We kind of have it easy. So why is it so hard?

We all know the ten commandants. Or at least feel confident we could name at least seven of them if we were on a quiz show. But in the old testament there were plenty of others. Like you should not eat the hoof of a menstruating goat. (I may be confusing a couple.)

But in the New Testament there are not that many. Sure, Jesus tells some things we should avoid, but actual commandments? Love God? Check. Love our neighbors? Hey, we are all trying. Go forth and make disciples? Egh. For a lot of us that falls into the category of “that is not my forte.” We may tell ourselves we are using our gifts in other areas. Maybe we toss an extra fiver in the collection plate each Sunday. Maybe we tell ourselves we are leading by example to all the nonbelievers. We are the light of the world. But if we never talk about the source of the light, are we not a light hidden under a bushel?

Aside from bringing members of the church together, our mission is to reach out to others. I know it can be difficult to invite someone to church. I fall firmly within the “lead by example” group.  We don’t want to invite someone to church and ruin our relationship with them. We don’t want them to feel like we are judging them. For many of us, asking someone to church is one of the most difficult things we could do.

Reaching out to non-believers is one of the most difficult things we could do. There are two nearly insurmountable (in our minds) hurdles we face. 1.) We have to convince them to believe in the God of the Bible. I honestly do not think this is the biggest of the hurdles. Many already claim to be spiritual or believe in a “god.” If they are going to believe in a god, why not our God?

The second hurdle, I believe is much more difficult. That is getting people to see themselves as Christians. I think the best way to leap over this hurdle is for them to see Christians together. For them to form bonds with believers. To see the joy that is found in Christ. They need to see themselves within this community.

Imagine having a coworker that is a foodie. They host elaborate dinner partners. They will drive 6 hours to try a restaurant. Maybe they have their own blog. Unfortunately, they are 150 pounds overweight. They get winded going up and down steps. They get worrisome health reports. You want to help them.

How do you think it would go over if you told them they should diet and join your cross fit gym? I’m guessing not too well. We know they would be happier and healthier.  Even they know they would like to be in better shape. Why won’t they just do it?

Asking someone to church is not that dissimilar from asking someone to join your gym. They might walk in and feel judged. They may look around and feel like the level of transformation is unattainable. They will envision all the things they have to give up. The dinner parties. The things that have provided them comfort over all the years. Maybe some of their friends. And all these new people? All they talk about are things they are completely unfamiliar with. What are net carbs? What are macro nutrients? What would they even talk about with these people? And even if they could have a passing conversation, would they want to? Many of these people, look like the guys that have bullied him in the past. They have always been the funny, fat guy. If they are not that, what are they? You are not asking them to give up a dessert here or there, you are asking them to give up their identity. What happens if they go once or twice and then decide it’s not for them. What does that do to your relationship?

This is what it feels like to walk into a church.

What if instead you could invite a coworker to a movie night with some of your friends who are at different stages of their fitness journey. And everyone would bring a healthy alternative to their favorite guilt snack. This would allow your friend to show off their cooking chops. It would show your friend we all fall short sometimes but are doing the best we can. But most importantly, it would give them a glimpse into the community. Maybe they would meet someone who was in their same place not that long ago. Maybe they could see how they would they might fit in. Maybe they might consider visiting a gym.

This is the goal of Fervent Families. To create events that you can invite your friends to. Take a minute, think of someone you know who could benefit from a relationship with God. Maybe you have invited them to church in the past to be met with a, “we’ll think about it,” or maybe you have been too nervous to ask them to church. Now think of an event you could invite them to. Maybe it’s a family nerf war. Or an introductory palates class. A mother/daughters spa day. A skate party. Or a million other things. Just post an event. Our prayer is that folks will be able to see Christ in us and find themselves receptive to that promise.