There I was, sitting in Starbucks drinking my coffee – well, actually it was just a straight shot of espresso – when a couple of guys sat down next to me. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind strangers sitting down next to me, but the tables near me were those little 2-seaters where pretty much the one sitting next to me was closer than the person sitting next to you on a plane.

    

I had my books out to read, my headphones in, and was pleasantly distracted from reading by looking at ESPN when I glanced over at the guy’s computer (since it was pretty much on my table) and noticed he was on the Gospel Coalition website (one of my favorite websites). So, I figured when he and his friend get back from being in line I will just start up a conversation.

 

Okay, yes, this might be borderline invasion of privacy, but as I mentioned earlier we might as well have been best friends since he was sitting that close to me. He comes back with his friend and they start up a conversation about football. So not only is there a possibility of theological talk but sports is probably going to be involved as well. SCORE! I muted the sound for my headphones so I can hear every word of their conversation (maybe I slightly passed the border of invasion of privacy) and waited for my opportunity to jump in, because let’s be honest, I was ready for both subjects.

 

For some strange reason, neither of them wanted to include a random guy sitting next to them with headphones on, “reading” the book upside down, and making too much eye contact a part of their conversation. I might agree with them. Short story long, I dive straight into the conversation most likely mid-sentence and start waxing eloquently on whatever subject matter they were on. Yes, I would argue I just interrupted their conversation with needed wisdom, but I think they would probably use the word ‘confiscated’ their conversation and, well, their time meeting together.

 

Even after all of that, they invited me to their church on Sunday. I went to a Christian high school, a Christian college, served in various ministries both in the church and para-church, but this is still one of the very few times I have been invited to a church and probably the first time I had ever been invited to a group (growth group, small group, etc.).

 

I went that Sunday and fell in love with the church before the service even began. I walked into a place where I had never been and I didn’t know a single person other than the two guys I creeped on at Starbucks. But they (the church) were expecting me – but just not me, everyone who attended that Sunday. I was greeted at the door, and then one of the guys who I met a few days before saw me and we just started talking and before I knew it the service was ready to begin. Here is the craziest thing: the other guy who I hadn’t seen yet on Sunday got on stage after a time of worship and started to preach. He was and is the lead pastor of this church.

 

Everyone, including myself, should be inviting people even if you don’t “feel” it is the right time. Here’s the thing: the Lord has people in your life right now and around you that you should invite to church. Inviting people to church is just the first step. When you invite them, be ready for them to attend and make that time on Sunday the best hour of their week.

 

Who are you going to invite this week?