When you’ve been transformed by meeting the Real Jesus, you feel the urge to invite others to experience that same life change. Knowing Jesus has transformed our lives, so the goal of our worship services, from our kids’ environments on up, is to help people know that same love.
People are much more likely to attend a church when they’ve received a personal invitation from someone they trust. It can alleviate the anxiety that comes with navigating a new place and the apprehensions many have regarding church. But inviting people to church can feel scary and even awkward sometimes. Here are four simple ways to engage others:
1. Share about your church on social media
Social media is where we share about so many aspects of our lives, so why should church not be one of them? In this digital age, social media is a great way to share and connect with others. If you’re looking to spread the word about how much you love Church on the Move, download the images below to use on social media.
2. Send an Invite Text
Copy one of these sample texts, fill in the blanks, and invite a friend to Church on the Move.
Sample Text:
- Hey, are you going to church anywhere right now? I thought you could join me at Church on the Move’s _______ location this week. Would you be up for going to the ____ service with me?”
- “Hey, are you going to church anywhere right now? I thought you could join me at Church on the Move’s _______ location this week.” (Or, “We could watch online together at my house this week.”)
- “Hey, would you be up for going to church with me this week? I go to Church on the Move _____ location at [service time].”
- “Hey, my church has some great content on the topic we were talking about this afternoon. Here’s a link [link to podcast].”
- “Hey, my kids love Church on the Move’s kids classes. I was thinking you and [their child’s name] could join us this weekend. Here’s a link to [your child’s name] favorite YouTube video from Kids on the Move so you can get a feel for what their services are like. Let me know if you’re up for it!”
- “[Your teenager’s name] loves going to Oneighty on Wednesday nights. I thought maybe [teen’s name] would like to go with us this week. I can pick [him/her] up if you want! Here’s a link to their Instagram so you can get a feel for what it’s like.”
3. Start a Conversation
Resist the urge to correct, belittle church-hurt, or defend your beliefs. Instead, listen for meaning, seek to understand, validate them, care for what people have been through, and have an open/respectful conversation about each other’s beliefs.
Conversation Starters:
- Did you grow up going to church with anyone? (Explore the topic)
- Do you go to church now? Where at? Or why not? (Explore the topic)
- Have you ever thought about going again? (Explore the topic)
With each question, remember, this is a conversation, not a sales pitch for church. The most important thing is getting to know this person and caring for them.
Engage Your Community
When we start a conversation, care for, embrace, and reach out to our neighbors, the barista, the check-out clerk, our kids’ teachers, and our coworkers, we open the door for friendship and for opportunities to spread the Gospel.
Ways to Engage:
- Pray for your neighbors every day as you pass their homes on the way to and from work.
- Take every opportunity to show care (mow lawns, shovel snow, rake leaves, bring cookies, write notes).
- Ask questions: Resist the urge to make every conversation about you. Ask about their lives first.
When you start engaging the people around you, you’ll have more opportunities to share the life and stories of Jesus. Ultimately, don’t forget to people in a way that is authentic and rooted in a place of genuine love and care.
Check out our blog on building community:
