Feb 16, 2026 6 min read Sermons

How to Be an Inviting Church

While you can't change the whole world on your own, you can make a meaningful impact in one, two, or three lives. If every follower of Jesus made this kind of impact, the world would begin moving toward God's kingdom.

Welcoming Others as Christ Welcomed You

Today's article is based on the sermon given at Five Mile Church of the Nazarene. View this sermon and other resources here.

In a world where people are searching for authentic connection and meaning, the church has a unique opportunity to extend the same radical acceptance that Christ showed us. Being an inviting church isn't just about having friendly greeters or impressive programs—it's about embodying the heart of Jesus in every interaction.

What Does It Mean to Accept Others as Christ Accepted You?

Remember Your Own Journey

When Christ first came to you, did you have perfect theology? Was your life everything it should have been? Most likely not. Jesus met you exactly where you were—with all your mess, questions, and doubts. This is precisely how we're called to accept others.

Christ's acceptance doesn't mean staying stagnant. He accepts us as we are but calls us to draw closer to Him. As we grow closer to Jesus, we naturally become more like Him, and our thoughts, attitudes, and lives transform. This same process happens when we extend genuine acceptance to others.

The Power of Hospitality

True hospitality goes beyond hotels and restaurants—it means "love of stranger." When we invite people into our lives, homes, and church family, we're actually welcoming Jesus Himself. Matthew 25 reminds us that when we feed the hungry, care for the sick, or welcome strangers, we're doing these things for Christ.

This transforms our perspective on every interaction. When we share fellowship with others, grab coffee with coworkers, or invite neighbors for meals, we're extending hospitality to Jesus. Even the simple act of greeting someone at church becomes an opportunity to welcome Christ.

How Do We Show We Belong to Jesus?

Love Is the Ultimate Proof

John 13:34-35 makes it clear: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." The proof of our relationship with Jesus isn't perfect theological knowledge or impressive church programs—it's whether we love one another and the people around us.

Grace-Filled Conversations

Colossians 4:5-6 instructs us to "be wise in the way you act towards outsiders" and to let our conversations be "full of grace and seasoned with salt." This means having gentle, thoughtful, respectful conversations that draw people in rather than push them away.

We're called to always be prepared to give a reason for our hope, but to do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). This isn't watered-down Christianity—it's authentic faith tailored for each situation, pointing people toward the God who loves them.

What Does It Mean to Be Christ's Ambassadors?

God Works Through People

Second Corinthians 5:20 tells us we are "Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." Throughout Scripture, God consistently works through people—calling Abraham, Moses, and countless others to be His representatives on earth.

As ambassadors, we represent God's kingdom in how we live, talk, and build relationships. Our witness isn't just what happens on Sunday—it's how we conduct ourselves throughout the week that either strengthens or undermines our testimony.

The Call to "Come"

Revelation 22:17 presents a beautiful picture: "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come, and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."

Many people in our world are thirsty for something real and true, even if they can't articulate what they're missing. As God's ambassadors, we echo this invitation: "Come, taste and see. Come and let me tell you how Christ has changed my life."

Where Are Your Three Places?

Understanding Your Mission Field

Everyone has three distinct places in their life:

First Place - Home: Where you can let your guard down, feel safe, and be comfortable with loved ones. Sometimes this is the hardest place to live out your faith because those closest to us see us most clearly.

Second Place - Work/School: Where you spend significant time with responsibilities and regular interactions with the same people. This provides ongoing opportunities to build relationships and demonstrate your faith.

Third Place - Your Choice: Places you choose to spend free time regularly—coffee shops, gyms, community centers, or simply walking in your neighborhood. These are crucial because they're intentional spaces where you can interact with people who don't know Jesus.

The Importance of Third Places

If you don't have a third place, you should find one. We all need spaces where we intentionally spend time with people who don't know Jesus—places where we're known and can build relationships over time.

Consider the pastor who began regularly visiting a Starbucks, not primarily to get work done, but to build relationships with baristas and other regular customers. Over time, they began recognizing him, learning he was a pastor, and opening up about their lives. This created natural opportunities for spiritual conversations.

What Does Persistent Invitation Look Like?

The Ten-Year Story

One powerful example involves a woman who consistently invited her neighbor to church for 10 years, only to receive "no" every time. For a decade, she continued living out her faith, sharing her story, and extending invitations despite repeated rejection.

When her neighbor's life fell apart—marriage crumbling, career failing—and she received another invitation to church, this time

she said yes. She eventually gave her life to Jesus and thanked her friend for never giving up, even when it seemed hopeless.

This illustrates what being an inviting church truly means: faithful, persistent, loving invitation that isn't about impressive statistics but about genuine care for people's souls.

Ten Practical Ways to Be More Inviting

Assess Your Current Relationships

First Place: Who in your close circle needs to know Jesus? What can you do to invite them?
Second Place: How can you use your workplace or school to glorify God and start meaningful conversations?
Third Place: Do you have a regular place where everyone knows your name? If not, find one. If so, how are you using it as an inviting presence?

Build New Connections

Make a List: Write down five people you know who don't know Jesus. Pray for them regularly and ask God how to be an inviting presence in their lives.
Practice Hospitality: Don't worry about having a perfect house or fancy meals. Simple, genuine hospitality around your table creates meaningful connections.
Step Out of Your Bubble: Intentionally go somewhere or do something where you'll meet people different from you. Allow the Spirit to work through these uncomfortable moments.

Prepare and Persist

Prepare Your Story: Write out a 2-3 minute testimony of how God has worked in your life. Practice it so you're ready when opportunities arise.
Invite Someone to Church: Holiday seasons provide natural opportunities, but any time is good. Don't overthink it—just extend a simple, genuine invitation.
Commit to Persistence: Don't write off people who have said no before. Keep loving, praying, and living out your faith in front of them.
Be Welcoming at Church: When you see someone new, don't hope someone else will greet them—go introduce yourself. Make people feel like they belong.

Life Application

God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason. Your neighborhood, workplace, school, gym, or regular coffee shop isn't random—it's your mission field. The relationships in your life aren't accidents; God has positioned you to be His inviting presence in these people's lives.

When we become a church that prays, fasts, serves, gives, and invites, we become the body of Christ on earth—His hands, feet, and voice calling out "Come!" We become an inviting presence that says, "You're invited. You belong here."

Questions for Reflection:

Who in your three places needs to experience God's invitation through you?
What's preventing you from being more intentionally inviting in your daily relationships?
How might God be calling you to step out of your comfort zone this week to connect with someone who doesn't know Jesus?
If someone has said "no" to your invitations before, is it time to lovingly ask again?

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