It’s hard to believe that in just a few days, kids will be going back to school. It’s a time of year that feels like the beginning of a roller coaster, that moment just before you plunge into a blurred maze of gut-wrenching twists, turns, and loops. The ride is about to begin!

Back-to-school is also a season of significant transition for many people. For young folks, maybe it’s their first year of high school or college. For your family, maybe it marks the beginning of a new weekly rhythm. Perhaps you decided to start exercising this week or are planning to begin a new diet. It’s just a good time to start something new.

For some of your neighbors, summer was a season of transition into a new home or a new job. And that means it’s a great time to invite them to church. You’d be surprised just how open they are.

I think we underestimate the impact a simple invitation can have. “Do you have a church family? I’d love to have you join us at Indian Creek this Sunday.” How often do you think people receive an invitation like that?

You might have your doubts: “They don’t want to hear from me. I’m not even sure if they like me!” But think about how an invitation might sound to them. They feel gratified because you’ve shown that you care about them. People make an effort to show up when they believe they’re wanted.

It’s amazing to me how often people testify that the reason they first came to our church (or any church) is because of a personal invitation from someone they knew. In fact, according to researcher Thom Rainer, eight out of ten unchurched individuals have said that they would attend church if invited by a friend.

Think about the impact that could have. There are hundreds of Christians in our city who do not have a church family. They need to find a place to grow and serve. Why couldn’t that be with us?

There are thousands of lost folks in our community who are feeling the emptiness of worldly things and the need for healing and forgiveness. A simple invitation could put them in a position to hear—maybe even for the first time—about the hope we have in Christ.

Wouldn’t it be glorious if you invited a friend or coworker to church and they came, got saved and baptized, and started sharing their new faith with others? You can’t reach everybody, but think of what might happen if you invited just one.

Based on personal observation, the most effective “inviters” in our church are our teenagers. I’m so proud of the way these young people have schemed and strategized to bring their friends to church not only on Wednesday evenings but even on Sundays. It’s so encouraging to see!

Let me ask you: When was the last time you invited a friend to Indian Creek? How many weeks has it been? Months? Years?

We’re not talking about preaching a 3-point sermon to your friend. We’re not saying you have to answer every one of his deepest theological questions. We’re not even talking about sharing the gospel with them one-on-one (which would also be a good thing to do!). We’re talking about simply inviting them to church. It’s easy to do!

I want to challenge you to invite someone to Indian Creek this week. Make a commitment: write down the names of three or four people you might be able to invite and then follow through. Go out of your way to mention our church to a cashier or restaurant server. Strike up a conversation with your mechanic or the guy you hired to install gutters. Ask them, “Do you have a church?”

If you’re nervous or you can’t think of anyone specific, bring that up to the Lord in prayer. Say, “God, I’d like to do this, but I’m not sure where to start. Would you help me?” You’ll be surprised at the answer you might receive.

Why shouldn’t our church be filled to the brim with folks who don’t know Christ this week? Why shouldn’t we see the baptistery filled every Sunday so that we can celebrate the public profession of faith of someone you asked to sit with you at church?

Next Sunday, I’d love to meet the friend you’ve invited to join you at church. The sooner you ask, the better!