As we approach Easter and turn our thoughts and attention to the celebration of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, let us also remember that we have an incredible opportunity during this time of the year to share the love of Jesus with those who have not yet come to know Him.

Easter provides a natural opportunity to initiate and engage in gospel conversations with individuals who have little understanding about the genuine spiritual meaning of Easter. Unchurched individuals and families seem to be more receptive and open to attending a church service at Easter. However, we must take time to invite them and encourage them to come.

J.D. Greear, Southern Baptist Convention President, has challenged each of us to select one person this year that we will pray for, cultivate a relationship with and seek to lead that person to accept Christ as Savior. As we think about the “Who’s Your One?” initiative, what if part of our investment included inviting that person to join us for worship during the Easter season?

Easter provides a natural opportunity to initiate and engage in gospel conversations.

If “your one” feels uncomfortable attending worship on Easter Sunday morning, invite them to an Easter drama production that depicts the final days of Christ’s earthly life, His crucifixion and resurrection. Even an Easter egg hunt hosted by your church could be a great event to introduce families to your church. Intentional conversations that follow these special events provide opportunities to share the hope we have in Christ. Studies show that many individuals will be open and receptive to attend a church service or an outreach event if you will invite them to come with you.

It is exciting to think how declining baptism numbers in North Carolina and all across the Southern Baptist Convention could be changed if members of our churches will consistently and fervently pray that God would send forth laborers into His harvest (Matthew 9:38).

What a positive difference it will make if each of us will regularly ask our Christian friends who the one person is they are praying for and attempting to reach for Christ this year.

How about you? Are you willing to make a commitment to God that you will cultivate a relationship with the person that God is impressing upon your mind and heart? Will you share with that individual how he or she can receive God’s gift of eternal life? Will you invite them to repent of sin, place their trust in Christ and accept Him as their Savior? Will you help them grow spiritually in this new relationship with Jesus by teaching them truths from God’s Word?

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’” — John 11:25 (NKJV)