Have you ever felt overwhelmed walking into church? You’re surrounded by people, but somehow, it’s easy to feel alone in the crowd. Many people, whether they’re new to church or have been attending for years, struggle with making friends at church.
But here’s the good news: Building meaningful relationships doesn’t have to be complicated.
3 Ways to Make Friends at Church
With a little intentionality, you can start making friends at church and find the church community and belonging you’ve been searching for.
Here are three simple ways to make that happen:
1. Show Up and Say Hello
It sounds obvious, but one of the biggest barriers to making friends is simply not putting yourself out there. If you want to build church friendships, start by showing up consistently and introducing yourself to at least one new person each week.
Church relationships grow over time, and the more people see you, the easier it becomes to connect. Be the person who smiles first. Ask someone how their week has been. Stay a few minutes after service instead of heading straight to the car. Small moments like these help turn strangers into friends.
If your church has a welcome team, consider joining it. It’s a great way to meet other believers and help new friends feel at home. And if you’re part of a large church, look for ways to make it feel smaller (which will bring us to the next point).
Challenge: This week, stay five extra minutes after service to introduce yourself to one new person.
2. Find Common Interests in Small Groups
Most people find their closest Christian friends in small groups or Bible studies. If you’re struggling to make friends at church, getting involved in a group can make a huge difference.
Finding common interests with others makes it easier to build meaningful relationships that extend beyond Sunday mornings.
Think about your interests. Do you enjoy discussing Scripture? Join a Bible study. Raising children? Look for a parenting group. Serving others? Find a group meeting a need in your community. Finding common interests makes it easier to build relationships that extend beyond Sunday mornings.
Remember, church friendships don’t happen overnight. But when you consistently invest time in a group, friendships form naturally.
Challenge: Find a small group this week and attend at least one meeting.
3. Be a Friend First
One of the best ways to find friends at church is to focus on being a friend. People don’t just want to be heard—they want to feel truly understood.
When you talk to someone, listen closely. Ask follow-up questions. Remember details about their life. Ask about things they’ve mentioned before. When people feel seen and valued, church relationships deepen.
If you’re waiting for someone to invite you to coffee, flip the script—invite them first. Invite a family over for dinner. Ask someone to join you for lunch after church. True friendship grows when we take the initiative to connect.
Challenge: Reach out to someone this week. You could try inviting them for coffee, lunch, or a walk.
Bonus: Serve at Church
One of the most effective ways to make friends at church is by serving alongside others. When you serve in your local church, you meet people who share at least some of your faith and values, and you get the chance to build friendships through shared experiences.
Whether you’re greeting people at the front door, helping with kids’ ministry, leading a small group, or volunteering in the community, serving creates opportunities for meaningful relationships to develop.
Serving together also deepens friendships by giving people a sense of shared purpose. You’re not just attending church, you’re actively participating in its mission. And when you work side-by-side with other believers, you start to see them as more than just acquaintances—you see them as friends.
If you’re struggling to connect, ask your church leaders or pastors where you can help. Find a service team that fits your interests. Whether it’s setting up for events, helping in worship, or serving meals, there’s a place for everyone to contribute. And in the process, you’ll likely find friends who will walk with you through your journey of faith.
Challenge: Pick one way to serve at your church and commit to trying it out this month.
How Church Friendships Strengthen Your Faith and Life
Church friendships aren’t just about having people to sit next to on Sundays—they’re about growing in faith together. Christian living isn’t meant to be done alone, and having church friends can change your spiritual life in ways you never expected.
Think about it—when trouble comes, who do you turn to? When you’re struggling in marriage, parenting, or personal faith, who encourages you? A strong church community helps you navigate life’s toughest moments and celebrate big wins.
You Can Find a Place to Belong
Making friends at church isn’t always easy, but it is worth it. God designed us for community, and church friendships help us grow in our faith. So if you’ve been feeling like part of the lonely crowd, take a small step today. Show up, join a group, listen well, serve, and invite people into your life.
Because in the end, church isn’t just a place we go; it’s a family we’re part of.