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May 2025 Pastor’s Corner — All It Takes Is An Invitation
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” — Romans 10:14-15
Last Wednesday we held an “Inquirer’s Class.” This is the class we offer to new visitors and regular attenders who would like to learn more about Northminster, our denomination (the Evangelical Presbyterian Church), and where we believe God is leading us in the future. While the class is open to anyone who would like to attend, we extended specific invitations to 11 folks who have been visiting and worshipping with us regularly since last fall. Of those 11, 6 were able to attend (those missing were family members who had conflicts). It was a fun evening with a lot of great conversation.
We began the evening by asking for folks to share what brought them to Northminster. Four of the six had variations of the same answer: someone invited them. Here’s the thing: whittle every evangelism and church growth strategy down and ultimately they all are about the same thing: inviting someone to church. The best tool we have, and really the only one that matters, is relationships. Every story I’ve ever heard about how someone came to faith in Jesus Christ boils down to someone in their life caring enough to tell them about Jesus.
This is exactly how God intended it to be. The Gospel spreads primarily and almost exclusively through word-of-mouth. At the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the reason Nathanael ended up as a disciple was because Philip invited him to “come and see” for himself. (John 1:46) Jesus repeatedly told His disciples and those He healed to tell others about Him (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; John 20:21; Mark 5:19; Matthew 10:7). After Jesus was resurrected and ascended into heaven, the apostles were so amazed and transformed by all they had seen and experienced but when told to stop talking about it, they responded, “we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20).
That’s also exactly the way God intended it to be. As we grow as disciples and are transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit, that change should be something of which we cannot but speak. That’s what a “testimony” is — telling others about what you have seen and heard, about how Jesus has changed and blessed your life. What have you seen and heard from Jesus lately? How has He transformed you and changed you? Maybe you’ve experienced a miraculous physical healing, or He has healed your heart or soul. Maybe you’ve learned something new about the depths of His grace or the wonders of His creation. Whatever it is, tell someone about it, and invite them to experience the same transformation you’ve seen. You don’t need to give a sermon or a thorough theological discourse, all you need to do is “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” (Mark 5:19).
Maybe you don’t know what to say to someone about Jesus, or the thought of it makes you too nervous. Then let your actions tell the story of how Jesus is changing you. Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, “...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” and in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” When we live lives consistent with the Gospel and the Kingdom of God, people around us won’t be able to help but notice, and when they ask you why you’re so weird, follow Philip’s example and invite them to come to church and see for themselves. If we’re doing things right, the Gospel is proclaimed at some point in every worship service. You might not be comfortable telling someone about Jesus, so let us do it for you.
The Holy Spirit will bring to salvation all those whom God has chosen, it might just be that the means by which he does that is the invitation you extend to someone. Take a few minutes to think of two or three people in your life who don’t already know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Add them to your daily prayer list, that the Lord would begin softening their heart to hear the Gospel and that He would provide an opportunity for you to invite them to come with you to meet Jesus, whether that’s through a conversation you have with them or by bringing them to church with you. All it takes is an invitation.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19-20
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison
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News & Announcements for Sunday, April 27, 2025
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:30-10:30. We look forward to seeing you!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – TODAY, FOLLOWING WORSHIP
The Session has called a brief congregational meeting following the worship service on Sunday, April 27 for the sole purpose of electing John Lange to fill the unexpired Ruling Elder term that ends this year.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, MAY 5, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, May 5 at the church at 7:00 p.m in the Tatman Room. We will be studying the chapter entitled, “Jesus and John – Friends for Eternity” in The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. Come prepared to share what you got out of the reading and any questions you might have. Please bring a friend and a food item to share with the group.
Coming Soon…
GET IN SHAPE CLASS
No, not physical shape – spiritual S.H.A.P.E.! God has given every believer gifts and shaped us for ministry and service. If you’re asking questions like, What are my spiritual gifts? How has God shaped me for service and ministry? Where do I “plug in?” What is God calling me to do in this phase of my life? Then this class is for you! We encourage every member of Northminster to join us for this, coming this spring.
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News & Announcements for Sunday, April 20, 2025
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:30-10:30. We look forward to seeing you!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
INQUIRERS CLASS – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 6 PM
Would you like to know more about our church? Are you interested in the possibility of becoming a member? This class will give you the opportunity to hear about our church, the denomination we belong to, and where we see God leading us. If interested, tell Pastor David or sign up in the Church Center app.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 10AM
The Women’s Book Club will meet on Thursday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the church. The book that we are reading this month is The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley. Regarding refreshments, we are asking everyone to bring a little something to share. We look forward to seeing you next Thursday, whether you’ve read the book or not!
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – SUNDAY APRIL 27, 12PM
The Session has called a brief congregational meeting following the worship service on Sunday, April 27 for the sole purpose of electing John Lange to fill the unexpired Ruling Elder term that ends this year.
DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP
Search for “Church Center” in your favorite app store on your phone to download our app! In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.
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News & Announcements for Sunday, April 13, 2025
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:30-10:30. We look forward to seeing you!
EASTER LILIES – ORDERS DUE TODAY
If you would like to order an Easter Lily in honor or memory of a loved one, today is the last day to place your order. Lilies are $11 each. Please put your name on the sign-up sheet on the hall bulletin board and complete the order form. Lilies will decorate the sanctuary for the Easter service and may be taken home afterward.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE – FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 7:30 PM
Join us Friday evening for a contemplative service of Scripture and song as we remember the profound nature of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The service begins at 7:30 pm and is an important part of our preparation to celebrate Easter. We look forward to seeing you there.
INQUIRERS CLASS – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 6 PM
Would you like to know more about our church? Are you interested in the possibility of becoming a member? This class will give you the opportunity to hear about our church, the denomination we belong to, and where we see God leading us. If interested, tell Pastor David or sign up in the Church Center app.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 10AM
The Women’s Book Club will meet on Thursday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the church. The book that we are reading this month is The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley. Regarding refreshments, we are asking everyone to bring a little something to share. We look forward to seeing you next Thursday, whether you’ve read the book or not!
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – SUNDAY APRIL 27, 12PM
The Session has called a brief congregational meeting following the worship service on Sunday, April 27 for the sole purpose of electing John Lange to fill the unexpired Ruling Elder term that ends this year.
Read more...
News & Announcements for Sunday, April 6, 2025
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:30-10:30. We look forward to seeing you!
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, APRIL 7, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, APRIL 7 at the church at 7:00 p.m. We will be studying the chapter entitled, “Job and His Friends – Companions in Grief” in The Love Stories of the Bible Speakby Shannon Bream. Come prepared to share what you got out of the reading and any questions you might have. Please bring a friend bring a food item to share with the group, and enter through the library doors so that Young Life can have our front parking lot.
COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICES CONCLUDE WED., APRIL 9
The Community Lenten Services conclude this Wednesday. This week’s service will be at Madison Heights Baptist Church, with Rev. Derik Hamby preaching. Lunch will follow the service. We look forward to celebrating Lent with you and our fellow brothers and sisters in the area.
“LAST THINGS” SEMINAR – THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 10AM
Coming Soon…
INQUIRERS CLASS
Would you like to know more about our church? Are you interested in the possibility of becoming a member? This class will give you the opportunity to hear about our church, the denomination we belong to, and where we see God leading us. If interested, tell Pastor David or sign up in the Church Center app.
GET IN SHAPE CLASS
No, not physical shape – spiritual S.H.A.P.E.! God has given every believer gifts and shaped us for ministry and service. If you’re asking questions like, What are my spiritual gifts? How has God shaped me for service and ministry? Where do I “plug in?” What is God calling me to do in this phase of my life? Then this class is for you! We encourage every member of Northminster to join us for this, coming this spring.
Read more...
