This may be a silly question, but do you know how to invite someone to church? Though it may be a silly thing to ask, I thought this was a good time to ask it. People are more open to attending church on Easter because, whether or not they have attended church in the past, they’ve probably been to some church at some point on Easter…or Christmas. These are your best chances.
Anyway, I ask the silly question because I work at a church and sometimes still feel awkward inviting people – will I sound judgey? Will they tell me of some horrible experience they had in a church and I will somehow then be associated with that experience? What if they come and hate it!?!
Here’s what I’ve come to understand: their reaction is not my responsibility. My action…or inaction, however, is. Since I’ve come to that understanding I’ve invited friends, my hairdresser, random people in the grocery store, and my obgyn…she showed up…I sat next to her…it was admittedly awkward.
Here are a couple of tips for successful invitations:
- Offer to pick them up (if you know the person) – navigating parking and entering a busy church or park when you don’t know where you’re going or what you’re doing, can be intimidating.
- Offer to meet them at a specified and obvious location at a specified time: i.e. I’ll meet you at the corner of Munger and Bryan at 8:45am. I’ll be wearing blue.
- Let them know a few things to expect – we dressy casually, we have a band with drums and an electric guitar, they’ll ask you to shake hands with the people around you, but it only takes a second, childcare is in the basement
- Let them know you’ll sit with them and then introduce them to others so they’ll feel connected more quickly.
These may sound obvious, but, like I said, I’m responsible for my action or inaction, so I figured, I’d take the risk of sounding dumb with the hopes that this will inspire everyone who reads it to invite at least one person. You may strike out, but it’s still better than not asking at all.
Munger Kids 