Several times a year I get invitations to dinners from companies that are trying to attract my business. I usually get one from our insurance company, presumably they will try to get me to buy more insurance. Sometimes I will get one from a financial strategist, presumably to get me to invest in their product and hopefully make more money.
Occasionally I have accepted such invitations and I usually come out feeling some kind of pressure, whether internal, or external, to buy, or invest in the company that sponsored the dinner. I haven’t every really been sold on whatever they are trying to get me to invest in.
Why haven’t I invested the time and money into these products?
1. I haven’t been invited by a personal, trusted friend. Usually these invitations are mailed out and the only reason I am responding is a free dinner. If I had a trusted friend I might respond differently.
2. I don’t usually have the resources available to make the investment that I am being asked for.
3. There’s no follow up.
4. I am skeptical about getting the results they salesman is pitching.
What about Alpha? Why are we doing the invitation dinner? Will it be successful?
I believe that the Alpha invitation dinner will be successful because we aren’t sending out mass mailings to people that we don’t know.
1. People who come will be there because they are invited by a trusted friend (you or me).
2. The investment we are asking for is time, not money. In a real sense time is more valuable than money. We are redeeming the guests time by offering a meal, friendship and good news.
3. Because we are friends, follow up will be natural. What is more natural than a friend asking if they had a good time and if they think they will be making it to the next meeting?
4. We are not trying to sell a product. This is a key point that we must get a grasp of. We are proclaiming a message and we are giving an opportunity for people to process information and process their own thinking. People will make decisions to follow Jesus. These will be life-changing decisions that will be of infinite value. The quality of life will improve. Not because they have more money, or an easier life, but because they will have the opportunity to know the creator and provider of all life.
In the Gospel of John chapter 1 we see a couple of invitations being extended. Andrew, after meeting Jesus invites Peter to come and see. Likewise, Philip invites Nathanael to do the same. We aren’t inviting people to check out the latest and greatest product. We are inviting people to have the opportunity to meet Jesus.
The invitation dinner is Tuesday evening 5:30 PM at Rusty’s, 16 N. National. We will be on the mezzanine level. You and your friends may order any meal and a drink off the menu at the church’s expense. If you want a dessert, you’re on your own.
If you would like to help make Alpha successful through a financial gift, then please mark your offerings on Sunday with the word “Alpha” in the memo.
