Stop Inviting People To Church

Seriously, stop it

Have you ever felt that little nudge to invite someone to church but hesitated, not quite sure if it would make a difference? Or maybe you’ve extended a general invitation, only to be met with a polite “maybe next time” or silence. Inviting others to church—especially to specific sermon series—is one of the most impactful ways we can share God’s love and message. These personal invitations carry a unique weight—they’re intentional, heartfelt, and often meet people right where they are in life. In this post, we’ll explore some practical ways to invite friends, family, and even acquaintances to specific sermons, tackling common concerns and providing strategies that make invitations effective, encouraging, and genuine.

My first tip for success: Stop inviting people to Church. Invite them to an event that addresses an issue or concern you know they may have. Invite people to an event, the sermon, in this case. And offer to take them to lunch afterward.

Understanding the Need

Inviting someone to a specific sermon event rather than a general church service can make a world of difference. When we understand the topic of a sermon and how it might resonate with someone’s life circumstances, our invitation becomes more than just a casual suggestion—it becomes a meaningful gesture of care. For example, if you know a friend who’s struggling with anxiety, inviting them to a sermon series on finding peace and trusting in God speaks directly to their situation. It shows that you’re paying attention and genuinely believe the message could bring comfort or insight.

Personal invitations help bridge the gap between where someone is and where they might find answers or encouragement. Unlike a broad call to attend church, a specific invitation to a sermon that connects with someone’s current experience feels more genuine and less like a blanket statement or, worse yet, a guilt trip. It’s about making a heartfelt connection and showing that we understand and want to support them in their journey.

Common Barriers

Many of us hesitate to invite others to church for a variety of reasons. It’s normal to fear rejection or feel like we’re not the “right” person to extend an invitation. Maybe you think it’s not your role, or perhaps you’ve invited people before, and they didn’t come, leaving you feeling discouraged. These are all common thoughts, but it’s important to remember that inviting someone is an act of faith, not a reflection of our personal abilities or spiritual expertise. 

That’s why we now have sermon series invite cards for your use. 

Overcoming the fear of rejection starts with changing how we think about inviting. Instead of viewing it as a test of our persuasive skills, see it as planting a seed. It’s not about pressuring someone into a decision but rather opening a door for them to explore their faith journey. Remember, an invitation shows that you care about the person’s well-being, both spiritually and emotionally. Even if they don’t accept right away, your invitation can make a lasting impression.

Practical Strategies for Inviting Others

1. Know the Sermon Series and Its Relevance: Before you invite someone, take some time to learn about the upcoming sermons. Understand the topics and how they might relate to the lives of your friends or family. When you approach someone with a specific sermon in mind, your invitation feels more thoughtful and personalized. Again, remember the invite cards are for you to use. They are located at the table near the front door.
2. Start with a Conversation: Rather than leading with the invitation, start by having a genuine conversation. Ask about their lives, listen to their concerns, and be attentive to what they might be going through. This builds trust and shows that your invitation is coming from a place of understanding and care, not obligation.
3. Share Your Personal Experience: People are often moved by personal stories. Share how a sermon or your church community has positively impacted your life. Explain how a particular message resonated with you and why you think it could be meaningful for them too. Your honest experience can make your invitation more compelling.
4. Be Direct, Yet Gentle: When it feels right, extend the invitation clearly and confidently. You might say something like, “I remember you mentioning feeling stressed lately. Our church is having a sermon series on finding peace in tough times, and I think it could offer some real encouragement. Would you like to join me this Sunday?” This approach is both straightforward and sensitive to their feelings.
5. Use Various Channels: While face-to-face invitations are great, don’t overlook the power of a handwritten note, a thoughtful email, or even a social media message. Sometimes, people need time to think about the invitation on their own, and a written message allows them to do so without feeling pressured.
6. Follow Up, But Respect Boundaries: If someone doesn’t respond right away, it’s okay to gently follow up. You might say, “I just wanted to see if you had a chance to think about joining me this Sunday. No pressure, but I’d love for you to be there.” This shows you’re still interested without being pushy. However, always respect their boundaries and decision.

Encouraging Engagement

Inviting someone to a sermon is more than just a task; it’s an extension of our faith in God’s work. It’s about believing that each invitation has the potential to change a life. It’s also important to remember that not every invitation will be met with enthusiasm or acceptance—and that’s perfectly okay. Our role is to be faithful in extending the invitation and to trust that God will work in His own time. Sometimes, just knowing that someone cared enough to invite them can leave a powerful impression, even if they don’t attend right away.

Conclusion

As part of the West County Lutheran Church, we each have a unique opportunity to reach out to our friends, family, and neighbors with invitations that could lead to life-changing experiences. Think about the people in your life who might benefit from hearing a specific sermon. Pray for courage and wisdom in how to approach them, and then take that step of faith. Remember, your invitation could be the beginning of someone’s journey to a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace.

Take a moment now to consider who in your circle could use an encouraging message or might be open to joining you at a service. Write their names down and pray for them. Then, think about how you might extend an invitation this week. Whether it’s a conversation, a text, or a handwritten note, the method matters less than the heart behind it.

Inviting someone to a sermon isn’t about finding the perfect words or the ideal moment—it’s about being willing to reach out in love and trust that God will handle the rest. Let’s be a community that steps out in faith, invites with confidence, and welcomes with open hearts.

By following these practical steps, we can each contribute to building a more vibrant, welcoming, and connected church community. Let’s move forward together, inviting others to experience the life-changing messages we know and cherish.

Pastor Mark