Sometimes, inviting friends or neighbors to church can be uncomfortable. Sadly, this is because many of us don’t do it very often. We are out of practice!
But what’s a better time to change our habits, make a fresh start, and extend the love of Christ to those around us than to invite them to church?
Relationship always starts with an invitation, from one person to another. Here are some ways you can extend invitations to those around you:
1. Pray for them by name, before inviting them.
Ask God to go before you, and create a smooth path of conversation for you. Praying for the person will also ease your nerves and put things in appropriate perspective.
2. Pair the invitation with food or hospitality.
Invite them to coffee before the service or lunch afterward with you and your family. Tell them the menu! Explain there’s plenty of food, and you’d be honored to have them as your guest.
3. Pick them up at their house that morning and ride to church together.
Walking into a new church can be intimidating for your friend, as can figuring out your meeting-spot, navigating the unfamiliar parking lot, and making decisions about childcare (if necessary). Take the guesswork out of it for them!
4. Be specific.
Don’t speak in generalities. It’s easier for people to say “no” to an incomplete invitation with vague details. Don’t just ask them if they’d like to attend service with you. Tell them when it starts, when you’ll be leaving your house, when it will be over, where you plan to go to lunch afterward, etc. Then, see what they say!
5. Have compassion toward their insecurities about church.
If you know there are reasons they don’t usually attend church, be sensitive. Say, “I’m aware of some of your views about church, but if you’d at all be interested, my church is having a really amazing service on Sunday. I’ll be sitting right there with you, and I’d love for you to feel freedom to come if you are at all curious.”
6. Use social media.
You’ve already got the followers and the platform. Why overcomplicate things? Utilize your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts to invite people. Ask your followers to direct message you or text you if they want specific details. Visit delaneychurch.com for pre-made graphics you can share via social media. Or, you can go directly to our social media sites (facebook and twitter) and simply share from there!
7. If all else fails…just ask!
Don’t overthink it. When you’re at the store, out for a walk, working out at the gym, attending classes, or in the break room at work—just take a deep breath, smile, and ask!
We also have invitation cards to give out to people. These are located around our church campus and in the church office. Feel free to take as many as you would like to give out!