The Gospel Invitation: Why Publicly Inviting People to Receive Christ Still Matters

O. S. Hawkins, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, is a graduate of TCU (BBA) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv, PhD). He is the former pastor of the historic First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and is President Emeritus of GuideStone Financial Resources, the world’s largest Christian-screened mutual fund serving 250,000 church workers and Christian university personnel with an asset base exceeding twenty billion dollars, where he served as President/CEO from 1997-2022. Hawkins is the author of more than fifty books, including the best-selling Joshua Code and the entire Code Series of devotionals published by HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson with sales of more than two million copies. He preaches in churches and conferences across the nation. He is married to his wife, Susie, and has two daughters, two sons-in-law, and six grandchildren. Visit him at OSHawkins.com and follow him on Twitter @OSHawkins.

Matt Queen is the L.R. Scarborough Chair of Evangelism ("Chair of Fire") and professor of evangelism at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as associate dean in Southwestern's Roy J. Fish School of Evangelism and Missions. He is the author of Recapturing Evangelism: A Biblical-Theological Approach (B&H Academic, 2023), Everyday Evangelism, 3rd edition (Seminary Hill Press, 2020), and Mobilize to Evangelize (Seminary Hill Press, 2018). In addition to having edited and contributed chapters in several other books, he has also been published in academic journals. He also serves as Associate Pastor of Evangelism at Lane Prairie Baptist Church, Joshua, Texas and as an Evangelism Consultant for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. Queen regularly leads evangelism workshops and preaches in churches across the country. He is married to his wife, Hope, and together they have two daughters. Follow him on Twitter @DrMattQueen.

'Every pastor I know truly wants to see people discover a relationship with Christ and this book gives you an incredible opportunity to do that. Whether you have been extending an invitation at the end of your sermons for years or you are looking at it for the first time, O.S. Hawkins and Matt Queen have compiled a great resource that will help you get started or just freshen your approach and sharpen your skills. If you put into practice the principles and suggestions you find here, I am convinced you will see an increase in the number of people who respond to the gospel in your church.' -- Kevin Ezell, President, North American Mission Board, SBC

'It is my honor to regard O.S. Hawkins and Matt Queen as dear friends. I have turned to both for advice and encouragement. I am thrilled to recommend their book to you. Upon its release, I read it and was immediately encouraged to revisit the importance of a clear gospel invitation in each worship service. We saw immediate fruit. Every so often the church needs to be reminded of the priority of a clear presentation of the good news. Drs. Hawkins and Queen have given us exactly that.' -- Max Lucado, pastor and New York Times bestselling author

'My friend O.S. Hawkins has written a powerful book this year that I pray will impact all who desire to see people come to salvation in Christ Jesus. Each generation has the God-given privilege of casting and drawing the net to those who hear the call of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself said, 'Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.' O.S. Hawkins and Matt Queen masterfully shine a light on Scripture where God's servants have effectively called people to the foot of the cross. My prayer is that preachers, and all followers of Christ, will read this book with open hearts to the importance of The Gospel Invitation.' -- Franklin Graham, President and CEO, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritans Purse

'One of the most frequent questions I receive from young leaders and communicators is 'how do you give a gospel invitations?' That is why this book is so relevant and needed. And, I can't think of two more qualified leaders than my two friends, Dr. O. S. Hawkins and Dr. Matt Queen, to write on this very important topic. I love this resource. Please get this book and share it with every leader you know. That is what I plan on doing!' -- Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen Director, North American Mission Board (NAMB) & Author of Calling Out the Called

'The Gospel Invitation is a book begging to be read and practiced! May God use this important message to equip a new generation of preachers and evangelists to bring multitudes into the family of God.' -- Dr. Jack Graham, Senior Pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church

'The Gospel Invitation is one that every pastor, preacher, teacher and anyone serious about sharing the gospel must read. From the historical validity of the invitation to practical steps for modern invitations, you will be inspired and encouraged to invite more and more to come to Jesus.' -- Ryan Fontenot, Founder and Lead Evangelist, R.A.G.E. Ministries

'The most exciting time of our worship service each week is when we give people an opportunity to publicly respond to the teaching and preaching of God's word. As a pastor, I can't think of a greater privilege and more sacred responsibility than extending this weekly invitation for people to receive Jesus into their life. This is why I am grateful for The Gospel Invitation. Hawkins and Queen do an incredible job of exploring the biblical basis for a public invitation and give practical helps on how we can be most effective in calling people to Christ. I encourage every Christian, not just my pastor friends to read this book and implement its instruction. You'll be a better witness for having done so.' -- Jarrett Stephens, Pastor, Champion Forest Baptist Church; author, The Always God: He Hasnt Changed and You Are Not Forgotten