A Fish Story…
One invitation changed a family tree
It all starts with a young coal miner named John Kuhnert. He had a young family at home, and not a lot of resources. John and his brothers went fishing using a technique called hogging or noodling, grabbing large catfish out of sunken logs during spawning season.
One day, John took his friend Mr. Quillman out hogging, and John invited him to Sunday School. Mr. Quillman replied, I am not one for church, but I have an eight-year-old son. He can go with you. So John came and picked up that eight-year-old, bought the boy a pair of shoes out of his own pocket, and they went to church.
A connection across the years
In 2012, I was at a camp in Denver. At breakfast, I met a pastor from Arkansas called Pastor Quill. I mentioned I was from Pinckneyville. He said, Your last name is Lacy and you are from Pinckneyville. That means you are most likely kin to some Kuhnerts. That eight-year-old was his father. He met Jesus, was called to the ministry, and served as a pastor for over forty years. That invite changed their family tree.
John was my grandmothers brother. That generations influence produced at least one pastor, several church lay leaders, and Sunday School teachers in my own family.
The ripple effect of one act of obedience
One invite, followed up with living the Great Commission, can impact people beyond what you could ever imagine. A coal miner invited his friend to church. The friend said no but offered his son. The son grew up, met God, and entered ministry. His children followed him into ministry. Generations were changed because one man was willing to make an awkward invitation.
Why we hesitate to invite
If one invitation can change a family tree for generations, why are we so many of us hesitant? Fear of rejection. Fear of awkwardness. But consider the alternative. What if your invitation was the moment that changed someones life? We overestimate the risk of inviting and underestimate the cost of staying silent.
How to invite well
- Invite from relationship, not obligation. People can tell the difference between a genuine invitation and a recruiting effort.
- Be specific. Would you come to church with me this Sunday? is more effective than You should come sometime.
- Offer to go together. For someone who has never been to church, walking in alone is intimidating.
- Follow up. If they say no, do not give up. If they say yes, follow up afterward.
- Live what you preach. Your life is the most powerful invitation you have.
The long view of evangelism
Evangelism is often presented as a moment. But it is often a process that unfolds over decades. The fruit of one invitation may not be visible for a generation. Every invitation matters. Every act of kindness opens a door.
Frequently asked questions
What if the person I invite says no?
That is their right. Plant the seed, pray, and remain open. Many people who say no to a first invitation say yes later.
How do I invite someone who has had bad experiences with church?
Acknowledge their experience honestly. Share what your faith means to you personally.
Is it enough to just live a good life?
Your life matters more than your words, but words still matter. We need both.
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