12.26.2023 - By Thom Rainer
https://youtu.be/lH-XScYt_go
About 80% of your neighbors are receptive to an invitation to church. At best, most churchgoers invite someone once or twice a year. Almost a third of churchgoers never invite anyone. Inviting someone to a worship service or church event is not evangelism, but this invitation is a significant first step to cultural change in your church. What happened to the culture of invitation? Thom and Sam discuss their thoughts on this week's episode.
The cancellation of outreach programs 30 years ago.
The lack of new equipping mechanisms in the church.
Many churches have lived off the remnants of cultural Christianity for the last three decades.
Transfer growth is more common than other forms of growth.
An increasingly polarized and insular society.
Resources:
* One Year Bible
* Tyndale House Publishers
* California Baptist University Pre-College Credit
Get your FREE eBook, 5 Generosity Megatrends
Good News Neighbor Toolkit
“The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church” by Sam Rainer
Invite Your One
* “Breakout Churches” by Thom S. Rainer
* Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector
* Check out the Church Answers Christian bookstore! Shop curated, trusted resources for Christian life and ministry.
Episode Sponsors:
What Path will your church take through the Bible this year?
* One Year Bibles are designed to help readers engage with the entire Bible in 365 days. Whether you’re well versed in the Bible or just beginning your exploration, these Bibles help guide you through a year-long journey of exploration, reflection, and growth.
* One Year Bibles are great resources to help pastors encourage their community to be in the Word every day, but they also can help you come together in God’s Word as a community of believers. If you are reading through the same passages you can interact with each other and grow relationships as you read Scripture. It creates a sense of unity, a common goal you are working toward together.
* One Year Bibles are perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points