How to extend return to church invitation

In recent years, many churches have experienced a decline in membership. Some individuals may have left due to personal circumstances. Meanwhile, others may have been dissatisfied with the church’s practices or teachings. Whatever the reason, it is important to extend a return to church invitation to those who have left. After all, they still are valuable members of the community. 

However, simply extending an invitation may not be enough to entice people to come back.

This article discusses various strategies for churches to extend a return-to-church invitation in a way that is respectful and effective

Understand why they left

Understanding why some people leave the church membership is crucial in extending an effective invitation to return. 

While reasons for leaving may vary, there are common factors that contribute to this decision.

One is due to a change in life situation.

As per studies, nearly 60% of individuals who stopped attending church cite a change in their lifestyle as the main factor for their decision.

Another reason people leave is disenchantment with the church, with 37% of people saying so. 

Other reasons for leaving include the perception of an unloving church, with 45% stating that other members were judgmental and hypocritical and not being Christians, with 25% expressing a change in beliefs or losing interest in religion. 

That said, gather information about why people left your church.

Conduct surveys or hold focus groups to collect feedback from former members. 

Ask them why they left and what could have been done differently to prevent their departure.

This approach can provide a more personal touch and show former members that they are valued and missed in the community.

Moreover, doing so can help you develop strategies to address these issues and create an environment that encourages people to return.

Extend a church invitation that addresses their concerns

Now that you have a better understanding of some of the reasons why people may have left your church, you can extend a church invitation that speaks to their concerns. 

However, remember that extending an invitation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each person’s reason for leaving is unique. So, tailor your invitation accordingly. 

For example, if a person leaves your church due to a busy schedule, the church could offer more flexible worship times or online services to accommodate their lifestyle changes. 

Meanwhile, for those who left the church due to disenchantment or the perception of an unloving church, you can try to offer a safe space to share their concerns and experiences.

Offer them counseling or support groups. This way, you can help to rebuild trust and create a positive environment. 

Be encouraging, don’t criticize

Be encouraging rather than critical. 

Don’t focus on what they’ve done wrong. Instead, emphasize how much God and the church community love them. 

One way to do this is to share your personal stories of redemption and grace. Highlight how the church has been a positive force in your life. 

For instance, instead of criticizing someone for not attending church regularly, you can share how attending church has helped you find peace in difficult times and how the community has supported you through trials.

Another way to make your invitation encouraging is to show genuine interest in the person’s life and well-being. 

Inquire about their well-being and attentively listen to their worries. Afterward, offer support and encouragement without judgment. 

By doing so, you demonstrate that you care about the person as a whole, not just their church attendance.

Don’t force your church invitation 

Understand that inviting someone to church should never feel like an obligation or pressure. 

If someone feels like they’re being forced or pushed to attend, they may come with a negative attitude. As a result, they won’t be open to receiving the message.

Remember that your goal is to help others experience God’s love and grace. It is not to force them into attending your church.

Additionally, recognize that not everyone is meant to come back to your church after they leave. 

If they found a healthy and supportive church community elsewhere, you shouldn’t try to persuade them to leave.

Respect people’s journeys and preferences.

Pray for them

After extending a church invitation, continue to pray for those who have left the church. 

As James 5:16 says, 

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Pray that God will intervene in their lives and soften their hearts. Ask Him to help you guide them back to a healthy relationship with Him. 

Remember that it’s not your job to convict others of sin or change their hearts. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job. 

Your responsibility is to show them love and offer prayers for them.

As you pray for those who have left the church, also be willing to suffer for Jesus. 

In Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus says,

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” 

So, be willing to endure persecution or rejection for the sake of sharing the gospel and inviting others to come back to your church.

What to do if they accept your church invitation

Congratulations! If someone has accepted your invitation to come back to church, it’s important to make them feel welcomed and included in the community. 

You can arrange for them to have coffee with a few members after the service. Or, you can encourage them to attend a small group where they can get to know others on a deeper level.

Moreover, ask them about their interests and talents. Then, suggest a ministry that aligns with their passions. 

For example, if they enjoy working with children, you could suggest they volunteer with the Sunday school program. 

By involving them in the life of the church, you’ll help them feel more connected and invested in the community.

It’s also important to follow up with them outside of church. 

Consider inviting them to lunch or coffee to catch up.

Ask them how they’re doing and how they enjoyed their experience at church. 

Listen to their feedback and suggestions, and make them feel valued and heard. 

And most importantly, let them know that you are happy to have them back and that you look forward to seeing them again.

Extend a church invitation

Extending a church invitation to those who have left can be challenging. But, it is a rewarding experience. 

All you need to have is empathy, understanding, and a willingness to address their concerns with respect and love. 

Remember that your ultimate goal is to bring them back to the loving embrace of God’s church and to help them grow in their faith. 

That said, take the first step and extend a warm invitation to those who need it. 

Do not be afraid to reach out to those who have left. Invite them back to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being a part of a supportive and loving church community.

Know that you are doing God’s work in welcoming back the lost sheep.