“I have a couple of friends who don’t come to church anymore. What are some ways to help them return?”

Every new member needs a friend at church, a Church assignment, and nourishment “by the good word of God” (Moroni 6:4).¹ While your friends may not be recent converts, these three things can help them.

You can also pray for help. In the Book of Mormon, one of the most powerful accounts of someone coming back to the gospel occurred because of prayer (see Mosiah 27:14).

Let your friends know that you care, and be a good example. Show them that living gospel standards is a great way to be happy (see Mosiah 2:41).

Finally, don’t give up. The Lord respects our agency and allows each of us to come to Him when we are ready. For some this may take longer than others. But no matter how long it takes, your efforts will be worth it.

By helping your friends return to church, you are following the Savior’s example. With love and compassion, He invited others to come unto Him, live the gospel more fully, and rise to their full potential.

Talk about Gospel Topics

It worried me when I noticed that my good friend was not coming to church anymore. Her close friend, I found, had recently passed away, and she was beginning to doubt. One day I invited her to a party with some girls from church. I made it a goal to bring up the Church once. After the others left, we talked about various Church topics that I would have never thought to talk to her about. I learned that by doing my part, the Lord will take care of the rest. All we need to do is open our mouths (see D&C 28:16).

Rebecca T., 16, Washington

Pray for Them

Something that would help a lot is to visit them and show an interest in them. Invite them to Church activities. Pray a lot to Heavenly Father. Ask Him to help you see what the best way would be to help them to return, and pray for them so there can be a change in their hearts to replace any sinful desire with a desire to follow Christ. Give them a good example, and show them that the gospel brings happiness.

Marilú P., 17, Nuevo León, Mexico

Share Your Testimony

The first thing I want to find out is why they aren’t coming to church. After that I will invite them for dinner, family home evening, and some Church activities as well. At the same time, I want to let them know how much our Heavenly Father loves them by sharing some scriptures and inviting them to church. I will bear my testimony to them of the truthfulness of this Church, that it is the only way we can go back and live with our Father in Heaven.

William V., 20, Tongatapu, Tonga

Answer Their Questions

Getting friends to come back to church is hard. People have many reasons for falling away. You should talk to your friends about their reasons for not coming. You can also help them understand the answers to the questions they have that could be keeping them from coming. Also let them know how much they are missed. When they do come to church, make them feel loved and welcome.

Madison B., 14, Arizona

Be a Good Friend

Just be the best friend you can. Be there for your friends. Be an example. Pray for them. Let the Lord show you how you can help your friends. He knows and loves His children and will lead them back to the correct path if they will let Him.

Jenna K., 19, Lower Saxony, Germany

Help Them Remember Spiritual Experiences

Ask them to remember their testimony, which moved them to be baptized. Ask them to remember the miracles the Lord wrought for them according to their faith. Also have them remember the power of prayer and the power of the priesthood.

Anna R., 21, Donets’k, Ukraine

Let Them Know You Care

I have found that the easiest way to encourage them to come to church again is just telling them that you love them and that the ward loves them. I have recently gotten one of my less-active friends to commit to coming to our Mia Maid activities. God will show you how to touch their hearts.

Denali L., 15, Alaska