That could be the headline next Sunday if we all invited 10 people to join us for worship...
According to statistics, 83% of everyone we invite to church WILL attend!
With that, I want to help equip you better to invite your friends, co-workers, family and new acquaintances to attend Bridges of Hope Fellowship this week (via Shawn Lovejoy)!
THE TOP 10 WAYS TO INVITE SOMEONE TO CHURCH WITHOUT GETTING PUMMELED:
(Note: each invitation should be covered in prayer for the individual/family)
1. Send a co-worker or friend a link to our church website, with a note that says: “Just thought you might connect with what our church is going to be talking about this weekend.”
2. Send a link to one of our church’s online sermons with a note that says: “When I heard this message, I thought about what you’ve been going through…” Go to www.GetHope.info and click on “Listen to Sermons”.
3. Take the message notes guide in to work with the message title on it and say: “When I heard this message title, I thought of you.”
4. Have a BBQ and invite some co-workers or friends over to eat. Here’s the only criteria for the INVITATION list: They can’t go to church anywhere.
5. Invite someone to lunch on Sunday and then say: “Hey, would you guys be interested at all in meeting us at our church beforehand, and THEN going to eat?
6. Think of someone who’s had a tough year, drop them an email or a phone call and simply say: “when I was listening to my pastor’s message this past week, I thought about you and prayed for you” (IF you actually prayed for them).”
7. Invite a family friend’s child over to spend the night with your children on Saturday Night and then ask the family’s permission to take their child on to church with you and drop them off afterward. If our Children’s Ministry rocks, this child will be one of Jesus’ biggest advertisers afterward!
8. Just say: “Hey, man, what would I have to do to talk you into giving God and the church one more shot this week?”
9. Just say: “Hey, are you going to church anywhere right now? Why don’t you come hang out with me this weekend at our church? It’s SO AWESOME!”
10. Say: “You would not believe what my church is going to be doing this next weekend…”
Ten ways to invite Ten people! If each one of us who were at church this past week invited 10 people to come this week (that weren’t there), and 83% responded yes, we would have 335 people at church this Sunday! Now that is a God sized vision that statistics tell us already work. Be a part of the vision and invite your 10 this week!
Pastor DeWayne
(Special Thanks to Bryan McKnight from The Summitt, Knoxville for the info!)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Internet Evangelism Day news items for Facebook, Twitter, blogs and newsletters
Internet Evangelism Day news items for Facebook, Twitter, blogs and newsletters:
"Churches Will Explore Internet Opportunities on Sunday April 25
Internet Evangelism Day is an annual digital outreach focus day for churches. This year, it is scheduled for Sunday April 25. It's an opportunity for any church to explore with its members the exciting opportunities for sharing the good news online. Ready-made free downloads – PowerPoint, video clips, handouts, drama scripts and music can be easily built into a presentation of five minutes or 50.
2010's focus day will be the sixth to be used by churches around the world since the initiative's launch in 2005. Over this period, digital media have developed dramatically, with the advent of YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and the growing use of mobile phones to access online services.
IE Day's website is also a one-stop resource covering many subjects including: how to build a church website that is 'outsider friendly', using Twitter in evangelism, and ideas for effective blogging.
Perhaps surprisingly, you do not need to be technical to share your faith online. And you can volunteer to be an email mentor to inquirers with several large online outreach ministries.
Internet Evangelism Day is an initiative of the Internet Evangelism Coalition, based at the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton. It is supported by a wide range of Christian leaders and groups. 'I am glad to commend Internet Evangelism Day,' says John Stott.
More information: http://www.InternetEvangelismDay.com"
"Churches Will Explore Internet Opportunities on Sunday April 25
Internet Evangelism Day is an annual digital outreach focus day for churches. This year, it is scheduled for Sunday April 25. It's an opportunity for any church to explore with its members the exciting opportunities for sharing the good news online. Ready-made free downloads – PowerPoint, video clips, handouts, drama scripts and music can be easily built into a presentation of five minutes or 50.
2010's focus day will be the sixth to be used by churches around the world since the initiative's launch in 2005. Over this period, digital media have developed dramatically, with the advent of YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and the growing use of mobile phones to access online services.
IE Day's website is also a one-stop resource covering many subjects including: how to build a church website that is 'outsider friendly', using Twitter in evangelism, and ideas for effective blogging.
Perhaps surprisingly, you do not need to be technical to share your faith online. And you can volunteer to be an email mentor to inquirers with several large online outreach ministries.
Internet Evangelism Day is an initiative of the Internet Evangelism Coalition, based at the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton. It is supported by a wide range of Christian leaders and groups. 'I am glad to commend Internet Evangelism Day,' says John Stott.
More information: http://www.InternetEvangelismDay.com"
Monday, April 5, 2010
Does God really care?
Do you ever just feel like maybe God doesn't really care or that you are so insignificant that He really doesn't want to be bothered by you? Sometimes, the enemy will cause us to feel this way. The key word there is "feel." Our feelings are tossed about the wind and often it's like we're on a really fast roller coaster. However, we must go on the truth of what God says to us and about us.
This morning, I was reading in Romans and found great comfort and joy when I came across Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" I wanted to shout. When I think of how much God loves us and that He was willing to withhold anything for us to come into a love relationship with Him through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ; that's awesome!
Furthermore, if God loves us so much to go to such great lengths to bring us to Himself, would He not do the same thing to take care of us too? After all, we are now His children and He desires to pour out His best blessings on His family.
So, when you approach the throne of grace today, go boldy before the Lord and make your requests and petitions know to Him and watch the Father and Creator begin to pour into your life like you've never experienced before. He loves you and cares for you. Nothing you have to share with Him is a waste of His time. He longs to hear from you on a moment by moment and day by day basis.
Remember today that you are important to God and He loves you so much! So, go ahead and throw your arms around Him and give Him a great big bear hug. He's waiting!
Pastor DeWayne
This morning, I was reading in Romans and found great comfort and joy when I came across Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" I wanted to shout. When I think of how much God loves us and that He was willing to withhold anything for us to come into a love relationship with Him through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ; that's awesome!
Furthermore, if God loves us so much to go to such great lengths to bring us to Himself, would He not do the same thing to take care of us too? After all, we are now His children and He desires to pour out His best blessings on His family.
So, when you approach the throne of grace today, go boldy before the Lord and make your requests and petitions know to Him and watch the Father and Creator begin to pour into your life like you've never experienced before. He loves you and cares for you. Nothing you have to share with Him is a waste of His time. He longs to hear from you on a moment by moment and day by day basis.
Remember today that you are important to God and He loves you so much! So, go ahead and throw your arms around Him and give Him a great big bear hug. He's waiting!
Pastor DeWayne
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Day 21 - Fasting Focus
Well, we have finally made it to the end. Today is day 21 of our 21 day corporate fast as a church. We have already seen God do wonderful things in the lives of our people, but the best is yet to come. We know that the rewards and blessings really come after the fast. I am so ready to see what God has done, is doing, and is going to do in the lives of His people and Bridges of Hope Fellowship!
Over the last 21 days, we've been praying for the lost (hit list). We know that God loves all people and wants to have an intimate and personal relationship with them. That relationship is only possibly through the shed blood of Christ on the cross of calvary. So, how will they know if they don't have a preacher or someone to tell them the good news of Christ?
Day 21 - THE LOST
"And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature'"
Mark 16:15
Prayer for the Day: Lord, here I am, send me. Use me. Witness through me. There's a "field" in my home. There's a "field" in my neighborhood. There's a "field" on my job. There's a "field" in this city. There's a "field" in my family. Oh God, forgive me for not praying; forgive me for not witnessing. Forgive me for not really believing that I can "reap a harvest" for You. Forgive me for not believing that You can use my influence, my affluence, everything that I have to reach the lost for Your glory right where I am! Father, I ask Yoiu to use me as a light to a dark dying world. I give You glory and I give You praise for all that You will do through me!
____________________________________________________
As you pray for the lost today, would you ask God to use you to reach those around them with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Make a decision today to be a harvester for the Lord.
Pastor DeWayne
Over the last 21 days, we've been praying for the lost (hit list). We know that God loves all people and wants to have an intimate and personal relationship with them. That relationship is only possibly through the shed blood of Christ on the cross of calvary. So, how will they know if they don't have a preacher or someone to tell them the good news of Christ?
Day 21 - THE LOST
"And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature'"
Mark 16:15
Prayer for the Day: Lord, here I am, send me. Use me. Witness through me. There's a "field" in my home. There's a "field" in my neighborhood. There's a "field" on my job. There's a "field" in this city. There's a "field" in my family. Oh God, forgive me for not praying; forgive me for not witnessing. Forgive me for not really believing that I can "reap a harvest" for You. Forgive me for not believing that You can use my influence, my affluence, everything that I have to reach the lost for Your glory right where I am! Father, I ask Yoiu to use me as a light to a dark dying world. I give You glory and I give You praise for all that You will do through me!
____________________________________________________
As you pray for the lost today, would you ask God to use you to reach those around them with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Make a decision today to be a harvester for the Lord.
Pastor DeWayne
Friday, April 2, 2010
Day 20 - Fasting Focus
Have you ever had to wait for something? If so, you know it's not easy. What's really hard is when you and I are waiting on the Lord to bring about His will in our lives. However, there is nothing better and more rewarding than to wait on and before the Lord.
When we wait on the Lord and before the Lord, we get the very best for us and the things that will bring God the greatest amount of glory.
What are you waiting for today?
Day 20 - WAITING ON GOD
"Have you not known? Have you not heard? the everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength."
Isaiah 40:28
Prayer for the Day: Lord, my flesh is weak, but Your Promise is, "They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31). I am waiting on You today and asking You to fill me with new strength. Fill me with Your life force. As I seek Your face, I praise You that I will not get weary! I receive Your strength in the my body and in spirit, in Jesus' Name. Thank You, Lord. Holy Spirit, Comforter, Counselor, I need You to take control of this situation. Fill me with Your power; I worship You. Hallelujah!
_______________________________________________________
Regardless of what you are going through, just sit still and wait before the Lord and you will be renewed in your strength.
Pastor DeWayne
When we wait on the Lord and before the Lord, we get the very best for us and the things that will bring God the greatest amount of glory.
What are you waiting for today?
Day 20 - WAITING ON GOD
"Have you not known? Have you not heard? the everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength."
Isaiah 40:28
Prayer for the Day: Lord, my flesh is weak, but Your Promise is, "They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31). I am waiting on You today and asking You to fill me with new strength. Fill me with Your life force. As I seek Your face, I praise You that I will not get weary! I receive Your strength in the my body and in spirit, in Jesus' Name. Thank You, Lord. Holy Spirit, Comforter, Counselor, I need You to take control of this situation. Fill me with Your power; I worship You. Hallelujah!
_______________________________________________________
Regardless of what you are going through, just sit still and wait before the Lord and you will be renewed in your strength.
Pastor DeWayne
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Day 19 - Fasting Focus
When you see others in need, do you find it easy to have compassion on them and help meet their needs? Or do you wish they'd just go away and bother someone else?
Compassion is one thing that God asks us to have toward others. When we see others who are less fortunate than us, we should reach out to them with the love of God and have compassion upon them. It is through compassion demonstrated to others that the world we see and know that the love of God is in us.
Day 19 - COMPASSION
"But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18
Prayer for the Day: Touch my heart, oh God. Touch my heart. Touch me. I don't want to be cold. I don't want to be hard shelled. I want to be tender. I want to be sensitive. I want to show the world your compassion and grace. I want Your anointing on me. Touch my heart. I feel the incrustation of worldliness and materialism and the cares of this life. Melt it! Melt it!
________________________________________________________
It is easy for us to talk about love and compassion, but quite a difference to practice it. Let us not be people of many words and little actions. For the world will know that we belong to God by the way we treat one another. If we truly do love God with all of our heart, mind, and soul; then we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Who is our neighbor? Everyone.
Make this the day that you allow God to soften your heart and show compassion to those around you.
Pastor DeWayne
Compassion is one thing that God asks us to have toward others. When we see others who are less fortunate than us, we should reach out to them with the love of God and have compassion upon them. It is through compassion demonstrated to others that the world we see and know that the love of God is in us.
Day 19 - COMPASSION
"But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18
Prayer for the Day: Touch my heart, oh God. Touch my heart. Touch me. I don't want to be cold. I don't want to be hard shelled. I want to be tender. I want to be sensitive. I want to show the world your compassion and grace. I want Your anointing on me. Touch my heart. I feel the incrustation of worldliness and materialism and the cares of this life. Melt it! Melt it!
________________________________________________________
It is easy for us to talk about love and compassion, but quite a difference to practice it. Let us not be people of many words and little actions. For the world will know that we belong to God by the way we treat one another. If we truly do love God with all of our heart, mind, and soul; then we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Who is our neighbor? Everyone.
Make this the day that you allow God to soften your heart and show compassion to those around you.
Pastor DeWayne
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