One of the best and most overlooked opportunities to introduce people to Jesus is a small group. Why? Because many people need to kick the tires of Christianity. What better place to give Christianity a test drive than in a small group of believers. Instead of hearing about prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and ministry… invite a friend to actually experience it.
While you are developing a friendship with a lost person, be sure to share experiences from your small group. Share stories of what your group does and how it impacts you. Whet their appetite. When you do offer to bring them to your group, they will be more than ready to accept your offer.
As a group, there are several things you can do to make your friend feel welcome.
- Wear nametags. Put yourself in your guest’s shoes. It is difficult to meet 5-10 (or 20) people at once and remember their names. Nametags help.
- Never let a guest sit alone in your group. Always make sure that a guest has people sitting around them and talking with them
- Sometimes it is easier to invite a guest to a group fellowship (Baptist party) for their first interaction with the group.
- Have a spare Bible or two available during group meetings.
- Never call on a guest to pray or read.
- Plan special group meetings that are conducive to guests.
It is important that the group still pray and study the Bible when guests are present. Guests will not be offended. If you invited a guest to play golf, imagine their surprise if you never left the putting green. Same would be true if you invited a guest to go fishing, but you did not take any bait or fishing rods. Guests expect the group to pray and study God’s Word together.
Go on. Invite friends to your small group. It will be a great experience for your friend, for you, and for your group.
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