By Pastor Doug Beutler

The Invitational Style is the second major style of disciple-making, and it’s one many believers naturally use without even realizing it.

I remember being invited to a Joe Bonamassa concert. I had barely heard of this world-class blues guitarist, but because someone I trusted invited me, I said yes. I would’ve never gone alone or paid the hefty ticket price—but that invitation opened the door to an unforgettable night. As a guitarist myself, I was captivated and inspired.

That is exactly how the Invitational Style works in disciple-making.

A simple invitation opens a door someone might never walk through on their own.

In John 4, the Samaritan woman at the well becomes a powerful example of this style. From her story, we see three strengths of the Invitational Style.

1. They Speak From Their Own Experience

John 4:25–26

Jesus meets the woman at the well and cuts through her questions by speaking directly to her heart. He reveals her past—not to shame her, but to show her that He sees her fully and still offers grace. Once she believes He is the Messiah, the first thing she does is run back to town—back to the very people she had avoided—and invites them to “Come see a man who told me everything I ever did.”

She simply shared her experience. That’s the hallmark of the Invitational Style.

I remember a young man from my youth ministry who loved snow skiing. When we planned a ski retreat, I invited him—knowing he likely wouldn’t come on his own. He was confident, maybe a bit cocky, but empty inside. On the second night, after I shared how Jesus had changed my life, he came to me with questions. He told me he had never heard of the Jesus I described that night—even though he had attended Sunday School. That night he began his walk with Christ, a walk that continued until he met Jesus face to face in a tragic accident years later.

Who knows? Maybe he never would’ve heard the gospel if he had not been invited.

2. They Have a Sense of Urgency

John 4:28–30

When the disciples returned, the woman didn’t linger—she dropped her water jar and went immediately back to town. She didn’t know how long Jesus would be there. She felt the urgency.

That’s how the Invitational Style works.

There’s an upcoming service, a special event, a Bible study—something that won’t be repeated. Time is limited, and the person inviting someone else knows the opportunity could be lost if they wait.

Years ago, my wife built a friendship with our neighbor, a young mother with many questions about parenting and life. When her children’s goldfish died, she turned to my wife for help talking to her kids about death. That opened the door to a spiritual conversation, and eventually my wife shared the gospel with her. After attending our church for several months, my wife invited her to our Christmas Eve service. She came—with her whole family.

That night, she and her two children accepted Christ.

The invitation mattered. The timing mattered.

3. They Share the Opportunity With Anyone Who Will Come

John 4:30

The woman didn’t limit her invitation to friends. She didn’t create a list of “safe” people. She invited everyone—including those who looked down on her. And Scripture tells us, “They came out of the town and made their way toward Him.” One woman’s invitation impacted an entire community.

We have a woman in our church with a difficult past but a forgiven heart. She befriended a woman who was lost, drifting, and sinking spiritually. Their trust grew, and eventually she invited her to church. The friend said yes. She came recently, and we are watching to see what God will do through that simple invitation.

Most of Us Came to Christ Because Someone Invited Us

Think back:

A church service.

A youth event.

A Bible study.

A retreat.

A conversation over coffee.

Most of us are where we are today spiritually because someone extended an invitation.

The Invitational Style is simple, natural, and incredibly effective.

Sometimes the most powerful disciple-making starts with one sentence:

“Would you like to come with me?”

Be watching for my next post, where I’ll explore the weaknesses of the Invitational Style of disciple-making and how to grow beyond them.