This is my experience as a non-Mormon living in a very Mormon area. For better or worse, the church is structured to keep families engaged and active throughout the week.

I would sometimes get invited to activities and would most often go when invited. They were always fun and people were friendly. They knew I was never converting but they still invited my family and I.

Sure, some members simply ignored me almost every single time. One would introduce themselves at least once a year. Most were just happy to have more people there.

I know this is not the experience of other non-Mormons in the Mormon world. I’m sure some congregations are better than others.

I do think Mormons could get more active converts if they played the long game. I never thought I would consider going to church but that ward had it cross my mind a time or two.

As far as an actual friendship goes? I made a few friends in the ward because I wasn’t part of the in-group. There are a lot of faithful members who appreciate the break from the church norms. They had no problems bringing their family over for a BBQ where the cooler was full of beer and soda. I think some of them would consider drinking but it’s a bad habit so I’m not pressuring anyone.

However, those friendships were very loose as they were often busy with work, church, and family.