Easter Sunday is one of the most significant opportunities for churches to attract new attendees and reignite the passion of their existing members. However, the weeks following Easter are just as crucial for capitalizing on this momentum and encouraging people to return. Here are some key strategies for effective preaching and ministry in the post-Easter season.
Introduce yourself and your church’s story
In the weeks following Easter, take time to share your personal testimony and the story of your church. This helps new attendees get to know you and your church’s mission, while also reminding long-time members of the vision that drives your ministry.
Ensure consistency in preaching
The lead pastor who preaches on Easter should also preach the following week and most of the next series. This consistency helps avoid giving people “whiplash” and encourages them to return. Pastors should steward their energy leading up to Easter to maintain this consistency without needing a break immediately after.
Keep the experience familiar
Easter and post-Easter services should feel as similar to normal services as possible in terms of times, length, and kids’ ministry. Consistent experiences enable people to confidently invite friends, knowing they will have a positive experience whenever they attend.
Start a new series or promote the upcoming one
Consider starting a new sermon series on Easter, especially one focused on Jesus or the gospel. This allows you to encourage people to return the following week for part two. If not starting a series on Easter, be sure to promote the upcoming series during the Easter service.
Evaluate and adapt when a series falls short
If a post-Easter series doesn’t generate the hoped-for momentum or growth, examine what could have been done differently in the lead-up to Easter or in the way the series was framed and promoted. Remember that most life change happens in rare moments, and consistent faithfulness tills the soil for future impact.
Streamline processes to encourage invitations
Poor processes like difficult child check-in or parking can hinder growth even with strong preaching. Attendees who feel inconvenienced are less likely to invite friends. Evaluate and streamline these processes to create a welcoming environment.
Craft accessible and inviting sermons
Evaluate your sermons based on whether they make people wish they had invited friends to hear the message. Seek feedback from new believers and blue-collar individuals to gain insight on making messages more accessible and inviting.
The Series After Easter Matters
By implementing these strategies and intentionally planning your Easter and post-Easter sermon series in consultation with church leaders, you can craft an impactful series that maximizes momentum and encourages both new and existing members to engage with your church community. Remember, consistency, accessibility, and a welcoming environment are key to effective preaching and ministry growth.
