Bring a Friend Sunday

By Shelly Lemons

The older I get the more I realize how incredibly mindful the church of my youth was. I have many delightful memories from the church I grew up in, but one especially sweet one is Bring a Friend Sundays.  On these Sundays we would work hard to invite a friend to church.  My mom and dad would often each invite someone.  Many of these people ended up staying around our church for years to come; in fact, some might still be involved there today.  The church provided an opportunity, and once people came, they tended to stick around!

Friedens is going to give this “Bring a Friend Sunday” thing a try on December7.  When I shared in church a couple weeks ago about “Bring a Friend Sunday,” I saw people tracking as they thought of people they had been meaning to invite for a while, maybe years.  I also saw the looks of people who seemed to feel that this is quite a daunting ask. I can relate to both feelings.

When we are excited about something, we can’t wait to tell others about it. If you are around me a lot, you will know when the Kwik Trip banana sales are going on.  I geek out about getting a good deal and want to share it with others.  Friends, we have a really good deal going on in the relationships and discipleship that happen at Friedens.  If you appreciate the ministries happening at Friedens, if you feel a peace and joy of being surrounded by your church family, if you have grown through a sermon, song, small group or class, if you have connected with someone who has become a friend, if you have found a meaningful place to serve, it is only natural to want to share that with others and invite them to be part of the church family, for one day and hopefully for longer.

I recently heard that only 18% of people you ask to come to church will say yes, but if food is involved, that number goes up to 80%! (This pertains especially to inviting them to coffee or a meal before or after the service.) Friedens has food every Sunday, so make sure to mention the food when inviting, and enjoy food and conversation together after the service!

So, how do you actually do this?

Each family can brainstorm people/families they would like to invite to church.  Try to come up with a list of 3-5, because they will not all say yes or be available.

Next, invite the family to church and Sunday school on December 7. 

What could you I say?

• “Our church is having a ‘Bring a Friend Sunday’ soon. This might be the perfect time to check out Friedens Church, because there will be lots of new people, so you will not feel singled out.”

• “We have wanted to invite you to church for a long time and always felt odd doing it, but now that our church is doing a special Sunday with lots of guests, we are finally following through on the invite.”

• “I know you have mentioned church stuff in the past; the Christmas season is a great time to check out Friedens.”

• “If you were thinking about getting more involved in a church in 2026, checking out a church in 2025 will set you up for success in the new year.”

• “If you have ever watched a Hallmark Christmas movie and thought the churches in them seem pretty fictitious, well, you haven’t seen Friedens at Christmas time. The church will be a Christmas wonderland on the 7^th!”

Who can I invite?  Most of my friends go to a church.

The term “friend” is loose.  You can invite neighbors, friends, coworkers, classmates, families of your kids’ friends, families from you kids’ sport teams, teachers or coaches from the present or past, the person who makes your coffee, cuts your hair, serves with you at school events, chats at the dog park, a crossing guard, a principal, a city official, librarian, receptionist, mail carrier.  If you have a conversation with someone, you can invite them!

How does the actual Sunday work?

You can make a plan with your friend to meet in the parking lot or entry area.  Walking into Friedens might feel natural to you, but to someone who has never been here, it could feel daunting. They might want to know what to expect in the service, what people wear etc. Make sure to do everything possible for them to feel comfortable. After the service, take them into Fellowship Hall and share a snack together. Basically, be their buddy for the day. You might need to attend a service you don’t normally attend to meet the needs of your friend, or if you want to invite someone to both services!

The worship services on December 7 will be structured similarly to usual, though the planning will take into account the fact that we will have guests who have never attended Friedens and may not have been at a church in a long time, if ever. Please note that the Lord’s Supper will move to November 30 rather than being on December 7.

What if everyone I ask says no? 

This might happen.  Each time you invite someone, even if they are busy or say no, you have opened the door to future conversations.  You can invite them the following week for the Christmas Program or to a Christmas Eve service.

Can I still come to church if I can’t find a friend to bring along?

Yes!  In fact, you can use this as an opportunity to meet people who others have invited to church. If there is someone sitting near you in the service, take a moment to say “hello” before or after. Help those visiting to feel at home and well cared for.

Conclusion

Having a dedicated Sunday like this makes it easier for you to invite and easier for your guest to feel comfortable, because no one likes feeling like the only guest. 

Please pray, make your invite list, and start inviting soon. This is the perfect opportunity to reach out in love to your neighbors.  Would you be a part of the Friedens family today if someone didn’t tell you about our church community?!