It often starts with a simple invitation.
“Do you want to join me for church?”
Some of us have grown up in the church, but for many people, their walk with Jesus starts with the simple invitation from a friend to join them at church. Whether it was a Sunday gathering, a mid-week experience, or a fun, outreach event, that simple ask – “will you join me?” – can be truly transformational in the life of the recipient.
God’s word tells us what our main mission is here on earth. In fact, it is the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
When we reach out to those around us, such as our friends, neighbors and co-workers, and invite them to join us for church, we give them the opportunity to experience authentic community and hear about the hope of Jesus. This is one of the greatest things we could do for the people we love!
Wondering how you can invite someone to church? Check out five easy ways below:
- Invite them to a fun event outside of a Sunday gathering. These are often less intimidating, but still a great way to get them plugged in to the church community. Maybe it’s the upcoming Rock’N Family Ball, a Worship Night, or a Young Adults hang-out. Whatever it is, these are great opportunities to invite someone into the building that will hopefully lead to further connection.
- Tell them about the Kids and Student Ministries. A lot of times, parents are very interested to hear about what programs are offered for kids or students, and that will peak their interest. Invite them to have their kids join for one of the kids or student large group gatherings, and maybe that will be the first step to them joining as well.
- Extend a holiday invitation. We know Easter and Christmas are the most attended gatherings of the year, so this is an encouragement to be extra bold and extra forthcoming in your invitation. Sometimes people are unsure of where to go and are waiting for an invitation, so don’t be shy! Capitalize on the holiday excitement and invite that person that’s on your heart to join you at church.
- Go WITH them to church. It can feel intimidating driving to church for the first time, or walking into a building where you don’t know anyone. As you invite someone to church with you, have them meet at your house or pick them up from theirs, and go together. This might eliminate a lot of the nerves or anxiousness of coming to church and cut right to the heart of what’s important – learning about Jesus.
- Be relational and share your story. Use your unique and God-woven story to tell your friend, neighbor or co-worker what Jesus has done for you and how the church community has played a part in your relationship with God. Your openness and honesty is a great way for Him to work through you and connect with those you encounter. Maybe, just maybe, it’s all they need to hear to make that move towards Jesus themselves.
Keep these suggestions in mind and start praying about who God might have you invite to church. We are just a few short weeks from Easter, and we know the world is desperate and eager for the Good News of Jesus.
What if YOUR invitation was all it took to flip the switch in someone’s life and point them back to the God that sees them, knows them and loves them?