“Would you consider coming to church with me this Sunday? We could grab coffee afterward and spend some time together. It would really mean a lot to me.”
Inviting a loved one back to church can be one of the most emotionally difficult conversations we face. We fear rejection, awkwardness, or straining relationships with those we care deeply about. But this week’s readings remind us that we’re not alone in these challenges.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks boldly about division, especially in our families. The message of faith isn’t always welcomed. “Do you think I have come to establish peace on earth? No, but rather division.” That’s not easy to hear, especially when we long for harmony in our homes and with our family. But it’s a reminder that faith sometimes causes tension before it brings healing. We raise our children to go to church and then when they become adults they drift away. How then can we get them back to church?
Jeremiah knew this, too. He spoke the truth God gave him, even when it landed him in a muddy cistern. His courage didn’t come from popularity, it came from knowing he was being faithful. And in Hebrews, we’re encouraged to “run with perseverance,” keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus who endured so much out of love for us.
So how do we prepare for these tough conversations? Start with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit for the right words and a gentle heart. We speak with humility, not judgment. And we remember that conversion is God’s work, not ours.
When you feel that nudge to talk to a family member who’s drifted from the faith, don’t brush it aside. God may be planting a seed through you. And even if the conversation is hard or the response cold, trust that your courage matters.
Loving someone enough to speak about what matters most isn’t easy. But it’s holy work. And you’re not doing it alone.
Your Mission
In the next few weeks pick the first person you want to come back to church and simply ask them “Would you consider coming to church with me this Sunday? We could grab coffee afterward and spend some time together. It would really mean a lot to me.” When it works, and it will work, make your list of invites and keep asking that simple question.
