Extend Thoughtful Invitations

Decide Who You Want to Reach

Before you start inviting people, take time to think about who your course is designed for. Is it open to anyone, or is it tailored for a specific group?

Your answer to this question will shape everything from the language you use to the time and location of your meetings.

Open to Anyone

Some courses are designed as broad invitations to the whole community. This approach works well if your church is trying to reach a wide range of people with different backgrounds, ages, and life experiences.

The advantage of this approach is inclusivity. The challenge is ensuring the course can meet the diverse needs and expectations of participants.

Tailored for a Specific Group

Other courses are designed with a particular demographic in mind, such as:

• Young adults or students
• Parents with young children
• New residents to the area
• People who have attended baptisms, weddings, or funerals at your church
• Older adults or retirees

Targeting a specific group allows you to tailor content, timing, and tone to fit their context. It also helps participants feel like the course was designed with them in mind.

How to Invite Well

The way you invite people matters as much as who you invite. A thoughtful, personal invitation is far more effective than a generic announcement or poster.

Personal Invitations Work Best

Face-to-face invitations are the most powerful. When someone you know personally invites you to explore something meaningful, it's hard to say no.

Encourage your church community to think of one or two people they could personally invite. Equip them with simple, natural language they can use, such as:

"I'm part of a course exploring the basics of Christian faith. It's really relaxed and welcoming, and there's no pressure. Would you like to come along with me?"

Make It Easy to Say Yes

Remove barriers to participation. Consider practical factors like:

• Timing and location—is it accessible and convenient?
• Childcare—can you provide it or help arrange it?
• Transport—can you offer lifts or meet people at the venue?
• Cost—is the course free, or are there ways to remove financial barriers?

Use Multiple Channels

While personal invitations are most effective, also use other channels to spread the word:

• Church announcements and bulletins
• Social media and church website
• Posters in local community spaces
• Invitations at church events like baptisms or weddings

Setting Expectations

When inviting people, be clear about what to expect. Let them know:

• What the course is about
• How long it runs and when it meets
• That it's a safe space for questions and exploration
• That there's no pressure to believe or commit to anything
• That food, hospitality, and warm welcome are part of the experience