Come and See: The Power of an Invitation - Ryan Vallee
On Sunday we were blessed to have Ryan Vallee from Alpha Australia share a message with us at both 10am and 5.30pm services. Below you’ll find audio and video recordings of his message as well as a summary article with small group discussion questions.
Ryan began his message by sharing a memorable adventure from a European trip with his wife: the infamous “Sound of Music” bicycle tour. Amid laughter, he described being the only man among twenty enthusiastic women, riding a tiny bike complete with a basket and bell, singing along to Do-Re-Mi as the tour wove its way through the hills of Salzburg.
Ryan’s story set the stage for the real heart of Ryan’s message: the power of an invitation. Just as he had been swept up into a sing-along he hadn’t expected, so too, Ryan suggested, could people be swept into the life-changing melody of the Gospel through a simple invitation: Come and see.
Why the Gospel Matters Today
Ryan posed an important question: if someone asked you why the Gospel matters today, what would you say?
Reflecting on a conversation with a musically gifted, non-Christian friend, Ryan offered a beautiful metaphor. He described the Gospel as a love song that began long ago—a song that continues to change the world. Jesus leads the melody, some already know the tune, others are learning it, and many are hearing it for the very first time.
But unlike a mere song, Ryan reminded listeners, the Gospel is historical reality: God stepping into the world to create a new destiny for humanity. And today, just as after His resurrection, Jesus calls His followers to share that good news, to extend His invitation: Come and see.
It’s Simpler Than You Think
Many Christians, Ryan acknowledged, feel intimidated about sharing their faith. It's easy to believe evangelism is the job of extroverts, pastors, or professional speakers. However, Ryan broke down that misconception.
Sharing the Gospel doesn’t have to be complicated, he said. It often begins with something much simpler: an invitation. Not a polished sermon or theological debate—just three words: Come and see.
He illustrated this with countless real-world stories from his work with Alpha Australia, emphasising that transformation often starts with a small, faithful invite.
Sheree’s Story: A Life Changed by Invitation
One of the most powerful stories Ryan shared was of Sheree—a woman who had done time in a women’s detention centre. She described herself as "the worst of the worst," far from God, bitter and hardened.
One day, another inmate invited her to Alpha. Sheree initially resisted—faith wasn't her thing—but the promise of cookies and drinks convinced her to give it a try. Arms folded, heart guarded, she attended week after week. Somewhere along the journey, Sheree encountered Jesus. Her life was utterly transformed.
Today, Sheree runs Alpha courses in the very prison where she once served time, helping other women find the hope she once thought was out of reach.
One invitation changed Sheree’s life—and the lives of countless others.
God Is Already at Work
Ryan offered three key encouragements for those who feel daunted by the idea of sharing their faith:
God is already at work in people's lives.
The Holy Spirit is the lead evangelist, not us.
God chooses everyday people to participate in His story.
Evangelism, he explained, is less about having all the right answers and more about joining the conversation the Spirit is already having with someone's heart.
Everyday People with Courage to Share
Throughout history, God has used everyday people to spread His message. Ryan highlighted the way Jesus first gathered his disciples—not from among the elite or highly educated—but from among fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary folk.
Peter and John, two unschooled, ordinary men, astonished the religious authorities with their courage (Acts 4:13). What set them apart? They had been with Jesus.
Similarly, Ryan said, our ability to share the Gospel doesn’t come from eloquence or education—it comes from an authentic encounter with Jesus.
The Woman at the Well: An Unexpected Evangelist
Ryan pointed to perhaps the greatest evangelist recorded in the Gospels: the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4).
She was an outsider—rejected by society, burdened by broken relationships, and considered unreliable in her culture. Yet after her encounter with Jesus, she became the spark that led an entire town to Him. Her simple words, “Come and see,” were enough.
Ryan’s message was clear: God often uses the most unlikely people to carry the most important invitations.
Fear Is Real—But So Is Resurrection Power
Ryan acknowledged that fear often holds us back. The disciples themselves hid behind locked doors after Jesus' crucifixion. But after encountering the resurrected Christ, their fear was transformed into boldness.
The same Spirit that empowered them empowers us today. Ryan challenged the congregation: what would it look like if we unlocked the doors of our own fears? What would happen if we trusted God with our imperfect words, our messy lives, and our shaky courage?
The world doesn't need more perfect Christians. It needs authentic followers of Jesus who are willing to say, "Come and see."
Loyal Friends: Doing Whatever It Takes
Ryan shared the story from Mark 2 of the four friends who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus—literally digging through a roof to get him there. It was inconvenient, messy, and difficult, but they believed that encountering Jesus was worth it.
In the same way, Ryan called the church to be loyal friends: to be willing to carry others in prayer, love, and invitation—even when it’s inconvenient or risky.
The Impact of One Invitation
To close, Ryan told the story of Albert McMaken, a 24-year-old farmer who invited a reluctant young man to a church meeting in 1934. That young man was Billy Graham, who would go on to share the Gospel with millions worldwide—including in Australia, changing generations of lives.
We can't all be Billy Graham.
But we can all be like Albert.
We can all say, "Come and see."
We never know what God might do through a single act of courage.
Small Group Discussion Questions
Ryan described the Gospel as a “love song” that is transforming the world. How does this image help you think differently about sharing your faith?
“Come and see” is a simple but powerful invitation. What are some ways you could use these words naturally in your own conversations?
Ryan said, "God is already at work." Where have you seen evidence of God working in someone’s life before they became a Christian?
The woman at the well was an unlikely evangelist. What does her story tell us about how God views our pasts and our current abilities?
Fear often keeps us from sharing our faith. What fears hold you back? How might trusting in the Holy Spirit’s leading help you take a step forward?
Ryan shared how loyal friends carried their friend to Jesus. Who in your life needs that kind of loyal friendship and support right now?
Reflect on Albert McMaken’s simple invitation that led to Billy Graham’s ministry. Who might God be putting on your heart to invite to “come and see”?