Inviting Friends to Worship

This week, I sent out an email to those who are committed to attending our new band-led worship service, that is scheduled to open on Sunday, September 11. I reminded those who will be regularly attending the worship service, that the worshiping congregation will only grow through personal invitation.

We can send out fliers and put a compelling image on our web site, but that will not capture the attention of would-be worshipers. When we welcome new people to worship, it will be because they have responded to a personal invitation. In fact, this is the case for all three of our worship services. 

We have heard from those who have come to be part of Brighton First over the last five years that the majority came because they heard about the church from another attender. This follows statistically with a pattern for new attenders at churches around the nation. About 50% of newcomers will first hear about the church by doing a web search and the other 50% will hear about the church from friends and acquaintances. 

We will raise the attendance with personal invitation to worship and other ministries. Why not invite someone to Brighton First? Here are some ideas for inviting a friend or family member to join you!

• Who? Each of us can think of someone who "should go to church". Perhaps we assume that he/she would change a destructive habit or come to see "the light" if they had church exposure. Unfortunately, deciding who needs to be "changed" is not the reason we invite people to church. Instead, ask the people that you share your very best discoveries with. Who do you tell about the best restaurants, good deals and great movies? Just share one more thing with enthusiasm, an invitation to Brighton First.
• Pray. This is essential. If you can't think of anyone to invite, ask God to offer a name or an opportunity. If you have a person in mind, try putting that person's name on a note on your table, desk, or bedside stand. Stick the name to your refrigerator, right where you'll see it when opening the frig door. Each time you see the name offer a brief prayer to God for that person. Give God the work of preparing him/her to receive your invitation.
• The Approach: You know the best way to communicate with the friend or family member you want to invite. Do they discuss all things by text? over the phone? in person? Do you have a friend that likes things spelled out in an email or would they be thrilled to receive a hand-written invitation from you? Communicate in the same way you typically would with your friend.
• The Ask: Tell your friend or family members why you like Brighton First and why you have decided to invite people. Be honest. Be real. Tell them how you would feel if you saw them or sat with them at worship on Sunday morning. Tell them what qualities they have that would strengthen and/or enrich a community of faithful people. Finally, tell them that you will take them to breakfast or lunch after worship so you can hear what they think!

Worship attendance and attendance at other ministry events will rise when we start to talk about our church with our friends and neighbors. Let's join together and invite our friends.