I first heard Sharon’s name (not her real name) as a prayer request. We were praying for lost persons in 
our circle of influence. A lady in our Sunday School class who worked with Sharon requested prayer for her. Sharon had no church background and was antagonistic toward Christianity.
Sharon’s first contact with our church was a Sunday School party. She came with her friend who was praying for her. Isn’t it interesting how people who won’t come to church will come to a party? At a simple party with food and board games Sharon’s perception of Christians began to change. Later she told me, “I was surprised. You guys didn’t have two heads and seemed to have fun.”
Sharon’s next contact with our church was months later; she sent her kids to VBS. Sharon’s third contact with was about a year later when she came with her friend to a Sunday morning worship service. After a few months of worship attendance, Sharon began attending our Sunday School class with her friend.
Finally, about two years after we began praying, Sharon’s friend shared the gospel with her and she accepted Jesus. She soon made a public profession of faith and was baptized. By the way, the next summer she was helping to teach VBS and hosted a backyard Bible club at her home.
What was the door to Christ and His church for Sharon? Was it Sunday School? Yes! Was it worship? Yes! Was it VBS? Yes! Most of all, it was a Christian friend who prayed for her, invited her to church events, and shared the good news of Jesus with her. Sunday School and worship can and should be partners in evangelism.
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Bob Wood is the Church Growth Ministries Team Leader, Baptist State Convention of Michigan. He desires to see more growing Christians who are growing their churches.
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