About
Why is Back to Church Sunday a Good Idea?
What is Back to Church Sunday?
It is a special day set aside each year on the third Sunday of September when thousands of people who do not regularly attend church are invited and welcomed to a church near them. On that day, thousands of churches will open their doors and welcome everyone who would like to rediscover church. The next National Back to Church Sunday is on September 16th, 2012.
"Only two percent of church members invite an un-churched person to church. Ninety-eight percent of churchgoers never extend an invitation in a given year." –LifeWay Research
Organizers say most people who drop out of church haven't lost their faith in God, they simply fell out of the habit of churchgoing. Some moved or had a change in life circumstances, or they had a falling out with their former church and simply drifted away. Most often, life became too busy. This means many of them could be open to returning to church.
"82% of the unchurched are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited"
–Dr. Thom Rainer, The Unchurched Next Door
Our Mission
Each year we encourage thousands of churches to join the National Back to Church Campaign and enable their members to invite everyone back to church on September 16th, 2012. Our goal is to reignite the power of the personal invitation.
But inviting newcomers is only part of the campaign. Learn more in the Participate Section.
The Importance of Inviting
Why Should My Church Participate?
- It’s a catalyst – Pastors give a call to action; communities have a rallying point
- It’s simple – All churches, one date, one clear message – come back to church!
- It’s personal – It empowers members to make a personal invitation to church.
- It works – On average churches saw a 26% increase in attendance on Back to Church Sunday.
- It’s grassroots – It’s powered by the people, not a program
- It empowers – People are energized by an inspiring event and easy-to-use invitations
- It’s free – Churches don’t have to buy anything or use any of our resources – it’s simply a great idea that works by just doing it!
Learn more in the Participate Section.