8 People You Should Invite to Church

Do the churchgoers in your pews regularly see people they could invite to church? Here are eight ideas of people they can invite.

By Lizzy Haseltine

According to a recent Lifeway Research study, 27% of churchgoers say they don’t know anyone to invite to church. Is that true of your congregants?

While many Christians may feel like everyone they know is already plugged in at a church, your church members likely have more people—and gospel opportunities—around them than they realize.

The following eight categories of people should give your congregants ideas of who they could invite to church.

1. Your neighbor

The Bible speaks a lot about loving our neighbors. But are we really loving them if we only give them a kind wave or bring in their Amazon boxes when they’re out of town? (I’m speaking out of conviction here, too.)

Take the time to build relationships with your neighbors and be intentional to invite them not just into your home but your church. With the upcoming football season, this may look like inviting a neighbor to your church before opening your home for an afternoon game.

“Take the time to build relationships with your neighbors and be intentional to invite them not just into your home but your church.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on X

2. Your friend

If you have a fellow sister or brother in Christ who’s fallen away from their faith or a friend who’s never liked the idea of Jesus, give them an invitation to church. They may come if they simply feel welcomed and invited.

One of my friends was an atheist before coming to know the Lord. He met Jesus shortly after attending a church event his best friend invited him to.

Encouraging a friend to kindle a relationship with the Lord is the kindest gesture you could ever do for them. That being said, it may take you being a good friend and living out your faith for them to want to meet Jesus.

3. Your family

Maybe there’s someone in your family who’s not a church regular or doesn’t prioritize their faith. If you happen to stay at their home for a weekend, tell them you plan to go to a Sunday church service. Invite them to ride with you and have lunch afterward. Or, if they live in the same town as you, give them a call or shoot them a text and ask if they’ll come with you to church this upcoming weekend.

Don’t overcomplicate the invitation. Start by asking, even if you’re doubtful they’ll come. The Lord may use the situation to draw their heart to His.

4. Your coworker

If you don’t work at a Christian workplace, you likely have at least one coworker who doesn’t go to church. At the end of the week, ask your coworker about their weekend plans—and share yours. Encourage them to join you at church. Be prepared to go out of your way to accommodate them by offering to pick them up or wait to walk into the sanctuary with them.

“At the end of the week, ask your coworker about their weekend plans—and share yours. Encourage them to join you at church.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on X

5. Your gym class buddy or rec league team member

Whether you attend a weekly pilates class or play baseball with the guys every Monday night, there’s something special about the camaraderie of gathering together while exerting energy. Instead of just grabbing your water bottle and beelining out of your exercise class or keeping small talk centered around winning a game, get to know those around you. At your next class or game, don’t be afraid to mention your church—and invite others there, too.

6. Your barista, grocer, or waiter

It can be easy to get so caught up in your daily tasks that you barely say a word to your barista or grocer, much less have a conversation. But they, too, are people living in your community who need Jesus.

Start to get to know them by asking for their name and about their day. If you happen to have a flyer or bulletin in your purse or bag, offer it to them with an invitation to join you at church. If a waiter is serving you at a table, ask how you can pray for them at the beginning of your meal and then extend a church invitation. You may be surprised by their response.

7. Your child’s teacher or coach

With the new school year starting, you may have a few new individuals in your and your child’s life. Get to know your child’s teacher or coach and thank them for all the hard work they do with a Starbucks gift card or goodies. If appropriate, invite them to your next church event, too.

8. The stranger you just met

If you still feel like you don’t know a non-churchgoer, that may mean it’s time to add to your circle of influence.

If you don't feel like you know a non-churchgoer, it may be time to add to your circle of influence. Share on X

The next time you encounter a stranger—whether you’re getting your car serviced or trying on a pair of shoes in the same aisle as another person in the mall—start a conversation that ends with an invitation to church.

Remember: You don’t have to know someone extremely well to invite them to your church. There’s nothing required of them.

A church invitation is an opportunity that could lead someone to the best relationship of their life—and a loving community they didn’t know existed.

All someone may need is your invitation. What are you waiting for?

For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.