Growing up in the church, I can probably count on one hand the amount of events the church put on that I actually got excited about and looked forward to. Church guilt is strong and will bring people in the door, but what if you could get your church excited about people stopping by?

Here are 10 events that you can try with your church to bring people in the door:

1. Trivia Nights

People are excited and anxious to get out again now that restrictions are starting to be eased and one of the biggest benefactors is bars on pub trivia night. People love having an excuse to hang out with their friends and have some fun, healthy competition, and this is the best way to do it. Have people bring snacks, have a host present some trivia, and you may have a new church tradition on your hands.

2. Food Truck Tailgating

You guys. This is a GAME. CHANGER. I was chatting with a friend the other day and found out his church has “Post-Sermon Tailgating” where they have local food trucks show up in their parking lot since their services end around lunch time, and everyone brings lawn games and just chills. Plus, the local food trucks are usually free mid-days on Sundays and love the extra business. Win-Win!

3. Family Feud Night

If you’re scared to do trivia night because you don’t have time to write trivia, Family Feud Night is an awesome alternative. Literally anyone can play, you can find questions easily online or by purchasing the board game, and let the hilarious moments start. (Just be warned: If you ask a question that is even vaguely inappropriate, you might be shocked by who in your church may give you that shocking answer!)

4. “Ask Me Anything” Night

Let’s get serious for a second. Christians are NOT good at understanding or defending their faith. Most Christians are full of questions that they are scared to ask, mainly because they’re afraid someone is going to ask THEM that same question. Here’s an idea: Set up a relaxed coffee-shop type atmosphere and let people ask questions anonymously (Google Forms is a GREAT way to do this!) Spend the night letting your pastor, or someone who is just really good at apologetics answer each question. Bonus points if you have a discussion group at the end and allow people to ask follow up questions!

5. Parent Date Nights

This one is so easy it hurts. Have your youth group or young adult group host a date night, and basically, they open up the church as a giant babysitting service to allow parents to have the night off. Parents drop off their kids at 6, pick them up at 8. Kids have fun, parents get to have some alone time. (TIP: Talk to local businesses and see if they’ll donate gift cards or coupons to help bring people in the door.

6. Worship & Puppies

Yes, puppies. It sounds so random but it is the most adorable thing in the world and an awesome way to build community. Talk to a local dog adoption organization and ask if they’d be willing to bring their puppies over to your church during a worship night. (Most would LOVE to, those puppies need love) The bonus here is that everyone loves taking and posting videos with adorable puppies.

7. Big Game Viewing Parties

Most people just want an excuse to get out and watch their big local football, baseball, basketball, or other game with their friends in a fun atmosphere. Most churches have a big space where they can host with a large TV, and a big enough kitchen to hold lots of food. You can also add games with prizes to local restaurants for guessing the score, etc. (Bonus points if you can combine this with your Food Truck Tailgating too!)

8. Film Discussion Nights

Don’t be afraid and fill my inbox with hate when I say it: Secular. Movies. They exist. However, one of the most amazing things is there are thousands of incredible movies that have biblical principles or amazing discussion points that most people won’t think of. Hosting a movie night followed up with a discussion with small group questions about the topics and biblical themes in the movie is a great way to engage film nerds, but also help people see movies in ways that can benefit their faith

9. Brewery Bible Study Tour

WARNING: You might get a waitlist for this Bible Study. If you live in any well-populated area, you have at least a couple breweries in town that people love. Choose a topic, book, or write your own Bible study, and every week meet at a new brewery. It introduces people in your church to new cool places they may not have been before, and leads to some amazing growth when discussions happen in relaxed settings like this. (For those churches that are worried about promoting drinking, a Coffee Shop Tour works just as great!)