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I’m going out on a limb...

At CPC, one of our core values is risk. We believe in going out on a limb—because that’s where the fruit is. When you look at a tree, the fruit doesn’t grow near the sturdy base; it grows out on the branches. A fruitful Christian life is often found outside of our comfort zones, and that means sometimes we have to take a risk.

For many of us, inviting friends to church this Easter feels risky. Maybe we worry what people will think when they find out we go to church. Maybe we fear rejection, or worry that we’ll be seen as “that religious person.” But I believe that a lot of what we pray for is waiting for us on the other side of risk.

We have a young person in our church who had been praying for his friends to come to church and meet Jesus. He decided to go for it and open up about his faith at school. And yes, some of the things he feared happened—there were jokes, there was rejection, and he felt like the odd one out. But the risk was worth it. One of his friends came to youth group, loved it, and kept coming back. That friend has since decided to follow Jesus—and is getting baptized this Easter Monday.

That’s incredible. That’s worth celebrating. And that’s the kind of story we can hope for as we extend invitations this Easter.

Sure, sometimes we invite someone and get rejected. But other times? We may be giving someone a real chance to meet Jesus and have their life changed forever.

I’m so proud of the heart our church has for the lost, and I’m so excited for what God is going to do this weekend.

As you know, this Easter we’re gathering as one church family at the Sid Williams Theatre—and I’m excited for a few reasons:

  1. We get to worship together, all in one space. Usually, we’re split between the 9 and 11 AM services, but this Sunday we’ll be united—one family, one voice, worshiping our risen Savior.

  2. It’s a space that feels familiar to many. Sometimes it’s hard for people to walk into a church building. But the Sid is a place they may have been before, and it can feel more comfortable and accessible.

It’s not too late to invite someone. There’s real power in a personal invitation. Who knows—maybe they say no. Or maybe they come… and a year from now, you’ll be the one baptizing them.

We’ve been encouraging everyone to invite people you’ve already built relationships with. An online ad is one thing, but a personal invitation from a friend? That’s special. That’s meaningful.

For some of us, it’s been a long time since we’ve sat beside a friend in church who isn’t a believer. If you bring someone this Sunday, my encouragement is this: worship like you always do. If you raise your hands in worship, then raise your hands. If you take notes, take notes. Let them see the passion and fire CPC has for Jesus. Let them see how real this is to you.

As I write this, I’m praying for you. I’m asking the Holy Spirit to give you boldness and courage. I’m praying that every invitation extended is met with openness, and that seeds are planted in hearts.

Let’s go out on a limb together—because that’s where the fruit is.

Pastor Clay