Who's Coming To Dinner?

I preached a sermon when I first arrived at Hammersley Fork entitled “Who’s Coming To Dinner?” The idea was to equip church members to reach out to their neighbors and friends sharing the love of Christ. Much is accomplished over dinner. People are open and share from their heart. The very beginnings of the church was around the dinner table. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. Acts 2:42 The early church gathered around the dinner table sharing more than food. This was a time of fellowship where I’m sure fellow believers were encouraged and edified in their new found faith.

I see the dinner table as a very comfortable setting to share the Gospel of Christ. By inviting friends who have not yet turned to Christ we as believers can share how the Lord has worked in our life and the blessings associated with our new life. We can share how much we care for the individual by listening to the challenges they are encountering in life. A person typically will not care how much you know until they know how much you care. Focus conversation on them not yourself.

Attempt to remain positive in all you say and do. Do not get caught up in bashing others or politics. Try to steer the conversation towards the other person and interject ho Christ has transformed your life bringing healing to you life. Jesus is the answer to whatever challenge a person is enduring. Relay this to your friend and allow the Holy Spirit to work in their heart. You may not see transformation at first but over time the Holy Spirit will begin to break away that heart of stone. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26

Invite other believers to share in the meal to provide additional testimony of God’s providence and grace. Try not to gang up on the person.

The early church grew dramatically through this type of evangelism. One-on-one relational evangelism is in my opinion very effective at reaching and keeping the individual for Jesus. We are called to “Go and preach the Gospel” fulfill your calling by reaching those closest to you first they begin reaching beyond your borders.