The Assembly as an Evangelistic Tool

Imagine this: a visitor pulls into our parking lot for the first time. It’s Sunday morning, and they’re seeking something more. Are we truly maximizing this golden opportunity to connect with seeking hearts? Let’s explore twelve intentional strategies to transform our Sunday gatherings into welcoming spaces where the message resonates deeply, authentic connections are made, and visitors encounter the life-changing power of faith and community.

1. Invite and bring people to the assembly. Personal invitations are key! While we often have visitors from the community (people with no ties to JH), the strongest connections frequently begin with a personal invitation. Studies repeatedly show most church visitors come because someone they know invited them. So, ask someone to join you for an assembly. It could be a friend, family member, neighbor, or colleague. Offer to pick them up, introduce them to others, and have them for lunch. Your invitation could be the first step in their journey of faith. \

2. Prioritize your attendance. A well-attended assembly speaks volumes and shows you value communal worship. Your consistent presence strengthens the church and creates a warmer, more inviting atmosphere for visitors. Choose to sit closer to the front and alongside others, demonstrating your commitment to our shared faith and creating a sense of belonging that draws others in.

3. Set the stage in the parking lot. Before visitors even step foot inside, the welcome begins in the parking lot. Let’s make it a positive one with friendly faces, a helping hand for those needing it, clear signage guiding the way, and convenient parking spots readily available. It’s about ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition from the outside world to the warmth and fellowship within our walls.

4. Keep the building clean. A clean, well-maintained building communicates respect for both visitors and the sacredness of the gathering. It’s a shared responsibility to maintain a welcoming environment. Simple acts like picking up trash, straightening songbooks, not leaving things in the pew, keeping bathrooms tidy, and staying on top of general maintenance can make a big difference.

5. Welcome everyone equally. Treat everyone with dignity and respect, recognizing that the visitor who appears to be looking for a handout may be just as spiritually hungry as the family with kids seeking a church home. A welcoming environment for all communicates, God’s love and acceptance, paving the way for hearts to be open to the Gospel.

6. Guide visitors with clarity. Newcomers shouldn’t feel lost or confused. Clear signage (Can they find the bathroom?) and concise explanations about the assembly’s flow (What do I do with the communion cups?) can go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere. By demystifying the experience, visitors can relax, engage, and focus on what truly matters.

7. Extend heartfelt hospitality. Don’t just offer a passing hello. Engage visitors in genuine conversation, letting them get to know you and the congregation personally. Introduce them to one or two other members. Extend warm invitations for them to sit with you and to connect further – perhaps by joining you for lunch, inviting them to an event we are having, or even offering a personal Bible study. Let our hospitality reflect Christ’s love, making visitors feel welcomed and valued while nurturing a potential relationship with God.

8. Listen to our visitors. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of welcoming visitors, but genuine connection requires us to pause and truly listen. What questions do they have about God, faith, or the church? Are they new to town? What circumstances or needs led them through our doors today? Our willingness to listen and understand can be the foundation for lasting connections and spiritual growth.

9. Participate and engage in the assembly. Your active participation speaks volumes. When visitors see you fully engaged in the assembly – joyfully singing, reading along in a Bible, jotting down notes, and responding with an enthusiastic “Amen!” – it shows them that this gathering truly matters. This collective energy is a powerful, unspoken invitation to join and experience the same connection.

10. Put something into the visitor’s hands. From a bulletin, an informative brochure about the congregation, a “Mark: 40 Days with Jesus” journaling study, or a quality Bible – all available at our Welcome Center – don’t let visitors leave empty-handed. Providing spiritual resources demonstrates that we are invested in helping them connect with God and extending the impact of their experience beyond the assembly.

11. Follow up. We offer connection cards not for record-keeping, but to build relationships. A handwritten note expressing gratitude and offering a warm invitation to future assemblies and/or events can make a lasting impact. If it’s a visitor you connected with, offer a personal invitation to talk over coffee, dinner one night, or lunch after an assembly. Every personal touch strengthens the connection and shows visitors they are valued.

12. Pray, pray, and pray some more. Recognizing the assembly is an evangelistic tool, then fervent prayer is essential. Pray for God to open doors and lead those who need His message to our assembly. Pray that the message, songs, prayers, and people will resonate deeply with each visitor, speaking to their specific needs and circumstances.

Our assembly time isn’t just a ritual; it’s an opportunity. Let’s commit to making every assembly a time where everyone participates in creating an engaging worship environment, connections are made, and visitors encounter the life-changing power of faith and community.

Punctuation might seem like a small detail, but it can dramatically alter how we read, and perhaps, interpret a passage. It’s like the musical notes of a sentence, guiding our tone and emphasis. Let’s take a closer look at how various punctuation choices in 2 Samuel 9:6 influence how we interpret the scene “And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said…”

ESV, NIV, CSB: “Mephibosheth!”

The exclamation mark paints a vivid picture of David’s enthusiasm. Imagine him exclaiming with joy, almost leaping to his feet as he recognizes the son of his dear friend Jonathan. There’s a sense of warmth and eager welcome.

NKJV, NET, WEB: “Mephibosheth?”

The question mark paints a different picture altogether. Here, we sense David’s uncertainty. Perhaps Mephibosheth is hesitant, his face downcast, making David unsure if this is indeed the man he seeks. It adds a layer of tension and anticipation to the encounter.

NASB (in all its iterations) “Mephibosheth.”

The period in the NASB feels a bit flat in contrast to the first two, it gives us a more neutral reading.

This comparison highlights how punctuation acts as a subtle interpreter. While the words remain the same, the punctuation shapes our understanding of the scene, influencing how we imagine each person’s emotions and interactions. It reminds us that even seemingly minor details can play a significant role in how we engage with Scripture.

Just as a simple punctuation mark can change the tone of a sentence, our attitudes and interpretations can color how we read the Bible and, more importantly, how we live it out. Are we approaching the text with an open mind, or are we imposing our inflections that might miss the nuances of the meaning and application?

This week, I challenge you to take a familiar passage – maybe even this very story of David and Mephibosheth – and read it in several different translations. Pay attention to the punctuation, the word choices, and the subtle shifts in meaning. As you do, ask yourself: How might my preconceptions influence how I understand this passage?  How can I be more open to the surprising ways God speaks through His Word?

May we all be attentive readers of God’s Word, approaching it with humility and a willingness to be surprised.

Question: I would love to hear thoughts on “private” or “unspoken” prayer requests. I want an open mind, but I don't see how to pray for something someone won’t share. This seems to be a trend of late and I'm starting to feel very negative about those requests. 

Answer: Thank you for the question. It’s true that vague prayer requests like “unspoken prayer requests” can be frustrating. We naturally want to know what’s going on, understand the situation, and specifically address the needs of those we pray for. However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone has their own reasons for keeping things private. Perhaps they are facing something deeply personal or fear judgment or vulnerability.

Instead of focusing on the lack of details, let’s shift our perspective. The very fact that someone is requesting prayer, in any form, shows a desire for connection and a reliance on God.  What if they simply said, “Please pray for me.” Wouldn't we readily offer our prayers without hesitation? I think so because the core request remains the same regardless of the wording.

When encountering these “unspoken” requests, consider responding with empathy and grace.  Offer your prayers and let the person know you're there to listen if they ever wish to talk.

Most importantly, let’s pray. Even without knowing the specifics, we can still powerfully intercede for others. Here’s a prayer you might find helpful for these situations: 

“Oh God Who knows all, Who sees all, hear my prayer on behalf of [person’s name]. Though I don’t know [person’s name] specific prayer request You do. For You have said that You search the hearts of men. You know all our thoughts from afar. You know us from our beginning to our end. You are acquainted with all our ways. Even before a word is on our tongue You know it. Nothing is hidden from your eyes. Father, graciously attend to [person’s name] needs.

Though I don’t know the words to pray for [person’s name], Your Spirit knows. Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Spirit that intercedes for me and [person’s name] with groanings too deep for words or knowledge of the situation.

Though I don’t know what’s going on in [person’s name] life, I will not think negatively of her request but will consider [person’s name] need for prayer more significant than my own. For this is the mind of Christ, who though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God as a thing to be held on to but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant to save [person’s name] and me by dying on the cross for our sins. Father, give me a heart like Jesus to serve [person’s name] in prayer. Amen.”

The simple, rhetorical question “Who knows?” when coupled with action, transforms into a powerful word of faith. At its core, “Who knows?” encapsulates the concept of divine providence, acknowledging that the future isn't entirely predetermined and leaving room for God's mercy and intervention. Though the specific details of God's plan remain unseen, “Who knows?” expresses a firm belief in God's sovereignty, and the faithful trust in His unseen hand guiding the affairs of life.

Jonah and the Ninevites:

Upon hearing Jonah’s message of judgment, the Ninevite king declared, “Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from their evil way and from the violence that is in their hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish” (Jonah 3:7b-9).

The king's use of the question “Who knows?” captures the Ninevites’ acknowledgment of their precarious situation and their unwavering hope in God's grace. They recognized the uncertainty of their fate, but instead of succumbing to despair, they chose to turn to God. This phrase isn’t a mere expression of doubt, but a declaration of faith (note a similar use in Joel 2:12-14). “Who knows?” reflected the Ninevites’ willingness to surrender to God’s will and trust in His capacity for compassion. In the end, God relented from the coming judgment.

Mordecai to Esther:

With the annihilation of the Jews at hand, Mordecai implored the Jewish Queen Esther, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). His question isn't merely a theological musing; it is a direct challenge to Esther.

By asking “Who knows?”, Mordecai awakened Esther to her unique position and responsibility. He implicitly exhorted her to rise to the occasion, to recognize the potential divine significance of her role at this critical juncture, and to embrace the risk and uncertainty inherent in defying the king’s decree. In the end, Esther rose to the occasion and saved her people.

David and His Infant Son:

In 2 Samuel 12:22, King David utters his poignant plea, “Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?” This statement comes amidst a deeply distressing situation: David’s infant son, born from his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, is gravely ill. Nathan, the prophet, has delivered God’s judgment, foretelling the child’s death because of David’s sin.

Yet, despite the dire circumstances, David clung to God’s mercy. His use of “Who knows?” coupled with his seven days of fasting and praying reflected his understanding of God’s character. He knew God was just in His pronounced judgment, but he also knew God was compassionate and merciful. Nevertheless, the child died, but David wasn’t broken in spirit. “Who knows?” allowed David to praise God whether He allowed the child to live or not.

“Who knows?” isn’t a statement of desperation, but a declaration of hope rooted in faith. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there’s room for God’s mercy and the possibility of a surprising turn of events. God’s goodness transcends our limited understanding. Whether He intervenes in a way we anticipate or allows circumstances to unfold differently, we can trust that His purposes are for our ultimate good. Even when His answers to our prayers differ from our expectations, His ultimate plan is rooted in love, wisdom, faithfulness, and loving-kindness. “Who knows?” invites us to hold onto hope and to continue trusting in His infinite wisdom and unwavering love – no matter what.

Stuck at home with nothing to do? It’s never been better time to binge read about the life and teachings of Jesus. It's so easy and interesting with the the The Life and Teachings of Jesus 2020 Reading Plan. So turn off the TV and open your Bible and your heart to Jesus.

The Life and Teachings of Jesus – Week 15 – April 13-17:

Monday – Luke 6:43-45 (Matt. 7:15-20; 12:34-37): Continuing with His Sermon on the Plain, Jesus begins this warning with a horticultural axiom: “For no good tree bears bad fruit, not again does a bad tree bear good fruit” (v. 43). In other words, the tree determines the fruit (v. 44). This being the case, the human axiom is easily understood, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil” (v. 45a). Significantly, Jesus emphasizes here that the mouth is what provides the primary evidence of the state of one’s heart, “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (v. 45b). In other words, the heart determines the words one speaks. A person can attempt an external veneer of goodness, but the truth will become known through their words.

Make a list of your most used words, topics of discussion, and the comments you often make throughout the day. If your list was all the evidence someone had to decide if you were a Christian or not, what would they say? How would they come to their conclusion? In what ways will you turn your heart toward Jesus so that the words you speak will reflect Him?   

Tuesday – Luke 6:46-49 (Matt. 7:21, 24-27): Luke concludes Jesus’ sermon to the disciples, as does Matthew in the Sermon on the Mount (7:24-27), with the parable of the Two Builders. As a lead up to His sermon, great crowds clamored to seek Jesus’ healing touch (ref. Luke 6:17-19). Now He provides an illustration of the importance of adding obedience to an eagerness to hear His message.  The parable is introduced with the disciples giving lip service to Jesus, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I tell you?” (vv. 46). So what is the antidote to false faith and discipleship? The answer is given in the three present tense verbs: coming, hearing, and doing (v. 47). These three qualities lay the foundation for genuine discipleship. The parable that follows illustrates the importance of acting on what one knows and hears from Jesus. Matthew’s version of the parable is about where one builds – on rock vs. sand. Luke’s version is about how one builds – with or without a foundation. Whoever builds their house (or life) on Jesus Christ and His words will not be shaken. Think about people you’ve known throughout the years.

Write about someone you know who built their life on the foundation of doing the Lord’s will. How did that firm foundation sustain them through life’s trials? Conversely, write about someone you know who didn’t build on the foundation of Jesus’ words they had heard taught.  How did their world fall apart?   

Wednesday – Matt. 8:5-13 (Luke 7:1-10): “When [Jesus] entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to Him, appealing to Him, ‘Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home suffering terribly’” (v. 5-6). In this time period, the Jewish lands of Israel were occupied by the hated Roman legion. While it was not unusual for someone to request a healing, this request came from a most unusual source. The centurion would have been a Gentile, the commander of a division of the occupying imperial force. Yet, with such authority backing him, the centurion approaches Jesus with remarkable respect. He submissively calls Him, “Lord.” He demonstrates a deep concern for the great suffering of one who was merely a “servant.” Jesus affirms His willingness to help, “I will come and heal him” (v. 7). But recognizing his own unworthiness for the Lord to come to his home, he amazingly believes in the Savior’s ability to cure his servant from a distance, merely by a word of command, “Only say the word and my servant will be healed” (v. 8). The centurion bases his belief not on Old Testament scripture or witnessing such a healing, but on his own experience with the military (v. 9). God has such authority, He can give the order for illness to be cured instantaneously and it will be done. “When Jesus heard this, He was amazed” (v. 10) at the depth of the man’s faith. “Truly, I tell you with no one in Israel have I found such faith.” Sadly, those closest to the truth faithlessly take it for granted whereas those who have had the least exposure to it more often readily recognize its power. 

It wasn’t often that Jesus was “amazed” (cf. v. 10; Mark 6:6; Luke 7:9), or complimented someone’s faith (v. 10; Matthew 15:28). Looking at your spiritual life, would Jesus compliment your faith? Would He be amazed at your lack of faith or your faithfulness? Explain.

Thursday – Luke 7:11-17: The death of a child is certainly one of the greatest agonies possible in this life – a burying of a part of oneself. It’s a burden that all parents dread to consider. Such untimely pain was the emotional context of Jesus’ next healing.  Of the all gospel writers, Luke alone captures this intensely poignant scene of a mother burying her only child. He clearly narrates this miracle as a sequel to the healing of the Centurion’s servant. At a distance of twenty-five miles, Nain lay a full day’s journey from Capernaum. As Jesus and His retinue approach the gate of the city, they meet a funeral procession coming out of the town. At this decisive point in community life, a grief-stricken widow and Jesus meet. “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep” (v. 13). All of our Lord’s actions center on the plight of the mother rather than the son, much as in the preceding story where Jesus focused on the Centurion rather than the servant. With a touch and a word, Jesus gives life back to the young man and gave the young man “to his mother” (v. 15). The two crowds, first mentioned at the beginning of the scene, are present to witness, to interpret (v. 16) and to report this great miracle of resurrection (v. 17). And what a great miracle it was!

There is no request for help, no outward sign of faith from the widow. (Quite different from the centurion.) What do you learn about Jesus from how He responds to the widow’s plight?

Friday – Luke 7:18-35 (Matt. 11:2-19): As Jesus’ ministry expanded, that of John the Baptist suffered literal confinement (cf. Matthew 11:2). As John languished in prison, he became increasingly perplexed by the reports he heard of Jesus’ ministry. “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (v. 19, 20). Exactly why John questioned Jesus’ Messiahship is not revealed to us. Nevertheless, Jesus was not put off by John’s doubts. He responded with an eye-popping display of spiritual power (vv. 21). The Lord informed the messengers that His actions were fulfilling Messianic prophecies given to Isaiah (cf. 26:19; 29:18ff; 35:5ff; 61:1). The only hint of encouragement comes with the beatitude, “And blessed is the one who is not offended by me” (v. 23). The sense is, don’t be disappointed in the way I choose to work, just believe I am He who is to come. More than ever, we need to live out this beatitude. Then, lest anyone wrongly begins to depreciate John’s ministry, a situation the Savior would not let go unchecked, He issues this praise, “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John” (v. 28a). Even the greatest, most faithful man ever, could doubt.

Reflect on Jesus’ response to John’s doubt. How does it reveal His sympathy for John’s spiritual crisis? Have you ever experienced a spiritual crisis? If so, when? How did Jesus help you through that experience?