Bringing Fans Onto the Field: Inviting Others Into the Infinite Game
The Change the Game Framework is a way of reimagining what it means to live as the Church in our neighborhoods, not just in our Sunday gatherings.
We’ve named the game, defined the field, set new rules, recruited the team, and practiced by playing. Now, in Part 6, we’re asking: How do we invite others into this story?
From Watching to Playing
If we can cultivate a shared life of common mission, formation, and relationships that embodies good news while also naming pain and confronting injustice, something can begin to happen.
Curiosity is sparked. People notice. Neighbors take interest.
Mission, formation, and belonging aren’t exclusively “Christian” ideas. They’re deeply human longings. We all want purpose. We all want growth. We all want to belong.
So when people catch even a glimpse of a community embodying those things, it can stir something. When that happens, the invitation is simple: Don’t just watch. Come play with us!
A Compelling Way of Life
People rarely join something because of the right argument. They join because they’ve seen something compelling, beautiful, and worth giving their lives to.
So the work for us is less about perfecting our pitch and more about embodying a way of life that is:
Grounded in love for our neighborhood.
Honest about brokenness and pain.
Joyful and hopeful enough to spark curiosity.
When that’s the life we’re cultivating, the invitation almost speaks for itself: You can absolutely join in this way of life.
That’s not trying to convert people. It’s inviting neighbors, coworkers, and friends to step onto the field of the infinite game, which is the abundant life Jesus calls us into. A game that is committed to loving each other instead of competing against each other.
And when we live that way, the life of Jesus is both compelling and inviting.
How to Bring Fans Onto the Field
So how do we begin?
Live a beautiful life together
Cultivate rhythms of mission, formation, and relationship that embody good news.Notice curiosity
Pay attention to who is intrigued, who lingers, who asks questions.Welcome all kinds of people
Some may want to join in your practices. Some may want to explore faith. Others may simply want to be in relationship. All belong.
Discernment Exercise: Notice · Create Space · Invite
Notice
Who’s already showing curiosity about your community’s life together?
Create Space
How might you open space for them without pressure or performance?
Invite
What’s one small way you could invite someone to join you in the infinite game this week?
