Influential author Thom S. Rainer, the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, says that "Eighty-two percent of the unchurched are likely to attend church if a friend, co-worker, neighbor or family member invites them." Perhaps we need to pause on this response. Perhaps we need to restate it. More than eight out of 10 of the unchurched said they would come to church if they were invited. Sounds kinda crazy doesn't it? 

That that many people would just jump out of bed on a Sunday and head over to the church if they were invited to it? Let's assume it were that simple. The next obvious question is: Are Christians inviting non-Christians to church? The heartbreaking answer is "no." Rainer says: "Only 2 percent of church members invite an unchurched person to church." 

Perhaps it is time we sounded the call to invite people church. Not just a blanket "ya'll come" on facebook, I am talking about a personal message between you and the other person. I'm talking about the players and coaches from your kid's sports team, your restaurant server, (but only if you leave a good tip,) your friends, and family – even if they have said no in the past! It may be that simple, and it may be that profound.

God can use your ordinary invitation and use it to produce extraordinary results. Many of the people in our community are just one invitation away from experiencing the life that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Your life was changed because someone invited you! God can use you to do the same for others in Williamsville, Clarence, Lancaster, Cheektowaga, and the surrounding communities of the WNY Buffalo region. All you have to do is ask :-)

Pastor Milo

@milowilson

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Foundationally, I am a Christ follower before I am a Baptist. However, I have always attended and served in Baptist churches, even though they didn't always have it in their name. This Sunday, we have people publicly declaring their faith through believers baptism, and it's a great reminder why I choose to be part of this "tribe." 

1. I'm Baptist Because Of What We Believe About The Bible

We believe that every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. 

2. I'm Baptist Because Of What We Believe About God

We believe in one God eternally co-equal in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We believe that God's never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love has the power to change lives.

3. I'm Baptist Because Of What We Believe About Jesus Christ

We believe that God showed the world this love in the sacrificial death of His own Son Jesus, a death that we deserved. We also believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. That gives us hope for eternal life together with each other and with Him.

4. I'm Baptist Because Of What We Believe About Baptism & Communion

We believe that in Scripture, baptism and communion are specifically directed by Christ to be observed and practiced in the churches. These two ordinances are pictures of past, present, and future realities associated with our faith in Christ, His atoning work, resurrection, and promised return.

5. I'm Baptist Because Of What We Believe About The Church

We believe that God is painting a picture of Himself in the local church by building a family of friends that follow Him. We believe each expression is unique and autonomous and we believe that you're a part of the picture. 

6. I'm Baptist Because Of What We Believe About The Nations

We believe Christ commissions His followers to go and make disciples throughout the world. To play our part in fulfilling Christ's commission, we partner and cooperate with others to empower limitless missionary teams who are making disciples and multiplying churches among unreached people and places to the glory of God.

What about you? You may know why you are a Christ follower. But why are you a Baptist?            

Pastor Milo

@milowilson

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