This is the first of three sermons based on the new mission statement of Palermo United Church: "WE INVITE OUR COMMUNITY TO GROW WITH US AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS." This message focuses on what makes someone a good "inviter."
AN AUDIO FILE OF THE ENTIRE MESSAGE IS AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING/DOWNLOAD BY CLICKING ON:
http://www.mediafire.com/?4t10zfnnlwj
Inviting is simple, but it is not easy.
In my experience with home-based businesses where inviting others to benefit from what you had to offer was the main activity, I discovered that the most successful people had three characteristics in common.
#1. They knew WHY they were inviting others. They had an internal motivation, a burning dream or desire, an emotional reason for stepping out of their comfort zone, for spending additional time in this activity. A personal "why", when connected with a team "why" seemed to accomplish a lot!
Our main "why" is to obey Jesus' command (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). The Easter narratives end with the request/command to "go, tell".
Another "why" is to help others experience the uniqueness of our community of faith, Palermo United.
Can you see how our personal and team "why's", when they are strong, can be a powerful motivation to inviting our community to grow with us as followers of Jesus?
#2. They knew WHAT they had in their hands. It was more than just a way to make more money. It could make a big difference to the lives of others.
What we have in our hands is an ability to help others experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 10) "to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and declare that the Kingdom of heaven is here." (Also, Luke 4:14f)
People in today's society are not looking for another meeting to attend on a Sunday morning, or to belong to another club that does good works, but to experience the power of God in their lives.
#3. They knew WHO was behind them. A company with a good track record, owners with deep pockets, a business development team with proven success, etc.
In John 20:21-22, Jesus says: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Then he breathed on them and said: "Receive the Holy Spirit."
We have the Creator of the universe behind us. The power of the Risen Christ is our back-up! The Holy Spirit is our resident source of power. WE CANNOT FAIL.
The mechanics of inviting are not that tough. The techniques are simple. But before we learn them, let us consider and develop these three characteristics. Then we will be able to fulfil our mission: WE INVITE OUR COMMUNITY TO GROW WITH US AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. What is the most exciting invitation you have ever received? What made it so special?
2. What is the most meaningful invitation you have ever issued to another person? What motivated you to issue the invitation?
3. What are some obstacles that would hold you back from inviting others as per our mission statement?
4. What are some of your reasons/motivations for wanting to invite others as per the mission statement?
5. How can your small group help you?
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