[This reflection by Dazz & HBC Team was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 02/Nov/2025]
The thought of asking a friend to church can feel awkward, even ridiculous. I sometimes imagine how strange it might sound, and I don’t even let myself dream about what would happen if they actually said yes and showed up.
But here’s the problem: I’m assuming something on their behalf. I’m deciding in advance that they wouldn’t be interested, that it might be uncomfortable, or that it would change our friendship. I’m taking away their choice before I’ve even asked.
Jesus never did that. When He invited people to follow Him, He simply said, “Come and see”.[1] No pressure, no persuasion – just an open invitation to discover something new. Philip used the same words with Nathanael: “Come and see”.[2] That’s all it took to begin a journey of faith.
Our courage begins when we remember that the invitation isn’t really about us. It’s about Jesus. We’re not asking people to join a club or attend an event. We’re inviting them to meet the living God who has changed our lives.
And remember – most of us reading this didn’t always believe. Someone once took a risk on us. They trusted that we might be open enough to listen, that God was already at work in ways they couldn’t see. Somewhere along the way, we changed, and now here we are – reading a church newsletter!
Do you trust your friends enough to believe they could reach that point too? And do you trust God to make it possible? Scripture reminds us, “The Lord … is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”.[3] God is already working in their hearts – we’re simply invited to join in.
So maybe this week, take one small step closer to an invitation. It might be a conversation, a prayer, or a gentle mention of church. You never know what God might do with one small, brave invitation. After all, someone once invited you.
Resources:
[1] John 1 v39 [NKJV]
[2] John 1 v46 [NKJV]
[3] 2 Peter 3 v9 [NIVUK]
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Last Sunday’s reflection: The Table is Still Set by The HBC Team
Contributed by Dazz & HBC Team; © Dazz & HBC Team