A Different Morning

My day usually starts like this: I wake up, take a bath, put make up and clothes on and then leave for work.

This morning however, something different happened to me …

While I was waiting for my bus, I was invited by a man - a complete stranger - to attend a local apostolic church. This kind of thing has happened to me before that’s why I was able to stay calm (others would freak out, I suppose) and just listened to him as he gave out reasons why I should attend their church. Despite his efforts to convince, I politely declined and told him that I’m already attending another congregation.

Photo credit: User JimP4nsen from Deviant Art

And so this incident got me wondering:  Do we Christians need to do the same? Approach every stranger we meet on the way and invite them to our church?

Back in the days when the church that I go to in Manila was still new, their members had to hop on public buses and preach the Gospel.  *Yikes!* Luckily, that all changed and they were eventually encouraged to build relationship first before inviting anyone to church. The latter is what we do until today simply because it seems to be more effective. 

Okay, this pic is not really relevant but the point is... religion is a very sensitive topic!
Photo Credit: Savio's Youth Ministry 

I think I can never approach a random stranger and openly talk about my faith, much more invite them to church or preach in a public place. Don’t get me wrong, of course I would love for others to know Christ but I just don’t have the guts to do it simply because I have observed that people are hard to convince nowadays due to the numerous sham religions everywhere. 

Effective discipleship requires a lot of prayers, time and effort. Added to that, it would make a lot of difference if that person can see that you are living a Godly life (hence the need to establish relationship/friendship first). I firmly believe that we are the "walking invites" for our churches - so we have to do what we preach! 

Despite all this, I can say that I have respect for those who are brave enough to do this step. I know that the sincere and honest ones only have the goal of advancing His Kingdom.  I do pray that they will be greatly rewarded because of their work.

Now let’s just see what will happen when I see that guy again tomorrow morning. *fingers crossed*