INVEST and INVITE: The a2 Strategy

Several years ago I had the opportunity to hear Andy Stanley share Northpoint's simple strategy for reaching people who are far from God. It was profound in it's simplicity: INVEST and INVITE.

Instead of attempting to re-invent the wheel, we've adopted this simple strategy for a2 Church.

INVEST in people unconditionally. Here's what I mean: love people with "no strings attached." Live out the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40). Listen to the concerns, hurts and heartbreak of your neighbors, friends, co-workers and family. Have them over for a meal. Take them out for a cup of coffee and just get to know them as people.

INVITE them to experience the love of God. I know... This is where some of us get nervous... We're "cool" when it comes to the "investing" end of things, but we get a little queasy when it comes to "inviting" end of the deal.

This is crucial! Maybe you're not a "gifted" evangelist. Maybe your style of evangelism is the invitational style (John 4:4-30). That's okay. Just invite the people you're investing in to join you for a weekend service at a2. My end of the agreement? We'll do everything possible to make sure they hear the gospel and experience God's presence.

Sometimes "invite" just means that we give people the opportunity to experience the gospel and God for themselves in a "safe environment."

At other times, God may challenge us to share the story of what He has done in our life. If so, you can bank on the Holy Spirit to give you the words necessary (Mark 13:11).

This week I spent a good deal of time canvasing the businesses in Vestavia City Center. Thanks to Dan and Teddy Butcher, I presented each of these businesses with a small bag of chocolate chip cookies with the a2 card attached. My interaction with these managers and owners wasn't pushy... It was simple. "Hi, I'm Chris... We're new to the neighborhood. In two weeks we'll be moving into VCC and just wanted to drop by and introduce ourselves and give you a small gift, just to say, 'If there's ever any way we can serve you, don't hesitate to call.'"

The response? Terrific!

One girl at Subway asked me, "Can anybody attend your church?"

One couple at Guthrie's not only asked about the church, but actually showed up at the Block Party with a large container of baked beans.

I don't believe that it's really that difficult to LOVE THE CITY and MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I think we just have to be intentional.

The only way a2 Church will make a difference in our community is we take seriously this simple strategy. Not as a way to "make our church grow." But as a WAY OF LIFE.

INVEST in people unconditionally. After all, they're people deeply loved by God... Keep in mind you've never locked eyes with an individual who doesn't matter to our great God!

INVITE them to experience God personally. Invite them o a2's Grand Opening or share your personal story.

God wants to use YOU to make a difference.