Inviting people to church is one of the simplest yet most profound ways to share God’s love and build community. Many of us hesitate, wondering if our friends or family will feel uncomfortable or reject the invitation. However, the impact of an invitation to church can go far beyond what we imagine.
Paul Bentley, an award-winning landscaper, experienced this firsthand when I invited him to a service during a challenging time. Paul’s story (which can be watched in the video below) shows the life-changing effect a single invitation can have and reminds us of why inviting people to church can be such a powerful act of love.
7 reasons to invite people to church
1. Church is a community of belonging
Churches provide a sense of community and belonging, something that so many people long for in a world that often feels isolating. Paul wasn’t initially part of a church community neither was his wife Denise. I invited her to visit Rediscover Church and later suggested she and Paul come to lunch, asking whether he may be willing to come to church beforehand. I am so glad he took us up on this offer.
After Denise first attended, she told Paul, “You’ve got to come to this church; it’s amazing.” Then when Paul came he discovered a family in Christ. When you invite people to church, you offer them a place where they can feel valued, loved and accepted.
2. It’s a safe space for life’s big questions
Life is filled with big questions: What’s my purpose? Why am I here? Where can I find hope? Church provides a safe, supportive environment for people to explore these questions. For Paul, going to church opened up a new world where he could engage with these questions and find guidance in his faith. When you invite people to church, you invite them to discover a place where they can seek answers and peace through a community of believers.
3. Church is a place to help people find purpose through worship
Worship can be a transformative experience, offering people the chance to connect with something greater than themselves. When l invited Paul to church, I didn’t realise that it would result so quickly in a profound experience of worship that would lead to lasting changes in Paul’s life. By inviting someone to church, you’re offering them an opportunity to explore faith and discover a purpose that transcends everyday challenges.
4. Being amongst other believers encourages spiritual growth
For those who may have a basic understanding of Christianity or who feel distanced from their faith, an invitation to church can help them reconnect and grow spiritually. Attending church gave Paul the space to deepen his faith and pursue a closer relationship with God. Inviting people to church can serve as a gentle nudge, helping them rediscover their spiritual life and feel encouraged by others.
5. A place for personal transformation
Testimonies like Paul’s show us how deeply lives can be transformed through a single invitation. When Paul first attended church, he was facing a difficult time in his landscaping business. He and his wife came forward for prayer, and together, they handed their business over to God, making Jesus the ‘CEO’. of their company. Since that day, they’ve seen their business thrive in ways they couldn’t have imagined. “It’s been the best thing I’ve ever done,” Paul shared. His story is a testament to the life-changing power of an invitation to church and what can happen when we open our lives to God.
6. An opportunity to share the joy of believing
Faith is a gift meant to be shared. Inviting people to church is a simple way to share this gift, offering them the joy, peace, and hope that comes with a life of faith. When l invited Paul to church, this was an opportunity to share more than just a Sunday service; it was a time to introduce the life-transforming love of Jesus into a person’s life. Your invitation can be the spark that encourages someone to seek a deeper relationship with God.
7. Being a light in someone’s life – invite people to church
Many people struggle silently, dealing with challenges that are not always visible. Paul was dealing with both personal and business struggles when he accepted the invitation to church. By coming into a faith community, he found strength and support that changed his outlook on life. When you invite people to church, you could be offering them a lifeline, a light in their darkness and a reminder that they are not alone.
From struggling in business to overflowing blessings! Watch as Paul Bentley, an award-winning landscaper and recent follower of Jesus, shares how God has transformed his life and business. In this video clip, Pastor Mark Pugh of Rediscover Church, Exeter interviews Paul about his new found faith.
Watch and discover how Paul and his wife Denise turned to prayer during a tough season. After visiting Rediscover, they decided to make God the CEO of their business. Since then they have seen doors open, problems dissolve and unexpected blessings pour in. Don’t miss this moving testimony of faith, purpose and transformation – proof that one invitation to church can change everything.
Practical tips for inviting people to Church
- Start with prayer: pray for the person you want to invite, asking God to open their heart and prepare them for the invitation;
- Be genuine and personal: share why being part of a Bible-believing community means so much to you and why you think they’d enjoy it;
- Offer to go together: sometimes people feel nervous about going alone. Offer to meet them there or go together to make it easier. Perhaps invite them for a meal afterwards, like I did; and
- Follow up: If they don’t come immediately, keep the invitation open. Sometimes, people need time to consider it.
Invite people to church and see changed lives
Inviting people to church is about more than just attending a service; it’s offering them a chance to experience community, love, support and ultimately, transformation. Paul’s testimony shows how powerful this can be. From receiving support during difficult times to experiencing renewed purpose and business success, he found that a single invitation could change everything. The next time you consider inviting someone to church, remember that your invitation might be exactly what they need to find purpose, peace and a fresh start.
Also read: Christian business testimony: how making God the CEO led to transformation for Paul and Denise
Al Gibson
Wordsmith, overcomer and exhorter. Al has a degree in Journalism and Media Studies and years of communications experience in Africa, the UK, Israel and USA. He left South Africa in 2001 and worked for GOD TV in England for 18 years. He now heads up Countdown Creative, a content creation business in Exeter. Al is the author of three biographies. Blogs he writes for include GODTV.com; International Christian and UK and US Christian.
