Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.~ Matthew 9:37-38

One of the purposes of Connecting Groups is to invite people to attend our group. We invite people within the Saint Stephanus community so we can get to know one another on a deeper level while learning about Jesus Christ and deepening our faith.

Connecting Groups are also a great opportunity to invite people outside of SSLC to visit a group, especially those who don’t know Christ. As outsiders come into the group hopefully they will see God’s love shine through as they watch brothers and sisters in Christ care for one another and share fellowship. For many this is a less intimidating way to get to know the Good News. Perhaps seeds are planted as new friendships are formed. If the newcomer attends Connecting Group regularly they also become connected to SSLC, and what better way to grow in faith with the support of friends in a small group and a larger community of the church?

You may be asking how do I invite someone and what do I do if an unbeliever comes to the group? Two key elements here are to pray for an opportunity to ask someone and then plan an event that the new friend would want to attend. Take inventory of your neighbors, co-workers, and extended family members, you may be surprised of names you can think of. As for an event, it is best to have them come when you are not doing a typical bible study. Organize a social event such as a game night or have a meal and fellowship. Simply spend time together and converse. As the group plans the social challenge one another to invite at least one person to the event. It’s okay if you get turned down, at least you are getting practice inviting someone.

God works in miraculous ways when it comes to inviting people. Here is a little anecdote from a small group ministry at another church who has a similar small group ministry as ours…

“One of our Small Group leaders invited some new people to group. The night came for their gathering. The new couple found their way to the neighborhood but forgot the address and unknowingly went to a house that was actually three doors down from the host’s house. They knocked a couple of times and then walked right in and went into the kitchen to find this couple sitting down eating dinner. The owners of the house were friendly and introduced themselves and they were all chatting. After about 2 minutes, the new couple, asked where the people were who invited them to group. The couple who owned the house had no idea what they were talking about!They were in the wrong house! The couple who invited them to group lived three doors down!”

Here are three things that happened:

1. The people who came to this wrong house actually were reconnected with the owners of this house. They went to high school together!

2. The couple who went to the wrong house eventually found the right house and had a great story to tell!

3. The people who lived three doors down, who entertained these “strange visitors,” received an invitation and will be coming to dinner with their neighbors who live three doors down.”

What was meant to be an invitation to 2 people ended up getting extended to 4 people! New friendships were formed, old relationships were re-connected. All because of inviting.

Let’s keep the idea of inviting someone new to Connecting Group at the fore front of our minds and in our hearts. Pray about it and watch how God’s wonderful work comes to life!