Called to Lead | Newsletter for Ministry Leaders #1

Hi friend,

Welcome to the very first edition of Called to Lead — we're glad you're here!

Today, we will explore simple ways to build a strong and welcoming community. These are everyday strategies that can help you create a more connected and engaged ministry.

But first, a story.

Sarah was a freshman, and like so many of the 70%*, she was raised Catholic but had drifted away after high school. College was a new start, and faith wasn’t exactly on her mind. But then, something unexpected happened. She was invited to a campus BBQ hosted by a Catholic student group.

She hesitated—what did she have in common with these “churchy” people? But the invitation was friendly, and there was no pressure, so she went.

That one invitation changed everything.

Sarah didn’t expect much. She thought she’d eat some food, maybe meet a few people, and leave. But instead, she met students just like her. They talked about everything—life, school, even their struggles with faith. No one preached at her, but something about the warmth of that community stirred something inside her.

Over the next few weeks, she kept coming back, first to social events and then to small group discussions. At first, it wasn’t about religion—it was about belonging. Eventually, the group’s authenticity, openness, and commitment to friendship led her back to her faith. Today, Sarah is leading her own Bible study group, inviting others to experience the same journey she did.

What made the difference, friend? One simple invitation, without pressure, opened the door to a community where Sarah felt welcomed, seen, and valued.

(*The 70% are believers who identify with their faith but aren’t actively involved in a church community.)

Takeaways:

The Invitation is Key: Many people like Sarah won’t come to your ministry on their own. They need to be invited, not just to an event but into a relationship. Make the ask personal and genuine, without expectation.
Belonging Precedes Belief: For the 70%, feeling needed and known is the first step. Don’t lead with doctrine (that can come later)—lead with friendship and belonging.
Start Small, Build Trust: Start with social events, allow relationships to form naturally, and then introduce them to deeper faith discussions.

How-To: Building a Welcoming Community for the 70%

Step 1: Host Inviting Social Events

Plan low-pressure events like BBQs, game nights, or coffee meetups. The goal is not to preach, but to create an environment where members can make connections and feel comfortable.

Step 2: Train Leaders to Make Personal Invitations

Equip your leaders, staff members, or volunteers with the skills to invite others personally. An invitation from a peer is far more impactful than a general announcement. Encourage your leaders to reach out to people they meet in their everyday lives.

Step 3: Focus on Relationships First

When new members arrive, prioritize building relationships over religious instruction. Make sure they feel “needed and known” before introducing them to faith-based discussions.

Exercise: Take Action This Week

Think about an upcoming event you’re planning.

Make a list of five people who might be on the fringes, who wouldn’t come unless personally invited. Have one of your leaders reach out to each of them with a simple, friendly invitation.

Track how many respond and show up.

Join the conversation with ministry leaders nationwide on Called

Thanks for reading!

—Patti, Cooper, and Sara

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Brought to you by Newman Connection and Called

This newsletter is a collaborative effort between Called and Newman Connection—designed to empower ministry leaders with the tools for building authentic faith communities.

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