You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: Easter has the opportunity to be one of the busiest times of the year for your church. There’s opportunity to reach new people and invigorate those who are already a part of your community. As you’re finishing your Easter planning, here are a few thoughts to consider.
Find a theme that grounds the entire weekend. If people leave your church on Easter remembering just one thing, what should it be? Big weekends are a great time to be laser focused on the message you’re sharing. Tie all of your services or activities to that message so it’s impossible for people not to understand what you’re saying.
Remember the difference between Friday and Saturday. Good Friday is more somber than Easter morning. That’s the general expectation for churchgoers. Plus, looking at the weekend that way lets you craft a story about the meaning of Easter. Without the darkness of death there can’t be the light of salvation. Maintaining the balance is trickier for larger churches who do the same service multiple times during the week of Easter, but be mindful of the expectation that Easter is a celebration.
Tell how your church is changing lives. The Resurrection is about freedom from our doomed past. As an agent of Jesus, your church should be an ambassador of change for your people and community. Sharing stories not only helps your congregation feel inspired but it also gives visitors a glimpse of where you stand.
Give a clear path for how people can become engaged. Once you share stories of changed lives in your church, let people know how they can be a part of it. Help people plug-in to the movement. Enroll them with next steps classes. Connect them with serving opportunities. Offer to help fill a need in their lives.
Over communicate with staff and volunteers. Easter is going to be a good opportunity for your church to make a first impression with new people and reconnect with others who may have been away for a while. Share the importance of being a welcoming church with your volunteers. Make sure they’re informed about what’s going on so they can help people get where they need to be. Shooting off those expectations in a random email isn’t enough. Reinforce the vision and importance of Easter weekend.
