Starting a church is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Where do you even begin? One great way to start is by hosting an interest gathering. It’s a simple yet powerful way to connect with people who might want to join you on this journey. And trust me, you don’t need to overcomplicate it.
Here’s how you can organize a successful interest gathering that will get people excited about your new church plant.
Pick the Right Place
Location matters. You want a spot that’s comfortable and easy for people to get to. Think about community centers, coffee shops, or even someone’s living room. And don’t overlook outdoor venues like parks. The goal? Make sure it feels welcoming and approachable.
People are more likely to show up if they don’t feel like they’re entering something too formal. A casual setting helps people relax and lets them know this isn’t just another boring church event.
Invite, Invite, Invite
Here’s the thing: If you build it, they won’t come… unless you tell them about it. So, be sure to spread the word!
Use Social Media
Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even Meetup.com to spread the word. Create an event and invite your friends to share it. Target ads can also help reach your local community.
Partner with Local Businesses
Local coffee shops, gyms, and even libraries might be willing to let you put up flyers or host a poster. Small businesses love community engagement, so don’t hesitate to ask!
Personal Invitations Matter
The most effective invitation is a personal one. Reach out directly to people you think might be interested. Whether via text, email, or face-to-face, people are more likely to show up if they get a personal invite.
Create an Atmosphere of Authenticity
No one likes a sales pitch. When people walk through the door, they should feel like they’re meeting real people, not just potential church members. Make it clear that this gathering is about connection, not recruitment.
Keep Things Casual
Offer free coffee, snacks, or even a light meal if your budget allows. You don’t need to go all out—something simple works. People bond over food. It’s science.
Be Real and Relatable
Be open about the vision for the church, but let the conversation flow naturally. Let people get to know the real you and what motivates you to plant this church. If you have a team, allow them to share personal stories too—people connect with stories.
Share the Vision
At some point in the gathering, share why you’re planting the church. But keep it simple. Focus on your “why.” Why is this church important to you? Why is it important to the community? Keep it short, genuine, and inspiring.
Include Your Core Team
If you’ve got a few key people already on board, let them share their stories too. Hearing multiple perspectives can help potential attendees see that this church plant is more than just one person’s dream—it’s a team effort.
Give Them a Next Step
Here’s a tip: Don’t leave people hanging. After you’ve shared the vision and connected with folks, give them a next step. Whether it’s inviting them to a follow-up meeting, a service project, or even an online group chat, make sure people know how they can stay connected.
Keep It Simple
The next step doesn’t have to be anything complicated. It could be as simple as, “Hey, we’re going to grab coffee next week if you want to learn more!” Keep it low-pressure and relational.
Follow Up Like a Pro
After the gathering, don’t just leave it at that. Reach out to the people who attended, thank them for coming, and remind them of the next step. Shoot them a text, send a quick email, or message them on social media.
Small Gestures Go a Long Way
These small follow-up gestures can make a huge impact. Remember, you’re not just building a church; you’re building relationships. And relationships take time and follow-through.
Some Final Thoughts
Starting a church is about people. An interest gathering is your chance to connect with people who want to be part of something bigger than themselves. It’s not about numbers or even the perfect presentation—it’s about authentic connection and shared vision.
So, if you’re planting a church, don’t skip this step. Get people together, share the vision, and watch what God does next.
That’s it. Simple, right?
