Who first invited you to church?

[Matthias]

“Who first invited you to church?”

Pastor Rich Bitterman (@w_bitterman) on X

Who first invited you to church?

x.com

The first person who invited me to church was a nextdoor neighbor.

 

[Matthias]

No wonder church attendance is in a steep decline.

 

[Peter1]

I was born into Christianity my parents were Christians.

 

[Matthias]

I was born into Christianity my parents were Christians.

Welcome to the forum.

I was too, but my parents never attended church except for weddings and funerals.

 

[Chaplain James]

“Who first invited you to church?”

My mom and dad at the age of five years old.

 

[Matthias]

My mom and dad at the age of five years old.

Welcome to the forum.

Did you accept their invitation? Was declining it an option?

 

[Chaplain James]

Welcome to the forum.

Did you accept their invitation? Was declining it an option?

Thank you for welcoming me to the forum. My mom taught me to read prior to entering school. She gave me a Bible and taught me the rudiments of prayer as the Bible instructs. I'm so very thankful to my mom. Reading the Bible and praying got me through difficult times due the toxic home environment when a parent in the home suffers from alcoholism.

Yes, I accepted the invitation to go to church. Declining never entered my mind.

 

[Matthias]

The first person who invited me to church was a nextdoor neighbor.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) at a Methodist church. My parents allowed me to go - I was five or six years old - but wouldn’t allow me to go back once VBS ended.

* Thank you and RIP, Mr. and Mrs. Frields. I’ve never forgotten you. *

 

[Matthias]

Doesn’t look like many members here were ever invited to church.

That makes me wonder how many, if any, of those who were never invited to church invite people to church.

 

[Matthias]

Is inviting people to church going the way of the Dodo?

 

[pwg_jonathan]

A neighbor’s invitation can seem like such a small thing, but it may open a door someone would not have walked through alone. Romans 10:14-15 asks how people can hear without someone sharing the good news, and it fits because a simple invitation can be a first gentle step toward hearing. I hope that neighbor knows their kindness mattered. May God bless everyone who makes room at the table for someone new.

 

[CoachedByChrist]

Thank you for this question, Matthias. A simple invitation can open a door that a person may not walk through right away, and it can still matter for years. Neighbours, family and friends who invite with kindness and patience are part of how people find their way to church. Here is a short reflection on how every role counts, including the quiet ones: Every Role Counts: Volleyball Team Roles & Athlete Development | CBC