A few years ago I stumbled across a unique restaurant in Fenton, Michigan called “The French Laundry.” One morning I took Lois there. We sat and watched what people ordered. The waiter walked past the table one morning with a waffle the size of a small state piled with a mountain of fresh strawberries and a mound of whipped cream. Lois said, “I’m getting that when I come back.” Over the years we lived in the area Lois and I split not a few of those strawberry waffles. I would get the waffle at the end and drown it with real maple syrup. With the French Laundry house coffee it was memorable.
One day, speaking in our college chapel, I described the French Laundry and their legendary waffle. I think I noticed the students drooling. (Chapel was always just before breakfast). Immediately our students began to frequent the Laundry. This made me very popular with the owner. Sometimes on a Saturday morning I fight a strong temptation to get Lois, jump in the car, and drive to Fenton – but I resist the urge because I want to thoroughly explore and patronize Downriver businesses.
Evangel is one of the best-kept secrets around. If we describe it to others with genuine enthusiasm many will come and share what we enjoy.
If you are in the Evangel family one of the things you are going to hear from us over and over again is: “Learn to be an inviter.” Keep a running list in your heart of people you are going to invite to join you here at Evangel. There is nothing quite as pure and powerful as the testimony of a “satisfied customer.”
This may surprise you, but one of the most significant things you can do to serve the Lord, help people, and make your life count for eternity is learn to enthusiastically invite others to church. You don’t want to badger or button-hole people. You just want to show them your enthusiasm and joy in what you have enjoyed.
Pastor Ken Pierpont
The Study
Evangel Baptist Church–Taylor, Michigan
April 25, 2008
Pastor Ken,
I know exactly the restaurant you are talking about! My sister lives within walking distance of that place and it has always caught my eye. I just never had the opportunity to go in. At least now I’ll know what to order.
You are so right about Evangel. When Mike and I were first married, I have to admit we tried out the church based on what the facility looked like (even more reason to repair those bricks :)). We wandered from church to church feeling like nomads for our first year of marriage. Oh how I wished someone would have simply told us about the great stuff at Evangel and invited us to come. Thanks for challenging us to invite others.
Hi Pastor Ken! This is Kelsey Armstrong, from Byron Baptist. I know exactly what you are talking about. Those waffles are so delicious; it’s hard to resist the temptation… I work at “The French Laundry.”It’s also very hard to save your money working there :~) I appreciate the reminder to keep inviting people to church, regardless of how many times you have asked them in the past.
Hey Padre!
I liked this. I really appreciate it now that I am tryi9ng to build a group.
Love you Dad