There’s a lot to think about when you’re pastoring a church. Things can get so hectic at times that it causes you to lose perspective. That’s why it’s so important to keep our focus in the right place.

Where is that? The same place Jesus put it: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have command you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

The church should continually focus on reaching out to others, winning them to Christ, seeing them baptized, raising them up in discipleship, and sending them out to reach others. It’s important to remember our primary task – making disciples of all nations for the glory of God. And it starts at home – in your neighborhood, on your job, at your school. How do you encourage your church to reach out to others? I want to suggest four simple ways we should be intentional in reaching out to others.

1. Identify – Everyone knows someone who needs Jesus. God has placed specific people in your life that need to know Jesus. He wants you to reach out to them with the hope of the gospel. Identify who those people are.

2. Invest – Once you’ve identified the people in your life who need Christ, take the time to invest in their lives. Have them over for dinner, help meet a need they have, walk with them through a crisis they are facing. Build a relationship with them and invest in their lives.

3. Invite – When you’ve had time to invest in their lives, then make sure you take the time to invite them to church. Statistics show that 82% of people who don’t attend church would likely attend if they were invited. But only 2% of church members invite someone to church. Did you hear that? 98% of church-goers never extend an invitation to anyone. What a shame!

4. Introduce – Finally, and of the most importance, introduce them to Jesus. Remember, we’re not trying to win someone to church, we’re trying to win someone to Christ. And when you’ve identified those who need Christ, invested in their lives, and invited them to church, you will have a much better chance of introducing them to the only One who can change their lives – Jesus! Isn’t that what it’s all about?