Problems With Inviting People To Church

An Invitation by Dan Hodgett on Flickr. Some rights reserved.

According to the Church Times, a survey by the organisation Christian Research shows that 52% of practising Christians are unwilling to invite people to church.

It comes down to two main reasons:

1. Christians have a fear of rejection;
2. We are not serious about Jesus’ Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.

Yet more than two thirds of churchgoers have someone in mind whom they could invite.

How can we change this? What would change this for you?

Martin Luther King: Loving Our Enemies As Mission

On 17th November 1957, Martin Luther King preached a sermon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. An audio extract has been preserved. Listen to how MLK links the Cross to love for enemies and hence to transformation in the world.

Whimsy As An Agent Of Mission?

Why Religious People Need To Hear The Gospel

Evangelism In The Connexion Magazine

The Connexion Magazine January 2015

On Wednesday, there was a post about a new Methodist magazine, and how the first issue would concentrate on evangelism.

I was asked on Twitter where you could get hold of it. I now know that you can download it as a PDF.

There are also details of how to receive a print copy.

Monday Night Dinner

How do Christians deal with contentious issues? Sometimes every bit as badly as anyone else. If it’s on the Internet, Christians engage in ‘flame wars’ and even ‘troll’, just like other people do.

Here is one Christian leader who has opted for a different approach. Lysa TerKeurst sees this style as vital for the integrity of Christian witness. What do you think?

Wi-Fi Your Church To Put It At The Centre Of The Community

Wi-Fii by Kristin Marshall on Flickr. Some rights reserved.

So claims well-known evangelism expert – er – Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Read more here.

Does he have a point?

Evangelism Featured In New Methodist Magazine

Look out for new official Methodist magazine ‘The Connexion’. The theme of the first issue is evangelism.

Ugh, It’s The ‘E-Word’: Evangelism In The Church Today

A conversation between the Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church, and Doug Swanney, the Connexional Secretary, about evangelism.

Can This Dying Church Live?

Dying Flowers by Freeparking on Flickr. Some rights reserved.

We are faced with so many declining and aging congregations. Most want to revive their fortunes.

But can dying churches be resuscitated? American Baptist pastor Brandon Cox has some thoughts on what it takes to turn around, and what to do if it doesn’t come off.