8 Ways To Create Impact This Easter
As we near the one-year anniversary of this global pandemic and its impact on ministry, we approach for a second time the challenges of celebrating Easter in a safe yet exciting way. While it can certainly feel overwhelming to try to plan another online event, or figure out how to safely host an in-person service for Easter, we must remember that the story of Easter is why we are even here in the first place!
Here are a few helpful points to assist you in thinking through planning and executing Easter celebrations this year:
Pray
Oftentimes, we can turn to prayer as a “last resort” when things aren’t going well, but the Bible encourages us to pray early and pray often! In Mark 11, Jesus tells us that “whatever [we] ask in prayer, believe that [we] have received it, and it will be [ours].” Prayer is our most powerful tool for seeking wisdom and asking for souls to be won for His Kingdom! Begin praying today with your ministry teams and staff to usher God into the midst of your Lent and Easter season.
Use Lent to Prepare Hearts
Lent is like the pathway that draws people closer to God in preparation of the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. It’s a great opportunity to share daily scriptures, a corporate devotional and/or devotional videos that point in the direction of what Jesus has done. Social media platforms can be the perfect medium for sharing this season of preparation with a larger audience. In this time of COVID, many are searching for meaning and answers to serious questions about life, humanity and who God is. This is also a golden opportunity to educate on what Lent is and why it’s observed for those who may only be familiar with it as it is practiced in the Catholic tradition.
Highlight Life Change Testimonies
Christ being raised from the dead is the reason we celebrate Easter, and seeing more people being raised to life with Him is why we do church! While COVID has presented its challenges, it also has offered up plenty of opportunity to share what God has been doing. When asked, you’ll find that your members have triumphs, celebrations and stories to share! These stories are effective ministry tools to highlight that we serve a living God. Sharing these stories in tandem with Lent and Easter promotions during online and in-person services can help to draw people in by emphasizing God’s character while also helping people to relate to one another by finding common ground.
Consider Ways to Serve Your Community
While COVID has limited face-to-face contact in many communities, there are still opportunities to serve those in need. You might consider having members of your church write cards to elderly people living in nursing homes or doing the same for people in hospitals who may not be able to have visitors. Another great opportunity could be to connect with local schools and help fulfill basic needs for impoverished families. Including an invitation to participate in your online service is an awesome way to both meet a practical need while also opening the door to further connect with those you serve in a spiritual way.
Customize Your Media & Imagery
We celebrate Easter as a season of reflection with emphasis on personal growth, repentance and examining the word of God. Ministry imagery should reflect that this time of year is indeed different! Changes to online media graphics, service promotional materials and stage design/décor can all communicate to the church family that we are indeed celebrating something meaningful.
Host an Outdoor Easter Service
Easter weather can lend itself to enjoyable outdoor events and can also be a visual reminder of spring and new things to come. Consider an outdoor service as a way to engage people in a new way. The church doors being open to the outdoors may also be an evangelistic opportunity for those who feel self-conscious about entering into the church building itself. Outdoor services get the attention of the nearby community and may also provide an open invitation to those who have been hesitant to attend in-person services due to COVID concerns.
Organize a Virtual Photo Booth
A custom hashtag can become a virtual invitation for sharing and creating that sense of family between in person and online services. Asking people to dress up and post photos of themselves utilizing a shared hashtag allows your ministry to capture moments and celebrate together – even if you may not all be physically in one space. If in-person Easter services are taking place, a designated ministry photographer can contribute candid photos of praise and worship, prayer moments, friends and family greeting each other, etc. and include those in the virtual photo booth for all to enjoy!
Encourage Members to Invite Someone
According to Dr. Thom Rainer in his book The Unchurched Next Door, 82% of unchurched people are at least somewhat likely to attend a service if they are invited. Making the invitation an easy one is key. Repurposing current platforms and communication methods can also take the pressure off coming up with something brand new. For example, using a current texting service to set up a text code that allows members to send a text invitation to friends and family may offer enough of an incentive for those who may be a little shy to ask. Instead of a printed postcard invitation, try creating a digital flyer that can easily be shared by members with friends and family members. You may even consider adding a page on your website that can be used by members to help point people to more information about your services.
Ministry Leaders, Keep Purpose at the Forefront
Do not be dismayed by the challenges you continue to face while navigating this season. Remember the “why” as you prep for Easter. In first Thessalonians, Paul begins his letter to the church by saying “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” May we be like the church in Thessalonica: one marked by faith to do the work God has called us to, one prompted by love to see those who haven’t met Jesus come to know Him, and one filled with endurance fueled by the hope we have found in Him!
This post was collaboratively written by Stephanie Godwin-Chu & Andrew Bushway
Photo by Pisit Heng on Unsplash
