The Vitality Practice of INVITATION

When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.”

— John 1.38-39a

Early in Jesus’ ministry people noticed something that was different about him. When they asked him to explain himself his direction was to “Come and see.” In the same way, when Mary sees Jesus at the empty tomb, she goes to her friends and tells them, “I have seen the Lord!” Invitation is not showing hospitality to guests as we receive them, it is sharing with those already in our lives the ways we have seen and known the resurrected Christ, sharing that Good News with them, and saying, “I invite you…”

Recommended Curriculum to help you learn more about the Vitality Practice of INVITATION

INVITE, WELCOME, CONNECT

Guided by the gospel imperative to “Go and make disciples of all nations,” the ministry of Invite Welcome Connect equips and empowers individuals and congregations to practice evangelism, hospitality, and connectedness. The website is filled with videos, resources, and connections to gatherings and coaches. Or start with the book to read together in your church. Successfully used by congregations for years, this program will give you step by step instructions and tools for changing church culture.

EMBRACING EVANGELISM

Embracing Evangelism is a six-part digital course exploring our call to seek, name, and celebrate Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of all people – and then invite everyone to more.

Each session features teachings on Episcopal Evangelism, group discussion, and exercises to help Episcopalians understand the ministry and call to evangelism. The full Embracing Evangelism series consists of six video sessions, each under 45 minutes.

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER WALK

It’s not just walking around. It’s not just praying. It’s walking through your neighborhood or “parish” praying with your eyes and your heart wide open. It’s noticing signs of hope and signs of need, and how God calls you to be present to both. So get a group. Take a walk. Listen closely. Pay attention. Offer prayer. Take pictures. Maybe even video. Notice what God is up to. Then re-imagine how your ministry could join God and join your neighbors. This guide is from the office of Evangelism of the Episcopal Church.

Read more about the Vitality Practice of

INVITATION

  • EVERYDAY CHURCH - Since 2017, the Church of England has been working with hundreds of church communities to enable all people to live out the Good News of Jesus confidently in the whole of life, Sunday to Saturday. Everyday Church seeks to shape conversations on how we live out our faith in these contexts, and how as church communities we resource this.

    Resource Page

  • A BIBLE STUDY ON NON-CREEPY EVANGELISM: God's activity of wholeness, restoration, and liberation. This downloadable study is great for small groups to discuss good and bad evangelism, and to look in scripture for a study of the "good news" of Jesus. This study is easily accessible and not too long.

    Bible Study

  • CHRISTIAN CAMP AT BURNING MAN OFFERS RELIGIOUS RITUAL, SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT IN NEVADA DESERT. Read this article from Episcopal News Service about one way of meeting people where they are at.

    Offering a Message of Love

  • WE HAVE WHAT THEY SEEK - an article from Episcopal Church Foundation that looks at trends in church attendance to help understand some of the deeper questions. Not so much about answers, but about understanding the framing of Invitation.

    Read the Article