Seasonal outreach
How To Invite Someone To Church At Christmas (What To Say, And What Not To)
Christmas is one of the easiest times of the year to invite someone to church. How to choose who to invite, what to actually say, how to make it easy to say yes, what to do on the day, and how to follow up — without pressure.
·3 min read·Jesus Festival Movement
Ask most people who started following Jesus as adults how it began, and you'll often hear some version of "a friend invited me." Christmas is one of the easiest times of the year to be that friend. Carols, candles and the Christmas story feel familiar even to people who never go to church.
“He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus.”
Start with names
Write down three people you could invite this Christmas — a neighbour, a coworker, a family member, a friend who has drifted. Pray for them by name every day through Advent. Our Advent prayer guide builds that into week one. A tool like OikosMap helps you see who God has already put around you.
Invite personally
A flyer or a social post reaches people; a personal invitation moves them. Ask face to face if you can, or send a personal message — not a group text. Be specific: which service, what time, where.
Simple and warm
"Would you like to come with me to our Christmas Eve service at 6? I'd love to have you."
Personal
"Christmas Eve at church is one of my favourite nights of the year. Want to come with us?"
Low-pressure
"No pressure at all, but if you're free on Christmas Eve, we'd love you to join us."
For families
"There's a family carol service on Sunday afternoon — the kids would love it. Want to come along?"
Make it easy to say yes
- Offer to pick them up, or meet them outside so they don't walk in alone
- Sit with them, and introduce them to a couple of friendly people
- Tell them what to expect: how long it is, what people wear, whether there are kids' activities
- Mention anything afterwards — a hot drink, a meal at your place
- Choose a service that's welcoming to first-time guests
What not to do
- Don't pressure or guilt anyone — Christmas is good news, not an obligation
- Don't make them feel like a project; they're your friend
- Don't invite and then leave them alone at the door
- Don't take a no personally, or stop being their friend
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
After the service
Thank them for coming. Ask what they thought, and really listen. Answer questions honestly — and if you don't know, say so. Offer one simple next step: coming again, a meal together, or a newcomers' event in January. If they want to explore faith further, Know Jesus is a good page to share, and here's how to lead someone to Christ when they're ready.
For church leaders
Help your people invite: print simple invitation cards, preach the Gospel clearly at Christmas services, train welcome teams to notice first-time guests, and plan the January next steps before December begins. Our guide to Christmas outreach ideas for churches covers it all.
Questions people ask
How do you invite someone to church at Christmas?
Personally and specifically. Mention the service, the time and the place, and make it easy: "Would you like to come with me to our Christmas Eve service at 6? I'd love to have you." Offer to pick them up and sit with them, and accept a no warmly.
What should I say when inviting someone to church?
Keep it short, warm and honest. Say why it matters to you, give the details, and make it easy to say yes or no. For example: "Christmas Eve at church is one of my favourite nights of the year. Would you like to come with me?"
What if they say no?
Thank them and keep being a good friend. A no to one service is not a no to Jesus, and many people say yes on a later invitation. Pray for them, and look for the next natural opportunity — a carol night, a meal, or a conversation.
What should I do after someone visits church with me?
Thank them for coming, ask what they thought, and listen. Answer questions honestly, and offer one simple next step — coming again, a meal together, or a newcomers' event in January. Keep the friendship going whatever they decide.