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As believers, we want our friends to encounter the same loving God we serve, but how do we help them get there? Here are three fun and easy ways to invite your friends to church! Schedule an After-Church Meal One way to invite a friend to church is to plan a hang-out where you attend a Sunday service together & then grab a bite to eat. Breaking bread goes all the way back to biblical times; sharing a physical meal after being fed spiritually is a bonding experience like no other. Maybe it's your favorite brunch spot, an at-home family dinner with friends, or a quick takeout. Inviting your friends to church with the added bonus of a great meal afterward , who can turn that down? Send Social Media Posts You can also invite a friend to church by sending them your church's latest Instagram or TikTok post. Church is now at our fingertips, and our friends are probably already on their phones, scrolling through social media. Sending them some of your pastor's previous sermons could help warm them to the idea of attending an in-person service. RELATED: 3 Social Media Marketing Strategies Churches Used This Easter That Actually Worked Bring Them to a Church-Related Event Church fellowships are informal ways of getting to know your brothers and sisters in Christ more personally . When your church hosts their next play, car wash, or seminar--instead of going alone, bring a friend with you! If attending a formal service seems too intimidating, you can take a more casual approach. Allowing your friends to experience your church in a relaxed environment helps them build connections on their first visit. Invite a Friend to Church For the Holidays This one's for the CME saints (Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter). Using a big, joyous occasion and holiday can create fond memories of church and energize them to become consistent churchgoers. If you don't want to wait until the holiday season, Churches typically host Sunday services throughout the year for members to invite nonmembers. Whether it's called “Bring a Friend to Church Sunday” or “Welcome Back Sunday,” this is a fun service where you'll find lots of new faces and opportunities to learn more about the church. The End Goal is Eternal Life Inviting a friend to church may seem intimidating at first, but remember the end goal: salvation and eternal life. We all know the famous saying, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it," so long as you lead with love and compassion, your friend will be grateful for your concern and care.

Many are familiar with the biblical account of King David's life, but you've never seen it portrayed like this. The Amazon Prime Hit Series House of David brings life to the powerful story of David, Israel's most beloved king. Photo by Nikos Nikolopoulos/Prime HOUSE OF DAVID follows the once-mighty King Saul as he falls victim to his pride. He loses his anointing, and God qualifies an unlikely replacement. At God's direction, the prophet Samuel selects an outcast teenager as the new king. The series shows Saul losing power over his kingdom as David finds himself on a journey to discover and fulfill his destiny. An imperfect yet earnest David navigates love, loss, and violence in the court of the very man he’s destined to replace. The show is creative yet historically accurate, which isn't easy to accomplish. Michael Iskander and Martyn Ford, who play David and Goliath, shared their thoughts about the show and the processes they underwent to embody their roles. Check out the full interview below:

This past Sunday, Rock City Church in Birmingham, Alabama, experienced a move of God. During church service, the Holy Spirit fell upon Senior Pastor Mike Jr., and all he could do was cry out, “Jesus!” What Led to that Moment Between Jesus and Pastor Mike Jr.?  Pastor Mike Jr. is preaching a series called “Proof,” named after his newly released single “Proof.” Pastor Mike Jr. approached the pulpit to begin his sermon as the praise team concluded ministering. He wrapped himself in his prayer blanket, opened his bible, and began to read the word of God. The atmosphere shifted when he turned to Psalm chapter 34 verse 3, “Oh magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.” He mentioned a shift in the spirit, and while encouraging his congregation to turn to their neighbor and shout “Jesus!,” he began to shout “Jesus!” 9 Minutes and 25 Seconds With every head bowed and every arm extended, praise team members, staff, and prayer warriors immediately jumped into action, covering him, comforting him, and praying in the spirit with him. His wife, Lady J stood boldly before him, petitioning Heaven for God’s intervention. In a room full of believers, Heaven heard their cry. For 9 minutes and 25 seconds, Pastor Mike Jr. could only utter the word “Jesus,” the name above every name. He later posted to social media, saying that was the first time he had felt God's power in that way. Via @pastormikejr on Instagram You could feel the Spirit of God whether in-person or tuning in online. Saints, it is important to be sensitive and obedient to the move of God. Speculations have been high about what caused this moment. Some say he was prophetically praying for protection against a fire emergency that later occurred in the building. Others say he felt a spiritual attack that he was fighting against. Pastor Mike later explained via Facebook what he believes took place: No matter what the case may have been, we know that he called on the right name! Let’s keep Pastor Mike Jr., his family, and Rock City in prayer as they continue to hasten to the call of ministry. Saints, let’s talk in the comments. Has there ever been a time when all you could do was call on the name of Jesus? RELATED: Pastor Mike Jr. Inspires on the Tamron Hall Show

They were born together, and now they're born-again believers! Twin brothers EJ and A'Kim recently dedicated their lives to Christ and were baptized at Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Michael Tood is the pastor. via @Twiinndem on Instagram RELATED: A Record-Breaking 300+ People Baptized In One Day at The Potter's House The twins are successful entrepreneurs and TV personalities who have made appearances on major networks like the CW. Watch the clip from their baptism below: RELATED: Lecrae Gets Emotional After Daughter's Baptism

Faith is still moving in a big way! The Potter's House hosted Baptism Saturday on March 8th in Dallas, Texas, where over 300 people stepped into the water to be baptized . Courtesy of TPH Watch footage of the baptisms below : What is Baptism? For most Christians, after repentance (turning away from sin), the next step in one's faith journey involves getting baptized. Baptism is a water immersion and symbolic representation of being buried and resurrected. This is done to follow the teachings of the Bible and receive a new start from God. RELATED: Twin Brothers Baptized at Transformation Church Who Should Get Baptized? Different churches have different teachings on baptism, and you should always ask your pastor or a trusted Bible teacher who knows you personally for guidance. Generally speaking, anyone who hears the word of God and believes it, and is ready to ask Him for forgiveness can be baptized. This can include young and the old, the rich, and the poor, and even celebrities. RELATED: Denzel Washington Gets Baptized & Becomes A Licensed Minister in Training

Jalen Hurts reflected on winning Super Bowl LIX in a post-game interview with Terry Bradshaw. When asked how it feels to be the MVP after receiving so much criticism, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback gave glory to God. Photo by Cal Sport Media/Alamy Super Bowl 59 was played on Sunday (February 9) at Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Philadelphia Eagles claimed their victory against the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 40-22. RELATED: Jalen Hurts Announces Marriage to Longtime Love Bry Burrows A speechless Hurts continued to thank God and his teammates. "God is good. He's better than the highs and the lows. He said he's still processing the win but knows it was a team effort. "It takes everyone. It can't be about 'me'. It had to be about 'we'." #Saints, are you happy that the Eagles won Super Bowl 59?

Won't He Do It! After several days of shock and uncertainty, Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders celebrated being drafted into the NFL. Photo by Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock Colorado head coach Deion Sanders was expecting to "watch God show out" on the first night of the 2025 NFL Draft. His son, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, was a projected 1st-round draft pick, and family and friends were left shocked when he was not initially selected. While waiting to hear Shedeur's name called, Shilo Sanders lovingly joked, "See bro, I don't even know what they gonna do  with me bro, because they ' re doing you  like this". Social media commenters speculated that it was an intentional act to send a message, given the recent controversy about his father's influence on Shedeur's football career. Due to his experience in the NFL and impressive track record, Coach Prime has been very vocal about his plans to guide the career of the 23-year-old athlete. It is speculated that he had a strong influence on the university's decision to retire Shedeur's college jersey, which some feel was a premature move. Others feel that the turn of events could ultimately be a good thing. Similar to Hall of Fame member Tom Brady, who was a 6th round pick, Sanders would eventually be selected and prove himself on the field. And they were right. Shedeur Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 5th round as the 144th pick. Shilo Sanders signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. RELATED: Kansas City Chiefs Player Chris Jones Honors One of the Most Influential Black Women in His Life Faith in the Storm Fans were relieved to learn the fate of the athletes. But what stood out the most was the entire family's demeanor during the process. Although critics questioned his confidence during the draft, many believe that Shedeur's reaction to finally being selected as a 6th-round pick is a testament to his good character. He was just as excited and thankful to hear his name called at 144th as he would've been if it were called 1st. Coach Prime and his sons shared messages on their social media platforms that affirmed their faith in God. They never appeared to be distraught, angry, or sad — emotions that many onlookers were feeling, fearing that Shedeur would be overlooked and unable to return to college football. Shedeur Sanders & Shilo Sanders Give God Praise After learning the news, their father tweeted, "Thank you, Jesus." The entire family celebrated and clapped to church praise break music while livestreaming on Twitch. This story is a beautiful reminder that God can still bless the unexpected. In the words of Coach Prime, "God will continue to take us to where we need to be and where He wants us to go. We've already won." RELATED: Jalen Hurts Announces Marriage to Longtime Love Bry Burrows

Art and ministry collided on the set of an independent film called "Washed". Earlier this month, filmmaker Maurice Kennedy shared a clip of one of his cast members being baptized. Social media users were elated that a young Morehouse student could inspire baptisms on a film set. Atlanta Filmmaker Maurice Kennedy Gets Re-baptized at church. Via @godmademoe / Instagram There was a scene in the film that called for a pretend baptism, but the lead actor decided to take the leap of faith for real. Moe explains that one of his producers also decided to get baptized that day, and even his sound engineer, who doesn't know the Lord (yet), was deeply moved. The soon-to-be Morehouse College graduate created this film for his senior thesis and wanted to use it as a way to share the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "Washed isn't just a film--it's a message for anyone who has ever struggled to believe that redemption is real." RELATED: Twin Brothers Baptized at Transformation Church Maurice was also re-baptized in April of 2024. He shares that he was baptized when he was younger, but wanted to do it again now that he fully understands the weight of the decision. Now, he's using his passion and creativity to lead others to Christ. The graduating senior states that although he and his team went through "much spiritual warfare while filming, if it was all just for this moment, then it was worth it." RELATED: A Record-Breaking 300+ People Baptized In One Day at The Potter's House RELATED: Denzel Washington Gets Baptized & Becomes a Licensed Minister in Training

BMI celebrated John P. Kee at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. The ceremony was hosted by Mike O’Neill, BMI’s president & CEO, and Catherine Brewton, VP, at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. Getty Images for BMI As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music, John P. Kee was honored for his significant contributions to the genre and for seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary gospel music in a way that has resonated with listeners for many years. His impact on the church has been great. However, Pastor John P. Kee's influence can be traced everywhere: from rural neighborhoods similar to the one he hails from, across genres, and across the world at large. "There's No Me Without John P. Kee" Some of the biggest names in Christian music gathered to pay homage to the Prince of Gospel, affectionately known by many as "Uncle John." The room, dimly lit and buzzing with laughter and the sound of old friends catching up, felt more like a family reunion than a formal ceremony. It wasn't difficult for the gospel artists and executives to recount their fond memories of the legend and to share the ways in which he helped their careers and blessed their lives. Getty Images for BMI A Simple Song: Musical Selections at the Awards Musical tributes were given by vocal powerhouses Lena Byrd, who sang “Yes Lord,” followed by Chrystal Rucker’s performance of “The Anointing.” Speaking of the anointing, it definitely fell when Kelontae Gavin and Jekalyn Carr gave their passionate renditions of “Never Shall Forget" and "Standing in the Need". Lisa Knowles-Smith and her children KJ and Ndia took us to church with their quartet-style mashup of "Lily in the Valley" and "He'll Welcome Me." The room went crazy when they transitioned to Lisa's hit single, "Jesus." Calling on Jesus while thinking about Him welcoming you into heaven is a surefire way to send the saints up in praise. Vanessa Bell Armstrong followed with “Wave It Away,” featuring Donald Lawrence & Company, and Zacardi Cortez ended the tributes with an heartfelt performance of “Jesus Is Real.” The ceremony concluded with a legendary mic toss, during which Pastor John sang the opening line to his hit “New Life, " followed by Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez, Eric Dawkins, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Lisa Page Brooks, and Marvin Sapp. 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Awards Throughout the afternoon, BMI recognized the 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, including the BMI Gospel Song of the Year award, which went to “Goodness of God” written by Ed Cash, Ben Fielding (APRA), and Jason Ingram. Getty Images for BMI During his acceptance speech, Ed hesitantly shared an issue that weighed heavily on his heart. Although nervous about how the message would be received, he asserted that the Holy Spirit had laid it on his heart to speak up if given the opportunity. He apologized for the racial discrimination he'd witnessed and even participated in over the course of his life. The crowd stood and showed him love in response to his vulnerability. Charles Jenkins and Kirk Franklin Tie For Gospel Songwriter of the Year Charles Jenkins and Kirk Franklin each wrote two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year and tied for BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year. Kirk Franklin secured his fourth Songwriter of the Year award and was honored for “All Things” and “Try Love.” Over the course of his successful career, Charles Jenkins has won eight BMI awards, but this was his first time winning Songwriter of the Year at the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Awards. He was recognized for his hit songs “God Be Praised” and “Look at God,” which was performed by Koryn Hawthorne. Watch the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Red Carpet Interviews: Gospel Industry Greatness Capitol CMG earned BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year for having the highest publisher share percentage of the top 25 songs. BMI is a global leader in music rights management. With over 80 years of service, it negotiates music license agreements and pays royalties to songwriters and publishers when their songs are performed publicly. Each year, it recognizes the publishers and songwriters of the most performed songs in Gospel music. See the full list of 2025 award recipients here: https://www.bmi.com/award-shows/trailblazers-2025/

Churches across the country pulled out all the stops this Resurrection Sunday—not just with praise breaks and powerful sermons, but with scroll-stopping, soul-reaching content. From meme-worthy moments to Gen Z takeovers, ministries got creative with their digital evangelism, proving once again that God can use any  platform. Photo by SeventyFour / Shutterstock Here are three social media marketing strategies for churches looking to fill their seats and reach more people. 1. “We EXPOSED the truth about this pastor” – Clickbait for Christ You know how folks love a little tea. In a time where gossip gets more clicks than the gospel, some churches said, "bet"—and flipped the script. One tactic that stood out? Posting flyers around town with QR codes and clickbait headlines like “We EXPOSED The Truth About This Pastor” from Oasis Church LA and “The Truth About Mike Todd” from Transformation Church in Tulsa. (Which hit even harder considering Pastor Mike Todd’s sermons already have a reputation for stirring the pot and sparking conversation.) RELATED : Twin Brothers Baptized at Transformation Church But when you scanned it? It led to a video inviting you to church to hear the good news of the gospel of Christ. Period. It was clever, timely, and honestly, kingdom work disguised as controversy. Why it Worked : Curiosity hooks are social media gold. These posts stop the scroll by mimicking viral drama, then pivot to deliver a meaningful message. It’s relatable, entertaining, and most importantly, effective. Marketing Tip : Use pattern interrupts and trendy formats to hook attention, then turn the spotlight to Jesus. 2. Gen Z Writes the Script This year, more churches have been turning the reins over to the ones who really run social media—Gen Z. There are all kinds of hilarious videos where church leaders are promoting Sunday service, but with a twist: Gen Z writes the script. From “Hey Twin” to “Clock it,” churches are tapping into the trend of using Gen Z slang and humor to make their content hit. It’s smart, it’s funny, and it’s doing a great job of making younger audiences feel seen and welcome. "It's giving saved and sanctified!" Why it Worked: It was culturally fluent. Gen Z didn’t feel like the target—they felt involved. By letting them bring their own slang, churches weren’t just trying to reach Gen Z—they were co-creating with them. That level of involvement makes the content feel relevant, fresh, and actually worth sharing. Marketing Tip: Don’t just post for the youth—collaborate with them. Let their voice, humor, and creativity lead the charge. When they feel ownership, the reach becomes organic. 3. “When you ask God for a sign…” – Meme Culture Meets Ministry Some churches have even hopped on the POV trend with captions like “When you ask God for a sign and now you're seeing them everywhere”—and the signs are literally people holding up their phones with invites to church this Sunday. It’s another smart way to use clickbait and trending formats to grab attention, rather than just posting sermon clips. The message is still the same, but the delivery? Way more creative. Why it worked: It played on relatability and humor. The “looking for a sign” meme is something so many people connect with, and churches used it in a way that was lighthearted but still powerful. It caught people off guard—in the best way—and made the invitation feel personal and timely. Marketing Tip: Use trends to speak to real emotions. When your content taps into common thoughts or prayers (“God, give me a sign”), it creates instant connection. Pair that with a clear call-to-action, and you’ve got content that’s both scroll-stopping and spirit-led. Social Media Marketing Strategies are the Church's New Tracts These creative campaigns prove that the gospel doesn't have to compete with the algorithm—it can work with it. Whether it’s through humor, trends, or a little clickbait, churches are finding new ways to meet people right where they are: on their phones, in their feeds, and in their feels. It's incredible to see churches get bold with their digital evangelism. When it’s done with purpose and creativity, social media becomes more than a platform—it becomes a pulpit.

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few! Christian couple Deandre and Shaterra Webster coordinated a citywide prayer for Detroit during Resurrection weekend. Via Instagram @deandre.webster They asked all the saints, from any church or denomination, to join their ministry, Grace to Give Ministries, to pray for the city's well-being. The only requirement to join was that you love Jesus. The group met at Campus Martius Park at 2 pm on Saturday (April 19). Together, they lifted up prayers for individuals they met on the street and asked God to send healing, hope, and breakthrough to their communities. The event went so well that the couple plans on orchestrating public prayer events in multiple states across the country. RELATED : Youth Pastor Brings Prayer Back to Local Schools

Sheryl Lee Ralph, a class act with beauty and grace, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today (April 16) in Los Angeles. Photo by Impress Agency / Depositphotos Ralph started her singing career at a young age in church choirs . From her role as Deena Jones in the 80s Broadway musical Dreamgirls, to the sassy yet sanctified Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary, she's inspired viewers with her undeniable talent and wise words. Here are 11 Inspirational Quotes From Sheryl Lee Ralph About Confidence, Faith, and God. Photo by Jean Nelson/ Depositphotos "Sometimes, it's your day. Sometimes, it's not your day. But if it's a good day or a bad day, you got to thank God because you have a day." In an interview with Sisters , Sherly Ralph shared life lessons and wisdom she's gained over the years. R alph explained that she learned how to find her joy and make good choices even when life isn't fair. She recounted her father's teachings and expressed gratitude for how her parents loved her. She has taken that same love and shown it to her two children, Etienne and Ivy-Victoria. RELATED: Denzel Washington Reunites With His Beautiful Sunday School Teacher 'Faith is that blessed thing that makes broken wings fly." Ralph was honored at Variety's Faith & Spirituality in Entertainment Awards. She gave a moving speech about the role faith has played throughout her career and sang a rendition of Vanessa Bell Armstrong's 'Faith That Conquers'. Don't give up...the best is yet to come and I'm here to receive it. "If you are not here tomorrow, something will change for someone." "Don't you dare get tired now, because the road has been built. Your crown has been paid for. Wear it." "People don't have to like you, people don't have to love you, they don't even have to respect you, but when you look in the mirror, you better love what you see." Ralph gave an empowering speech at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards. After winning Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, she delivered a motivational message. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency "Be good people, be kind people. Be Christian people, don't act like Christian people." After being stopped in the store by one of the congregation members, Sheryl Lee Ralph decided to pay a visit to The Temple of Praise in Washington, D.C. Although she was tired from traveling, she took the encounter as a sign that God intended for her to be there that Sunday. Life is not always easy, but believe me, you can handle it because God is on your side!" "Don't give up, because it gets greater--later." "Choose love over fear, and you will always find a way forward." Photo by Image Press Agency / Depositphotos "If it is meant for you, it will not miss you."