Let’s Do Lunch!
Posted on Apr 5th, 2010 
Here’s an idea for you for connecting with someone who’s been out of the church for a very long time: Invite them to lunch!
That’s what we did a few months back with some folks who’d been inactive for more than 20 years. Invited them to join us for a Sunday morning breakfast, actually.
They weren’t available immediately, but they did agree to join us some time down the road. About six weeks later, we tried again, and they said Yes. I had known this couple somewhat years before. We were about the same age and had grown children about the same age.
The visit was fun and we made it a point not to discuss religion. When we parted company, we did mention our church had a free buffet meal every Wednesday night with an assortment of classes that followed. We asked if they might like to join us sometime. They said maybe.
A number of weeks later, we re-issued that invitation and they came. We had a good visit and some of the longtime members recognized them and came over to do some handshakes and howdees. A few weeks later, they came again on a Wednesday night.
On about their third visit, we told them if they came to church, we’d love to have them sit with us. A few weeks later they did come to church–and did sit with us. I’m sure you guessed by now that they came back a second, and a third, and a fourth time. Now we seem them almost every Sabbath and Wednesday night. They’re also attending one of the Wednesday night classes.
So, you see, reaching out to former members doesn’t have to be all that complicated. Just offer some intentional friendliness that might take place in a neutral location over a cup of hot chocolate or breakfast. Or lunch.
Oh, you just thought of someone with whom you’d like to give this idea a try. Well, don’t just call them right off the bat. Ask God to give you wisdom how to engage and when. Keep praying. Then when you’re convicted how to proceed and when, make that phone call. But if these folks have been away for a very long time, don’t tell them how much the church has been missing them. Just acknowledge it’s been a long time, explore how things are going in their lives, and maybe ask them if they’d like to do lunch (or whatever makes sense), and see how the Spirit leads.
Perhaps not too far down the road you’ll have a story to share with me.
Blessings in Jesus.
Mike Jones
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Thank you, Mike, for the operation re-connect ideas. I will start as a “frequent flier.”
Caesar
You too, Caesar! Praying for your success. The Lord will bless.–Mike