Nick Graham
According to Merriam-Webster, the word catalyst has two uses. The first is scientific in nature, describing a substance which enables a chemical reaction. The second is more personal in nature, describing an agent (defined as a person or thing that takes an active role or produces a specified effect) that incites or expedites change or action.
catalyst
/cat· a· lyst/
noun
1: a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible
2: an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action
While the use of catalysts in scientific experiments can be important, I will be focusing on the other use of the word today. A recent catalyst in my own life was an invite to join a men’s Bible study group here at Harvest. The invite itself was simple and informal, but it was personal.
Proverbs 27:17 says, ”Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Joining this men’s Bible study has led to significant change and growth in my life, allowing me to experience the sharpening that this verse mentions.
The personal aspect of the invitation should not be discounted. The following statistics seem to indicate that a personal connection to the person we are inviting can have an impact on their response. According to Dr. Thom Rainer in his book The Unchurched Next Door, “82% of the unchurched are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited.” In research conducted by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association, it was discovered that “80% of people who come to
Christ were invited to church by someone they knew.”
I hope that this serves as an encouragement to invite those that you share some type of personal connection with to join us at Harvest Baptist Church. Or to invite those already here to join your group or to get involved by serving on a team with you.
Friend Day is just around the corner on Sunday, September 15. What better opportunity to extend an invitation? We may not know what God’s plan is for a person, but we can be a catalyst to help them get involved and connected.
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