The Phil Files

“Invite me in … please!”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve invited several folks to share in a special Sunday this week at our church, Southern Hills. And when I invite folks, I’m always a little bit nervous because I notice everything that happens in the worship assembly, I hear the things that are said that are full of insider language that my guests don’t understand, I worry that no one will speak to them, and I worry that they won’t feel welcomed into our circle.

Why all this worry? I mean, didn’t Jesus say not to worry? Well yes, he did say not to worry about stuff, but …

Paul worried about his new churches and new followers of Jesus and the lost people who had never heard of Jesus and his fellow Jewish people who did not accept Jesus. So if the apostle Paul could worry about those things, I think I can have a little holy concern — in cornbread English, that’s “loving worry” — for those folks I hope will come share some time with Jesus and His people. I just hope we will be Jesus’ people. I want my church family to invite them — those who are our guests, those who are searching, those who are yearning, those who seem disinterested or least likely — but not just invite them to come, but to also invite them in.

So while I do worry about how folks will be this Sunday, I know what I’ve committed to be. Why not join me and let’s invite folks in!

May the grace of Jesus be real to us and through us. Amen.

I’m looking for response to my article in Heartlight.org today, entitle “ALL!” I’m also looking for response to the post yesterday called, “A Heart for the City.” Help me out with some insight here!

Why is it so hard to be a church that is committed to reach “ALL” people?

How can we as believers reach out to “ALL” and not just to people just like us?

How can we learn to love the people of our city more and include them in Jesus’ circle of grace?

(Please share your responses below — don’t forget to put in the number code or the responses won’t post! Thanks.)