Back to Church Sunday (BTCS) is a project which began in Manchester Diocese in 2004. In 2006, the Berkshire archdeaconry took part with a great deal of success - and in 2007 churches right across the Oxford Diocese took part.
The idea is for churches to invite people in their parishes who have had some connection with the Church, to come back and see what they are missing. Those who have never been churchgoers are also welcome. The key to success, say the organisers, is the personal invitation and attention.
Churches taking part have access to resources such as prayer cards, invitations, and support from their diocese.
Members of the congregation issue personal invitations to people they know, and in turn churches are encouraged to offer a ‘normal’ service, but to be especially welcoming and user-friendly to newcomers and returners that day.
Nearly 900 people came back to church on Back to Church Sunday in Manchester and around 600 people in the Berkshire archdeaconry came back in 2006. We want to make sure that many more come back in 2008.
