This Christmas, I was gifted a really interesting book. Now, let me be completely transparent with you – I haven’t read it yet. I have no clue if it’s going to be life-changing or forgettable, and I probably won’t get around to reading it for a while, based on my current stack of unread books on my desk.

Nonetheless, I think I can still safely say this is an interesting book. The title is “You’re Invited,” and it’s about building trust and making connections with people as you go through life. It’s not a Christian book; it’s written from a sociological perspective, looking at “the art and science of connection, trust, and belonging.” I think it’s about networking and coming to the realization that you can’t go it alone in life, that everyone needs community.

Thumbing through the Table of Contents, my eye caught the title of the first chapter: “The Power of an Invitation.” Regardless of where the author Jon Levy is headed, I can’t help but think about this from the perspective of the Christian life. Almost all of us became disciples of Jesus because someone invited us to walk with Jesus, just as Jesus invited the early disciples to become “fishers of people.”

According to church researcher Dr. Thom Rainer, about 80% of unchurched Americans are open to visiting a church; they just haven’t been invited. That’s an astounding number that should give all of us pause. It begs the question, “Have I invited one of my unchurched friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members to church? If not, why not?” This article states that the reasons we don’t are many, including fear – fear of offense, rejection, or awkwardness – and proximity, meaning we have not placed ourselves in proximity to non-Christians. In other words, we either don’t know anyone to invite, or we’re afraid to invite the ones we know!

Here at Christ Church, we want to help. Starting on February 16, we’re offering the Alpha Course. This is an experience that explores the foundations of the Christian faith in an honest and non-judgmental environment. It’s not a class; it’s a community that includes dinner, connection, and open discussion and conversation related to the evening’s topic. Here are some powerful testimonies about how Alpha has changed people’s lives. I encourage you to watch a few of their stories.

Alpha is the perfect venue to invite your unchurched friends to join you and discover the story of God and his love for all people. I want to encourage you to be praying about who you can invite!