Compel Them to Come In

When you hold your weekend services, invite people who don’t have life figured out.

Invite people who don’t have everything you have.

Invite people who are facing physical, emotional and relational challenges in their lives.

Invite people who are blind to the fact that Jesus forgives and loves and brings hope.

They may not contribute to your ministry with their time and money, but you will be repaid because of the Kingdom impact you are making.

I was once working with a church that was preparing for their weekend services and they invited many guests. The week before the services, the church leaders encouraged their congregation to invite others and to tell those who had been invited, “Join us, for everything has been prepared with you in mind.”

But everyone who was invited began making excuses. The first said, “I have just bought a new vacation house, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.”

Another said, “My kid is in a tournament this weekend with five games, and I’m on my way to see them. Please excuse me.”

Still another said, “I just entered a new relationship and we’re spending time together, so I can’t come.”

The congregants came back and reported the news.

Then the leadership became angry and their sense of urgency for sharing the Gospel increased.

“Go out quickly into the community and neighborhoods and bring people who are struggling to make ends meet. Invite people who are broken and hurting. Invite people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus.”

But the people in the congregation responded and explained, “What you’ve encouraged us to do has been done, but there is still room.”

Then it was actually Jesus who said, “Go out to the roads and the country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.”

Never lose your urgency for sharing the Good News.

Never stop preparing a “banquet” for guests.

Never stop inviting people.

Compel them to come in.