Trying to be sensitive and non-offensive to the unchurched, Christians often are too casual in their outreach to them. Notice the passage cited above. Jesus commands us to be compelling, not casual, in our efforts to reach the unbelieving world.

To understand what I mean, it may help to put yourself in the shoes of an unchurched person for just a moment. Imagine an acquaintance casually invites you to a family gathering. How would you feel? Would you accept the invitation? If so, would you show up?

Let's say you have been somewhat interested in getting better acquainted with your friend's family. You may still feel awkward about attending, however, because you are not part of the family. Succumbing to the temptation to blow off the invitation would be a rational response. After all, you have never been to the home before, you don't know the family, you are unfamiliar with their customs, and you are uncertain about what will happen once you arrive.

If, however, the acquaintance offers to meet you before hand–maybe for breakfast–and perhaps even offers to pick you up, or at least promises to meet you at the door, you would be much more inclined to accept the invitation. You would feel comfortable about going because your friend promises to accompany you. Armed with the confidence that you will be welcomed, and assured that the one who invited you will be there, you are more likely to attend.

Believe it or not, many unchurched people are curious about church and genuinely interested in attending. And while most of them feel awkward about going to church on their own, many will respond positively to an invitation from a Christian friend or acquaintance.

Dr. Thom S. Rainer is a noted Christian author and dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Church Growth at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His research revealed that 82 percent of the unchurched are at least "somewhat likely" to attend if they are invited. In other words, more than eight out of 10 unchurched persons are likely to attend church if they are simply given a compelling invitation from a family member, friend, or acquaintance! Yet only two percent of church members invite an unchurched person in the course of a year, according to Rainer in his book "The Unchurched Next Door: Understanding Faith Stages as Keys to Sharing Your Faith."

Furthermore, the unchurched are more inclined to attend church during the Easter season than at any other time of the year. As a matter of fact, 12 percent of the adult atheists and agnostics attended a Christian church service on Easter Sunday in 1999, nearly a million adults. Millions of unchurched persons will attend our services if we will pray for them and be bold enough to extend an invitation, assure them they will be welcomed, and offer to accompany them. Rainer estimates in his book "Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them" that nearly 130 million people in the United States will attend church if they are invited.

Christians would do well to capitalize on the release of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ." The film has become fodder for conversations in break rooms, among neighbors, between family and friends, and wherever people gather all across North America. It will no doubt raise many questions and generate interest in spiritual matters. Think of someone who is not regularly attending Bible Study or worship. Why not invite him or her to accompany you? Who knows, your invitation could change a life forever. May God greatly use you for His glory (Acts 4:31).

The writer is pastor of College Avenue Baptist Church, Normal, Ill.