Turning Easter Attendance into Church Community
By America Kimlinger
Easter Sunday is one of the most significant times of the year for the church—an opportunity to reach hearts to share the hope of the resurrection. But as quickly as Easter comes, it’s just as quickly over. So, how do you ensure that the guests who attend on Easter don’t just fade into the background? How can you engage them and encourage them to return and become active, committed members of your church family?
The days and weeks following Easter are a crucial time for follow-up and continued connection. Here’s how to keep the momentum going and help your new attendees feel welcomed, valued, and eager to return.
1. Personalized Follow-Up
When new people visit your church, they often seek a sense of belonging and connection. After Easter, you have a unique opportunity to follow up personally, letting them know you noticed their presence and are excited to see them again.
Practical Tip: Send personalized follow-up messages, whether by email, text, or phone call. A simple message from the pastor can go a long way in making someone feel welcome. Acknowledge their visit, thank them for attending, and let them know you would love to have them return. Include a direct invitation to an upcoming service or event so they feel included and invited back.
2. Offer Opportunities for Connection
While the Easter service is a great way to introduce people to your church, it’s the follow-up connections that make them feel at home. Encourage new guests to find ways to get involved, whether that’s through small groups or church events.
Practical Tip: Provide clear next steps for your new guests. Invite them to an “Easter Follow-Up” event or a “Meet and Greet” where they can meet church leaders and others new to the congregation. Highlight opportunities for them to join small groups. Create spaces where they can ask questions, get to know others, and feel like they are part of a community.
3. Create an Engaging Post-Easter Experience
Many guests who attend church on Easter may leave feeling inspired but may not know what comes next. Help bridge that gap by creating a post-Easter experience that keeps them engaged with your church.
Practical Tip: Consider hosting a sermon series or event that picks up where your Easter message left off. This could be a series focused on spiritual growth, finding purpose, or building community. Offering a compelling reason for new attendees to return (such as a meaningful follow-up series or an event they can invite friends to) will keep them engaged and interested in your church beyond the Easter service.
4. Stay Connected and Visible
Social media is essential for staying connected with your regular congregation and new attendees. In the days following Easter, use your church’s social media platforms to share highlights from the service, upcoming events, and other ways to stay connected.
Practical Tip: Post engaging content that encourages interaction—whether that’s a recap of your Easter service, behind-the-scenes looks at church life, or quotes from your Easter message. Also, use social media to highlight how new attendees can connect, whether through events, Bible studies, or ministry teams. Encourage people to follow your church’s pages and stay updated on what’s happening.
5. Show Them What Makes You Unique
Newcomers often have questions about what a church believes and what its community is like. In the post-Easter period, make sure your church’s values, mission, and vision are clear and accessible to them.
Practical Tip: Highlight your church’s core values and the mission that drives everything you do. This can be done through a welcoming website, a membership class, or even in a short “Welcome to Our Church” video. Show new attendees what makes your church unique and how they can get involved in something bigger than themselves.
6. Help Them Take the Next Step
For many new guests, Easter may be their first introduction to your church, but it’s often just the beginning of their spiritual journey. Help them take the next step toward growth, whether that’s through discipleship programs, spiritual formation classes, or serving opportunities.
Practical Tip: Have follow-up materials ready, such as a resource list of upcoming events, Bible studies, or small group sign-ups. By providing clear next steps for spiritual growth, you’re not just inviting them back to church—you’re guiding them in their relationship with God.
Keep the Connection Alive
Easter is a powerful moment of connection, but it’s the follow-up in the days and weeks afterward that can turn first-time visitors into lifelong members of your church family. Just as Jesus showed us the importance of relationships, we are called to build genuine, lasting connections with those who walk through our doors.
At StartCHURCH, we believe that personal engagement and connection are the heart of any thriving church community. By making people feel seen, heard, and valued, we can foster a church environment where relationships flourish, and the love of Christ is reflected in everything we do. As you reach out to new guests and make them feel at home, we pray that God will bless your efforts and grow His Kingdom in powerful ways. Let this Easter season be the beginning of something beautiful.
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