Back to Church Sunday 2012
Diocese of Fredericton

What is it?

Back to Church Sunday is about inviting “back” to church those who used to attend, and ensuring that everyone who visits their local church will be warmly welcomed. Back to Church Sunday started in 2004 in Manchester, England, and is now one of the largest invitational church initiatives in the world. The Archbishop of Fredericton has named September 30th Back to Church Sunday.

Who and what is it for?

Inviting our friends and neighbours to church is one of the simplest steps in evangelism. By participating in Back to Church Sunday, Anglicans are discovering that it’s possible to share our faith in a way that is both easy and natural. So partly, it is a growth opportunity for parishes, challenging us to stretch our faith muscle.

And of course, Back to Church Sunday is for everyone who is not in church. Many people fall out of the habit of attending worship, and Back to Church Sunday is a friendly nudge to encourage folks to come back home.

Faith is meant to be shared!

Preparation for Back to Church Sunday begins with each church member praying about who the Holy Spirit is leading them to invite to church with them. These invitations can be hard to make, we don’t often speak of our faith or church involvement easily or openly but personal prayer and invitation are what make Back to Church Sunday work. A personal invitation from a friend can make that first step into (or back into) the church much much easier.