The biggest church attendance day of the year is just around the corner. Easter is especially effective at bringing people—lots of people—to church.

Are you ready? Does your church have a plan in place for serving the people once they’re inside? And what will you do to entice them to return when Easter’s over?

With just a little forethought and creative thinking, your church will better minister to those folks who walk through the doors during the entire spring season. Here are some tips for making the most of Lent, Easter, and beyond:

What does a newcomer experience?

Do you have any idea what a visitor’s experience is like when coming to your church for the first time? How easy is it to find a parking space? Does anyone say, “hello”? What’s the check-in process for childcare?

Working with a “mystery shopper”-type church consultant can give you valuable insight into how strangers experience your church upon their first visits. Get an objective opinion about what your church does well and in what areas you can improve.  

What’s coming up after Easter?

You’ll have a captive audience on Easter morning. What will you tell them while they’re there? Make sure you issue invitations to upcoming events. Take a little time to plan ahead and announce future sermon series, Bible studies, social gatherings, kids’ events, etc. A bulletin insert printed with dates of upcoming events would be helpful.

Are you social?

Make sure you’re actively updating all social media accounts for the church. Keep Facebook and Twitter feeds current with event information and send helpful information in emails and e-newsletters.

Will you celebrate all of the Easter season?

Beginning with Ash Wednesday on Feburary 18, the Christian calendar offers several opportunities for worship, reflection, prayer, and praise. Consider holding special worship services throughout Lent, including services on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Some churches enjoy a traditional Passover Seder Meal, weekly Bible studies, or prayer meetings.

What’s planned for the kids?

An Easter egg hunt is an easy and fun way to reach out to friends and neighbors during this season. Hold the hunt a week or so prior to Easter and make sure all guests are welcomed to attend Easter week services at church. Some churches expand their hunts into a spring carnival with inflatables, games, and food. A movie night is another fun way to invite kids and their families to church. Serve pizza and invite guests to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Show a family-friendly (Easter-themed), fun movie on a large projection screen either outside (weather permitting) or in the fellowship hall.

Being intentional about doing church well is crucial during this upcoming season. With a proactive plan for ministering to and engaging with visitors, your church will ready for Lent, Easter, and beyond. And if you need a little outside help, The A Group has worked with dozens of churches to help provide these secret shopper visits, strategies for Easter outreach and support for Easter services. Drop us a line to find out how we can work together to help you have the greatest impact this year.