Episode Details

Most churches miss this front door, not because of a lack of awareness but because of a lack of effort. Over half of the unchurched believe church could be a great place to make friends, but nearly 60% say it’s too intimidating to visit alone. That’s a huge opportunity. Today’s episode highlights how friendship, follow-up, and one key ingredient—an invitation—can lower the barrier and open the door for gospel conversations. Thom and Sam discuss some key takeaways from their new research.

1. 1. Don’t just invite—offer to sit with them.
   2. Make your church more relational than institutional.
   3. Hospitality teams should focus on emotional comfort, not just logistics.
   4. Friendship often precedes faith; prioritize connection over conversion.

Resources:

• Upward Running

• Rooted

• “Opening the front door: Worship and church growth” by James Emery White (affiliate link)

• “Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)

• Brown Church Development Group

• Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacity analysis!

• Church Answers Platinum Membership

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• The Hope Initiative

Episode Sponsors:

Upward Running for Adults: Your Church’s Next Step i