are in your life. Are you going to tell them about what God has done for them?
