Influence with Outsiders
Living a Life of Invitation and Impact
Jesus’ command to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) extends beyond the walls of the church. As His followers, we carry hope into a hurting world through genuine relationships with people who are exploring faith or far from God.
The Biblical Foundation
Jesus himself modeled this outward focus:
“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere…to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
“And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15)
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16)
The Core Understanding
Evangelism isn’t about pressure. It’s about presence. Our approach is simple: Invest and Invite. Invest in relationships with love and sincerity, and invite others into meaningful spiritual environments when the time is right.
Jesus ate with those considered far from God (Luke 5:29-32), showing that it must begin with relationships. This isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being authentic and available.
Mile Markers for Growing Influence
Early Influence: You can identify specific people in your life who are far from God. You pray for them regularly and look for natural opportunities to serve and show care.
Developing Influence: You have genuine friendships with people who don’t share your faith. You’ve invited someone to a church event and are comfortable sharing your story when the opportunity arises.
Maturing Influence: People seek you out for spiritual conversations. You’re helping others develop intentional relationships and seeing friends come to faith through your investment.
The Invest and Invite Strategy
Invest in Relationships:
- Create Margin: Make space in your life to be available to others
- Show Up: Be present for both ordinary moments and crises
- Listen Well: Ask questions and genuinely care about their answers
- Serve Sacrificially: Look for ways to meet practical needs without expecting anything back
Invite to Experiences:
- Start Small: Coffee conversations, lunch meetings, or casual hangouts
- Host Simply: Cookouts, game nights, or casual gatherings in your home
- Share Your Story: When appropriate, talk about how faith has impacted your life
- Invite to Church: When relationships are established, invite them to relevant church experiences
Practical Daily Opportunities
- Workplace Relationships: Be the person others want to work with and talk to
- Neighborhood Connections: Know your neighbors’ names and stories
- Community Involvement: Participate in local events and volunteer opportunities
Overcoming Common Obstacles
“I don’t know any non-Christians.”: Get involved in your community.
“I’m afraid I’ll say the wrong thing”: Focus on loving well.
Reflection Questions
- Who in your life is far from God but close to you?
- How might you show up for them without an agenda?
- What prevents you from building relationships with non-believers?