5 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EASTER SERVICE
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By: Raul Rivera
The biggest Sunday of the year for churches across the world is right around the corner. I am sure you are aware of what Sunday I am talking about. Regardless, I will go ahead and state the obvious, “It is Easter Sunday.”
For churches, Easter is the biggest Sunday of the year for a couple of reasons. The first reason being that it is the Sunday in which the “Church” celebrates the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Another reason is because this is the Sunday when churches experience the highest number of attendees all year.
Many individuals that attend Easter service have not been to church since Christmas or last Easter. Families who have been out of church for a while, or who have never attended church, tend to select Easter Sunday as the day when they will go to church. Perhaps they do so because they think that it will be easy to blend in and not look out of place.
Whatever the reason is for them choosing to attend on Easter Sunday, I ask you the following questions:
Are you prepared?
Is your church ready to meet them where they are and make them feel welcomed?
Do you have enough volunteers to greet them with a friendly smile?
Do you have anything special planned that will strongly encourage them to return before Christmas or next Easter?
I am sure by now you already have plans in place for your Easter service. However, maybe you are in need of some additional ideas to make your Easter service more memorable and special for all who attend this year.
Below are five easy and creative ideas that will help you to make the most of your Easter service.
Making your Easter service memorable
1. Set up a photo booth
Since everyone tends to wear their finest on Easter Sunday, what better way to serve those in attendance than with an opportunity to have a photo taken using a photo booth. This does not have to be as complicated as it may seem.
Create a space where people can have their picture taken by someone within your church. You may even want to provide a few props for them to use if they wish to take a silly photo. If you do not have anyone in your church available to take the pictures, you can simply download a photo booth app such as Evite Photo Booth for Apple products or Party Photo Booth for Android tablets. You will only need to download the app on one device for your church attendees to use.
2. Provide a special treat or a fun give away for those in attendance
In addition to the coffee that your church may already serve on Sundays, you may want to consider providing a special treat, such as cupcakes, for when the service is over. Remember, Easter is a day to celebrate the undeniable truth that Jesus defeated death, hell, and the grave. I cannot think of a better reason to throw a party.
You may also want to consider providing your members and attendees with a fun give away. This give away could be a T-shirt, sunglasses, or water bottle with your church’s logo on it. By doing something like this you are providing an opportunity for your members and those in attendance to take ownership in your church, and it is also an easy way to get your church’s name out in the community.
3. Ramp up the excitement in the kids ministry
One of the best ways to turn visitors into regular attendees at your church is to get the kids excited about coming to church. Presenting the gospel in fun and exciting ways that kids can relate to is undeniably effective. When the kids have fun and are excited about going to church, then it is the parents who have to bring them.
To ramp up the excitement on Easter Sunday, you may want to consider renting a few bounce houses for the kids to enjoy after the service.
4. Make sure you have enough volunteers in place
The Apostle Paul uses the illustration of one body with many parts to describe the Church in 1 Corinthians 12. As a body requires many parts to properly function, so does your church.
Since your Easter service will most likely have a higher number of attendees than a typical Sunday service, you will want to make sure you have enough volunteers scheduled to serve that day. Also, be sure that everyone is greeted with a warm smile and feels welcomed. This is especially important for first time visitors since you will want to make the best first impression possible.
(Recommended reading: “How to Create a Solid Volunteer Program”)
5. Include a creative element in your sermon presentation
I want to make it clear that in no way am I indicating you need to water down the gospel in your sermon. Rather, I am suggesting that you allow your creative juices to get flowing so you can add an extra element to how you present the gospel that really hits home with those in attendance.
People are captivated by a good story, especially when it is a story that they can directly relate to. For example, as a part of your sermon, you could show a testimony video of how someone’s life was changed when that person met Jesus. Or, you could include the involvement of several people in your church with “cardboard testimonies.” This can be done in a video format or live during the service. (If you are not sure what that is, then click here to watch a video.) [If you do not feel like you can get ready for “cardboard testimonies” among your people, then show this video. – Pastor Frank]
No matter what you choose to include in your sermon or how you decide to present it, the most important thing is that you present the gospel according to the Word of God. As it says in Hebrews 4:12:
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
