Point of View

I love making lists. There's personal satisfaction in checking off accomplishments. List-making, however, can have a larger purpose than groceries or tasks. I recently led a women's retreat about witnessing. Ladies spent directed time making individual lists of unsaved acquaintances. The shortest list numbered forty names.

My friend, John, made a list of every person in his life who wasn't a Christian. Business associates. Distant relatives. Old friends. He systematically invited each person for lunch and told them how to become a Christian. Some people make a "bucket list" of things they want to do before they "kick the bucket." John's bucket list was much more eternity-impacting. Acts 1:8 says you are His witness. Here are some fresh ideas for sharing Jesus.

• Write it: There is no more effective Christian witness than your personal story. Write a summary of how you accepted Christ and the difference He makes in your life. Aggressively watch for opportunities to share your story.

• The Bleacher Ministry: Where do you spend time? If you're in school, your classmates and teachers need to hear your testimony. If your children play ball, you're in the bleacher ministry, spending time with parents each week. Are you in a club, business association or karate class? Work out at a gym? God has strategically placed you to tell someone about His love.

• Cookout with Your Neighbors: Host a neighborhood barbeque. Get to know your neighbors, tell them how God impacts your life, and invite them to your church. Even better, a church can challenge every church member to host a neighborhood cookout on a selected weekend.

• "Bring Your Sports Team to Church" Sunday: Many churches successfully plan a "Friend Day." Others invite a targeted group, such as singles, sports teammates, or neighbors. For example, on "Bring Your Favorite Fisherman" Sunday, the sermon, music and testimony are fishing-related, and fishing display, visuals, handouts and recognitions point guests toward God.

• 72-Hour Challenge: When a guest visits your church or Bible class, make a commitment to personally share God's plan of salvation within three days. Our young single's class invited guests out for lunch or coffee, intentionally sharing Christ. Many gladly received Him.

It's a fact: most people come to church and receive Jesus as their savior because someone invited them. Tell those in your sphere of influence about Christ. Who's on your bucket list?

Davis is the wife of the Indiana Baptist state executive director.