This weekend, I published an article in USAToday, extolling the value of church engagement. USAToday put up a title, “Want a happier life, more friends and better sex? Go to church.” And, it appeared that the title did draw readers! It was the top story in entertainment and also listed on the front page top stories.
Which is great. Really. But, please don’t think the article is primarily about those things.
Instead, I wrote the article as a tool for you to share with your non-Christian friends, particularly so you can invite them as we are coming up to Back to Church Sunday.
So, why invite people to church?
Well, a Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant churchgoers found that 3 in 5 (60%) respondents offered at least one invitation for someone to attend their church over the past six months. That’s encouraging news. It goes on to show that evangelical churches are more likely to invite people to services than non-evangelicals, with 24% of evangelicals offering three or more invitations in the past six months versus 15% from others. African-American churchgoers are the most likely to invite others, and younger churchgoers are likelier than older believers to offer invites.
Inviting others to church displays a simple act of hospitality and a deeper expression of our faith. Many churches realize the power of inviting, so they join in things like the annual Back to Church Sunday emphasis.
The BTCS website explains: “Back To Church Sunday is a national church event that happens on the 3rd Sunday of September each year where the churches of America come together to invite their communities to church!”
Even outside of organized efforts, most who read this will recall someone inviting them to church at some point and even inviting someone to church themselves. I believe the practice of inviting others to church is vital today, and here are five reasons why.
1. Fulfilling the Great Commission
Inviting people to our church flows naturally from the Great Commission. As I’ve said before, Christians inviting others to church shouldn’t surprise us because “Christianity is a missionary faith because of the life and teachings of Jesus.” Jesus commands his followers to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). While this call includes more than a simple invitation to a church service, it doesn’t include less. Pastors who encourage churchgoers to invite others will often see those churchgoers growing to speak up about the good news of Jesus with others.
The Great Commission is neither the Great Suggestion nor limited to pastors or missionaries going to foreign nations. Christ has called every believer to the honor of introducing others to Himself. The mission is both “come and see” (John 1:39, 46) and “go and tell” (John 20:21). Every personal invitation represents a step towards fulfilling our role in God’s redemptive plan for the world.
2. Creating a Healing Community
Someone has said the church is not so much a hotel for saints as it is a hospital for sinners. We invite others to join us to find what we already know: that Jesus Christ and his work on our behalf can bring hope and healing into our lives and our world. A church community grows as a family as it reaches out to those who are broken, lost, and in need. The church offers community and a place to form meaningful relationships.
Unfortunately, the Lifeway study shows a shift in the reason churchgoers fail to invite others. In 2017, a similar study found that 17% failed to invite others because they didn’t know anyone to invite. This new 2024 study found that number grew to over one-fourth of those surveyed (27%). It’s harder to invite someone we don’t know to church. Believers should get to know those outside our fellowship. Such intentionality is a vital need today, and believers must push toward growth as we look outside our circles to a world in need.
3. Context for Spiritual Change
Through preaching, teaching, service, and community, churches help Christians grow in their faith, deepening their relationship with God. Inviting others to church opens the door to encounter the transformative power of the gospel. Lives are changed, hearts are healed, and faith is strengthened through the ministry of the local church. One invitation can be the catalyst for someone’s salvation and spiritual growth. Inviting someone to church also changes the active churchgoers who do the inviting.
Most of our neighbors seek answers, comfort, and peace, even if we think some seem to have it all together. When we invite people to church, we offer them a chance to meet the One who changed our lives. When we invite others to church, we help create an environment where everyone can find healing and hope in Christ.
