How to Make Friends at Church?

[aharon]

Ok I am a pretty outgoing guy, but at church I get really shy. I don't know, maybe all the suits intimidate me ha ha, so I am curious, what is the best way to make friends at church? Anybody have some good tips?

[RipplecutBuddha]

Work on your testimony prayerfully. I know it sounds weird, but I felt the same thing. I then began a new study of the Book of Mormon, and as I progressed, my confidence in the church meetings improved greatly. Perhaps your intimidation is regarding spirituality, or spiritual strength.

Also, volunteer to help in the ward. As you get to know the people better, you'll be more comfortable around them in most any situation.

Good luck.

[WmLee]

Sometimes it clicks, sometimes it doesn’t! I have been in a Ward where I felt so alone and like no one knew I was even there. I heard brethren talking about things they did with others guys, fishing and stuff, but, no one invited me. Basketball or things like that and no one invited me to join. I was in law enforcement at the time and worked weird hours and day off. I offered to help with the boy scouts and the young men activities as time allowed and that opened the door. Once they knew something about me, I would have invitations to do things if I had time off.

You make the first move. Offer to help with the YM program and I think things will change! Oh, and ignore the suits. It shouldn’t surprise you to learn that they put them on, one leg at a time, and a few only get them on because their wife told ‘em to. There are one ot two that only get them on because their wife let's 'em!

[mnn727]

My wife and I invite people over for dinner or just for desert (a brownie mix only cost $2.00) and get to know them and they get to know us.

[JohnOF123]

Ok I am a pretty outgoing guy, but at church I get really shy. I don't know, maybe all the suits intimidate me ha ha, so I am curious, what is the best way to make friends at church? Anybody have some good tips?

Bring candy. Preferably rootbeer barrels. I love those!

Lol, j/k. Does your church have any small groups? Those can be great for making friends!

[Guest]

First, attend every ward activity. This will give you a good introduction to some people. Then after that, host a party at your house for people you met at the ward activity. Easy does it.

(I used to be the ward activity coordinator - this is how I welcome the new members of the ward - invite them to activities then invite them to my house)

[lumberjacksdaughter]

I'm thinkin' the best way to make friends in church is also the best way to make friends outside of church.

Do you want to make friends? Be friendly. Forget yourself... You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. -Dale Carnegie

Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and getting dollars back. -Thomas Sowell

There is a destiny that makes us brothers, none goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own. -Edwin Markham

Whatever genuine emotion that we express toward any other person boomerangs back on us with redoubled force. -Brian Tracy

Live each day as if it were your last. Better yet, as you come in contact with other humans throughout your day, treat each and every one of them as if that day were THEIR last! -Og Mandino

Edited February 23, 2010 by lumberjacksdaughter

[aharon]

I do need to work on being more friendly. I find that I go through phases, where some weeks I am extra friendly, and some weeks I am just as shy as can be. I do need to tend more ward functions. That is a good idea go tend a bunch of those and then invite some people over. Thanks for the help.

[Snow]

Ok I am a pretty outgoing guy, but at church I get really shy. I don't know, maybe all the suits intimidate me ha ha, so I am curious, what is the best way to make friends at church? Anybody have some good tips?

I'll tell you how I make friends with a member that has just moved into the ward...

After Sacrament Meeting, I approach the new ward member and extend my hand. I say something like: Brother Anderson, it's nice to meet you - I'd like you to meet a friend of mine: Brother Jackson," as I press a fresh 20 into his palm.

[Dravin]

I'll tell you how I make friends with a member that has just moved into the ward...

After Sacrament Meeting, I approach the new ward member and extend my hand. I say something like: Brother Anderson, it's nice to meet you - I'd like you to meet a friend of mine: Brother Jackson," as I press a fresh 20 into his palm.

Only a 20? Man the recession has hit harder than I thought. Brother Franklin needs love too.

Edited February 25, 2010 by Dravin

[bytebear]

What about your home teachers, or if you are a home or visiting teacher, the families you visit, or your partner in the calling? It seems with all the callings and busy church work, you can't help but meet people. Maybe ask the bishop if you can be a greeter for Sacrament meeting, and pass out the program at the door. Then you will be forced to meet just about everyone.