Dear Mel,
I got to church three times a week. I'm really involved with the youth group at my church. However, I have this group of friends... None of them ever go to church. I'd love to bring them to my youth group, but I don't want to freak them out. What do you think I should do?
-Church Girl
Dear Church Girl,
That's funny, because I'm a church girl, too. Over the years, I've brought almost all of my friends to my youth group at some point. Some of them liked it and are now a part of the group, while others endured it but didn't love it. Here's some tips on how to bring your friends:
-First off, you need to convince them to come. I guess you could force them, but it's best when they make their own decisions to come. Tell them that there's good music and tons of food. And, presuming they're girls, tell them that the guys at your youth group are really, really, ridiculously good-looking.
-Once they've agreed to go with you, pick a suitable night. Don't bring them to the hardcore worship night. You don't want to creep them out. Don't bring them to the night where your youth pastor preaches about purity. You don't want them to roll their eyes. Take them to a fun night. You know, one where everyone just chills and plays games.
-Keep on inviting them back. If you're persistent enough, they will get tired of the texts from you that say, "Hey! Come tonight!" and will decide to come on their own.
However, if they're really not into the whole church thing, then don't keep bugging your friends about it. That will annoy them.
-Mel
Filed under: Friends, Miscellaneous
Tags: church, friends, god, younglife, youthgroup
I have some very religious friends, but they know better than to ask an atheist to attend church with them. I say, leave your friends be or become a missionary in another country (please don't).