Challenge 365

And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47 (NKJV)

We know that God can do today what he did in the book of Acts. Our goal for 2008 is to see 365 new people join our church family. It’s not about numbers. It’s about people - each person that comes to know Jesus in a personal way, each person who finds hope and peace and the unconditional love of God, each person influenced by what you bring into their lives. We believe that God has great things in store for E3 Scottsdale, and part of that vision is an increase in the number of people who call us their church family.

How can we accomplish that?

First, we know it’s not going to happen because of some great marketing campaign, although we do advertise to our community. It’s not going to happen because our band is so great, or the preaching is so insightful, or we show funny videos. Those things help to build an inviting atmosphere, and are a part of why we love E3, but they don’t bring people in. It’s not going to be because Pastors Brad and Mark are out on the streets during the week inviting strangers to come check us out. It’s going to happen because each person at E3 purposefully invests in the relationships they have in their lives. It’s going to happen because of YOU.

What can you do to see 365 new people in our church family in 2008? You can stop inviting people to church.

What?! That’s right. Stop inviting people to church and start bringing them! Andrew then went to find his brother … and he brought [him] to meet Jesus. John 1:41–42 (TLB)

Begin where you spend most of your time. Your co-workers, neighbors, gym buddies, and the barista at Starbucks… these are all people that God has placed in your life for you to influence!

Rely on God’s power to change people. Pray each day for those on your list, that God will give you opportunities to share his love with them.

Invest time. Look for ways to cultivate your relationship with each person on your list. Spend time with them. An invitation to dinner or a sporting event will build friendships, which can open the way to talk about Jesus.

Now is the time—pop the question! Be specific: when you invite your friend, say, “What are you doing next Sunday morning? I’d love for you to come check out e3 church with me.” This allows you to follow up later with a phone call or email to remind them when you are expecting to meet them at church. Send an evite from e3scottsdale.com!

Go get them! If you have to, go pick up your friend. We truly believe that as God speaks to hearts through prayer, upon hearing the irresistible message of God’s unconditional love, your friend will not be able to resist saying “Yes!” to Jesus.

There are some simple tools available at the Information Center to help you purposefully invest in your relationships. Stop by this weekend!