The Matthew Party Challenge

Matthew 9:9-13 tells the story of a tax collector named Matthew who responds to Jesus’ call to follow him. As a tax collector Matthew is viewed by the religious rulers as the lowest of the low, but Jesus welcomes him and shows him a new kind of love – a new way to do life. Matthew wants nothing more than to share this love with his friends – to introduce them to Jesus. So, what does he do? He decides to throw a party!! He gathers together a motley crew – the crazy Christ-followers and the crazy tax collectors – and they have a feast. Without a doubt, God is present in a HUGE way.

So, here’s the question…why can’t we do the same thing? Why can’t we gather together our friends that Jesus misses the most and our friends that love Jesus and have a party? Well, here’s the answer – WE CAN! That’s exactly what God has called us to do! Here’s the challenge. We want to challenge you to throw a Matthew party sometime between now and the end of the summer. It’s easy – all you really need to do is invite a bunch a people and have a party. But, just in case you need some help, here are a few ideas.

• Have a game night. Invite friends from work AND church…have everyone bring their favorite games and spend time laughing together.

• Throw a theme party for adults. Idea – luau, fiesta, decade party, etc. Invite friends from work AND church.

• Family field day. Get your neighbors and friends together and break up into teams. Have a sack race. Play tug of war. Eat homemade ice cream together afterwards.

• Throw a block party. Set up the grill in your driveway and ask everyone to bring a side and drinks. Play loud music and party till the cows come home.

• Have a ‘minor holiday’ party – like May Day, Flag Day, etc. Oh, and make sure to invite your friends from work AND church.

Have another idea for a Matthew party? Want to let us know how your party turns out? Shoot an e-mail to mystory@mountainchristian.org.