I believe that today most people come to faith by responding to an invitation that follows a process of a relationship, an exploration of reasons for faith and an experience of God that is personal. It seems that argument alone is not sufficient, nor is a single emotional experience or crisis in life. Faith normally comes because of the loving witness of a person who is a believer. It comes after questions have been asked, doubts voiced and objections resolved. It comes when a person encounters God as friend. There comes a time when God is real in a person's life, and it becomes clear to that person that "God is for me, and with me." This is what often happens when our young people spend a week at Covenant Harbor or Covenant Point. There is time for relationship with counselors and other campers who believe. There is opportunity for Bible study and understanding the truth of the Word. There are moments to experience the reality of the love of God.  

But relationship, reason and experience must lead to invitation for people to come to faith. Peter was invited to express his faith in Jesus. In Chapter 18, we read of one lamb who wanders from the safety of the flock. The shepherd seeks the lost lamb, and in a sense "invites" the lamb back into the fold. Sometimes Jesus issues a very direct invita-tion: "Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me." (16:24). At other times he calls for simple trust: "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (18:3)  

This fall we are planning a series of five weeks in which to explore the claims of Christ in Matthew Chapter 16 through 18, and then give opportunity for people to respond to an invitation to follow him. In preparing for these weeks, a team of people from our church have been planning and praying. We will focus on relationship, with new coffee mugs and welcoming materials, and a team of people ready to welcome and talk to any who wish to explore faith in Christ. We will hold a Sunday School class focusing on some of the important questions people have as they consider Jesus. Using books that offer insights into faith, such as Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense by N.T. Wright, we will seek to give an answer for the hope that is within us. The worship and preaching will focus on creatively leading people into experiences with God who loves us. There will be opportunities to respond to an invitation to come to faith in Christ.  

Please be in prayer for this special time of outreach and evangelism. Pray that God would send us people who have questions about Christ or who are seeking answers in their lives. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for worship this fall.