Hospitality Hints is a monthly feature on our blog with some helpful tips for being hospitable in everyday life. Our hints may involve inviting people over, but not always! Most of the time, they will be about having a posture of hospitality—welcoming others into our lives.
Easter is coming up so quickly, and you have an incredible opportunity right in front of you. This is the time of year when more people are open to an invitation to church than at just about any other time. As we celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus on Easter, don’t miss the chance to invite people in your daily life to be a part of your church’s services.
Here are a few ideas of people you could invite:
- The mom you’ve met on playdates with your kids
- Your regular barista at the coffee shop
- The new neighbors who just moved in, or the ones you’ve known forever
- Your favorite hairstylist
- Family members who haven’t been to church in a while
Download and print this invite card to get started!
And here are some ideas of how to make it easy for those you invite:
- Let them know what people usually wear to your church so they don’t feel over or under-dressed.
- Offer to pick them up on your way to church, or meet them in the parking lot. It can be so intimidating to walk in alone!
- Tell them what your church services are normally like so they know what to expect.
- Host an easy lunch at your house after church so the conversation can continue.
We often over-complicate something that could and should be really easy. Don’t create pressure, but let them know you would really love for them to join you and sit with you. A lot of people who have been burned by the church in one way or another, and it’s a hard step to take to go back. Be sensitive to what’s going on in their lives, and be willing to hear them say “no” if they aren’t ready. You’ll never regret asking someone to join you at church, but you could regret the fact that you were afraid to ask.
On another note, Easter is often a time when families get together, so don’t miss opportunities to engage singles, young couples and families, and senior adults in your home. Who do you know in your own church who’s far away from family that you could ask to join you for Easter lunch?
Do any of you have a story to share about inviting people in your life to church on Easter? Maybe you went to church for the first time as a result of being invited on Easter. We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!