September 30, 2012

An initiative of the wider church

across the Diocese of Toronto nationally across the Anglican Church of Canada throughout North America around the world

How will your parish be involvedOn September 30, 2012?

Why Get Involved in Back to Church Sunday 2012?

our bishops and diocese are committed to this initiative for a five year period which began in 2009

asking a friend, neighbour, co-worker or family member to church is the easiest form of evangelism

we’re called to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ; what better way to do that than to invite someone to church with you

some of those who accept the invitation will become part of the worshipping community on a regular basis because of their experience of welcome and hospitality

And most importantly …

Because peoples’ lives are changed when they are invited back to church!

Share some stories you know of people whose lives have been positively changed through an

invitation to come to church.

Did you know …

82% of the unchurched are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited

10% of first time visitors become regulars; 25% of second time visitors become regulars; 45% of third time visitors become regulars

What is the primary goal?

Simply …

Back to Church Sunday is about changing the DNA of Anglican parishes to become more invitational churches.

"Success is this: one person inviting one person. Success is not one person inviting one person & then saying yes or no.

The yes or no is God’s bit. Our bit is just the invitation. 

What we have to do with our congregations is to take the pressure off. It doesn’t matter if someone says no.

Success has been the actual invitation.” 

Michael Harvey

What can you as parish priest do to encourage your church’s participation in

Back to Church Sunday 2012?

start planning in the spring for Sunday September 30, 2012

find opportunities to preach about extending hospitality and a warm welcome as an integral part of the parish’s mission and vision

form a working group early on to be the spokespeople who can assist you in supporting and promoting your parish’s involvement in Back to Church Sunday 2012

ask someone from your parish to speak on a Sunday morning about why they would want to invite someone to church with them

More suggestions … visit the Back to Church Sunday page on the Diocese of Toronto website for sermon ideas and suggestions of how to support this initiative in your parish

lead by example and invite someone to church yourself

speak positively and affirming about this initiative with your parish

share this resource with your parish board, wardens and welcoming Committee

develop invitational habits throughout the year by encouraging parishioners to invite friends to worship and special events   (i.e. parish pot luck dinner; parish picnic; carol service; Blessing of the animals)

How will your parish be involved?

September 30, 2012