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What to bring to a church potluck is a hard decision. Look no further! Following are 5 things you can bring to your next small church potluck!

Are there people in your church who don’t attend your potluck dinners? Sometimes people don’t participate because they don’t know what to bring. In another case, they feel guilty for not being able to bring something homemade. Maybe they don’t have time to cook or bake. Or they just don’t cook anymore, or they don’t know how to cook.

The Shift From Hot & Home-Cooked To Today’s Reality

Growing up in a rural community, every church potluck I ever attended was full of “made from scratch” food … and the delicacies were truly “farm-to-table” cooking.

Potlucks were made up of fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, pies, cookies, and angel food cake. The kind made with a dozen eggs … not a cake mix.

Everything was made with love in the kitchen.

There was an unwritten rule that all the food should be made at home … and if anything was store-bought, then the person who brought the food would swiftly be pulled aside and provided with well-intentioned cooking advice.

As fond as those memories are for me, times have changed.

Many families today are working outside of the home. Yet, some people feel tremendous guilt about what to bring to the potluck.

When my kids were young I was working full-time. I was overwhelmed at the thought of not making something from scratch because of the expectations I had grown up with. The wise people in my life reminded me it wasn’t a competition. It was a time to build community.

Consider adding this to the publicity for your next potluck.

5 Things Anyone Can Bring To The Potluck While Leaving The Guilt At Home

1. Bring Some Paper Goods

Cups, plates, and napkins can be purchased ahead of time. There are often good deals on these items, so they won’t put a dent in your wallet.

2. Bring Bottles Of Water

Water is relatively inexpensive yet needed. Those who are trying to avoid caffeine or processed drinks such as soda will thank you.

3. Buy A Pre-Made Salad Or Vegetable Tray At Your Local Deli

If it makes you feel better, put the food in a pretty dish or on a platter, and then no one will know you didn’t make it. 😉 

4. Can’t Bring Anything? That’s Okay!

What is your gift? Can you take pictures at the event? Can you sit with the person who came alone? Could you stay an extra 15 minutes to help clean up? Trust me, this will be appreciated.

5. If All Else Fails, Bring A Heart Full Of Joy To The Potluck

Have intentional conversations, and build beautiful relationships. Your time and attention are precious resources that only you can give.

(If you have those in your congregation that genuinely can’t afford to get anything, be sure to let them know the value and importance of tips 4 and 5!)

Ideas To Reach Out To Those Who Can’t Attend Your Potluck

One more thing. If you have people in your congregation who can’t attend the potluck because they are homebound, reach out.

Let them know about the event and ask them if you can bring a bag of ice, a gallon of tea, or a box of cookies for them.

It’s an easy way to keep them involved and a part of what’s happening, even when they can’t be there face-to-face.

Then, take it one step further and offer to bring them a plate of food for dinner after the event!

Most importantly, don’t let false expectations that you need to bring something of value, even when your own tank is empty, stop you from attending. 

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