Every time I get my hair cut, the stylist inevitably asks, “So what do you do?” As soon as that question comes up, I know two things are about to happen:

1. Their behavior & speech change & they seem nervous. I have to work to get their guard down.
2. When I invite them to church, I have to explain where Maryville Vineyard is and why it is not in Maryville.

For the last few years, the invitation process has always gone about the same. I get to brag on God and all the incredible people that make the Vineyard great. I tell them about our service times and our address. “Where’s that?” they say. Oh boy.

Next I find myself describing the flashing yellow light on Highway 321, the guardrail on the corner of Endsley Quarry Road, and the whereabouts of Friendsville Market. At some point during the landmarks and descriptions, just before they understand where church is, the person I’m inviting checks out. Their eyes glaze over and they start thinking about pretty colors and the wallpaper pattern in their childhood bedroom. And I know I’ve lost them.

BUT not last Saturday! Right after the back & sides of my hair were clippered with guard number 3, and right before she got lost in my directions to Friendsville, I mentioned our MOVE. “Oh, I know right where that is!” she exclaimed.

And that’s exactly why this MOVE is such a huge opportunity. In just a few short months, most of the people in Blount County will drive past our location and see our sign on a regular basis. This will empower our personal invitations with clarity and credibility. We’ll be able to skip the convoluted directions and spend those moments on stuff that matters: What God is doing at the Vineyard.

In five years, we’ve learned that the number one reason people visit our church is because of a personal invitation. And when they visit, the reason people come back is because they connect with God & others. So here’s the deal: one of our biggest hurdles is going to disappear. Let’s leverage the opportunity now. Spread the word. Invite. Ask. When we take risk, God shows up.

My haircut went great, and for the first time in years the conversation moved past turning left at the T-intersection.

-Pastor Matt