Grace Community Christian Church

 

Archived Things Above

An Evangelistic Wedding! (12/2/04)

"This is like one huge Matthew Party!" he gushed, barely able to contain his excitement. He was the groom, this was his wedding reception, but his mind was on the spiritual state of his & his new bride's many friends, family & co-workers. All across the auditorium, seated at tables & standing alongside walls, the subtle process of evangelism was taking place. Seeds of relationship were being planted which may one day bear fruit for God's kingdom.

Just what is a "Matthew Party" you ask?! The concept comes from Luke 5, where Jesus has tapped Matthew (also called Levi) to be part of his inner circle. Problem is, Matthew is a despised tax-collector, & hasn't got too many "righteous" friends. Plus he's probably not really up to speed on this "apostleship" business (he's the new kid on the block, remember?) But he really wants his old, "sinner" friends to experience Jesus.

So he hosts what Bill Hybels of the Willow Creek Community Church calls a "Matthew Party." An intentional, strategic social gathering designed to get unchurched people rubbing shoulders with fully devoted Christ followers, in the hopes that maybe some spiritual discussions will spontaneously & naturally occur, & people might be drawn even closer to the Gospel.

The beauty of this concept is that you can so simply incorporate evangelism into things you already enjoy doing!

It's easy enough to do. The only requirements are that you 1)know some unchurched people; 2)know some people who are excited & growing in their walk with Christ; 3)create some scenario where the two groups can meet socially. Like on a paintball outing. Or a game night in your house. Or a home sales get together like Mary Kay or Party Lite. Or a wedding.

"Your church is so friendly!" she exclaimed several days later as she shared with me how much she & her family had enjoyed attending Greg & Shannon's wedding. "We had the best time talking with the people at our table! My husband & I are seriously thinking about coming on a Sunday morning!"

Well done, church. Well done, Greg & Shannon. May the planting & the harvesting continue! It really is that easy!


Jim Dewar --