If You Invite Them, They Will Come

It’s true. In a national survey done by Dr. Thom Rainer, eight out of ten unchurched men and women said they would come to church—if only someone

would invite them.

• 85:1 persons needed to win one person to Christ in our nation’s churches • 39:1 persons needed to win one person to Christ in our SBC churches • Only 41% of Americans will attend church on a weekly bases • Over 85% of our churches are not growing • Not a single county in the U.S. reported an increase in church attendance • There are 160 million unchurched Americans • Over 17 million are ready to receive Christ if only someone show them

how • Over 43 million would receive Christ with Bible Study and guidance • Only 5% of the unchurched would be considered (U5) Highly antagonistic

and even hostile to the gospel • Yet over 90% of our members will never share their faith in their entire life • Only 21% of our active members will invite anyone to church in a year • Only 2% of our active members will share Christ with someone in a year • More than 80% of the unchurched said they would come to church if

someone would ask them • Yet more than 80% of the unchurched said no one has asked them to

come to church • More than 90% of Americans said they believe in prayer • More than 60% of Americans said they prayed each day

(Sunday School Evangelism Ministry) is an equipping process taking place 52 weeks a year. We must have a process that addresses the “90%” in our churches who have never been challenged or equipped to share their faith. Very few of the unchurched have ever had anyone share with them how to become a Christian. Most wonder why their Christian neighbors and coworkers do not invite them to church. Most of the unchurched have a positive view about pastors, ministers, and the church. The unchurched would like to develop a real and sincere relationship with a Christian. Most would rather talk to a layperson than a minister about religious matters. Most of the unchurched prefer to attend church on Sunday morning if they attend. We must have a platform upon which we can equip members to share their faith.

The Process Must Be Intentional

• Church growth is a journey, not an event! • Growth structures are built by an Intentional Purposeful process including prayer

support and the practical support of the members. • This process will lead to the practice of programming of projects. • The result will be the passion for both public and private growth. Luke 15:4-10 and

Luke 15:11-32 “Both and, not either or” 2 Date

2 10-24-04