Invite Toolbox
We understand Inviting people to church can sometimes be scary... but it doesn't have to be! Use these resources to help take the step and invite someone to church this week! Below you will find what we hope to be some helpful insights and ideas on how to approach the subject of Church with those you might come into contact with during your day!
How to Invite Someone to Church
Let’s face it. When we invite people to church, the idea of it can be nerve-wracking.
There’s a lot of inner dialogue that happens. How do I bring it up in conversation? What if I come across as judgmental? What if I get rejected? What if they don’t feel comfortable?
The tendency is to ask a lot of “what if” questions that focus on the negative side. But...what if... you reminded yourself of the potential, instead?
What if God has been preparing their heart and has been waiting for me to invite them?
What if they say yes?
What if they’re hurting and find healing at church?
What if they give their life to Christ, and future generations are changed because of it?
There’s a lot of inner dialogue that happens. How do I bring it up in conversation? What if I come across as judgmental? What if I get rejected? What if they don’t feel comfortable?
The tendency is to ask a lot of “what if” questions that focus on the negative side. But...what if... you reminded yourself of the potential, instead?
What if God has been preparing their heart and has been waiting for me to invite them?
What if they say yes?
What if they’re hurting and find healing at church?
What if they give their life to Christ, and future generations are changed because of it?
How do you bring it up in conversation?
When you’re not sure whether they attend a church.
Lead with a simple question.
I was wondering, do you go to church anywhere?
If they answer yes, then the follow-up conversation is easy.
That’s great! So happy to hear you have a church home. What church do you attend?
Lead with a simple question.
I was wondering, do you go to church anywhere?
If they answer yes, then the follow-up conversation is easy.
That’s great! So happy to hear you have a church home. What church do you attend?
This approach works great because it allows us to celebrate the fact they are connected to a church and shows them you are not trying to recruit them to only your church.
If they answer no, you can follow up with an invite.
Well, if you’re ever looking for a great place to go, I go to Fellowship Goldthwaite (or insert your church here) and would love to see you there!
Well, if you’re ever looking for a great place to go, I go to Fellowship Goldthwaite (or insert your church here) and would love to see you there!
This language is simple, casual, and friendly in tone. It doesn’t assume they’re looking for a church and leaves the decision up to them.
If they don’t ask a follow-up question or engage further, then you’ll want to leave the conversation at that. If they ask a question or share a bit of their faith journey, then it’s a good sign they’re open to hearing more.
Take the opportunity to share more about your church: why you love it, how God’s used it in your life, give them an invite card, etc.
If they don’t ask a follow-up question or engage further, then you’ll want to leave the conversation at that. If they ask a question or share a bit of their faith journey, then it’s a good sign they’re open to hearing more.
Take the opportunity to share more about your church: why you love it, how God’s used it in your life, give them an invite card, etc.
When you know someone doesn’t attend a church.
Try leading with this question:
I’m curious—did you ever go to church when you were growing up?
The key with this question is how you follow up.
Try leading with this question:
I’m curious—did you ever go to church when you were growing up?
The key with this question is how you follow up.
This question is an easy way to start a conversation, but the real value is learning more about a person’s background with church, faith, and Christianity.
There could be many reasons why someone doesn’t currently attend a church. They could’ve had a bad experience growing up. Been hurt by people. Possibly a church wasn't there for them in the way they thought they should have been. Maybe they’ve always wanted to but never made it a priority.
There could be many reasons why someone doesn’t currently attend a church. They could’ve had a bad experience growing up. Been hurt by people. Possibly a church wasn't there for them in the way they thought they should have been. Maybe they’ve always wanted to but never made it a priority.
Then you could ask questions like these.
- Have you ever thought about attending a church (again)?
- If you don’t mind me asking, how come you don’t see yourself going to church?
- If it’s not too personal a question, what was the bad experience you had?
The answers to these questions will help you tailor a more personal invite at the right time. Use what you learn, and ask God for wisdom on how best to invite them to church. That could be during this conversation or another time.
Is there something about your church they’d like? Is there a specific message series you can share that speaks to a situation they’re going through? Do you apologize on behalf of other Christians or churches that have hurt them?
Remember, you don’t have to invite people to church the very first time you talk to them. That can be something you work toward.
Is there something about your church they’d like? Is there a specific message series you can share that speaks to a situation they’re going through? Do you apologize on behalf of other Christians or churches that have hurt them?
Remember, you don’t have to invite people to church the very first time you talk to them. That can be something you work toward.
What if I get rejected?
You will, and chances are it wont be as funny as the videos you just watched...but don’t let it discourage you. It’s not the end of the world, and it’s not personal. A “no thanks” won’t negatively impact your life. But a “yes” could change someone’s life forever. So press through any fears of rejection and keep inviting! You’ll never get a “yes” if you never ask.
As you invite people to church, you’ll find most of your fears are not reality. Rejection isn’t as bad as you think. People generally avoid confrontation. They’re not going to be hateful toward you or feel judged by you.