Ever met a church that had all the people and resources it needed? They may have all they wanted, but that’s a different subject.
For most churches, Easter weekend will bring some of the largest attendance numbers of the year. The good news is, your church may have those kinds of numbers, and you may not have to do much to get them.
However, what if there were a few things that you could do to maximize your attendance, as well as your impact on those who attend.
Here are 6 things for you to try:
1) Use this weekend as an opportunity to evaluate the condition of your facility and grounds. Ask some people to walk through the building and make a list of those things that need fixing. Maybe it’s painting a room, fixing a hole in the wall, cleaning the carpet, replacing some door knobs, or sprucing up your landscaping. Remember, your building and grounds will make just as big of an impression as your people.
2) Take time to evaluate your systems. Do you have enough greeters and ushers? Are we getting enough information from first time guests? Do we have a clear plan for follow-up? Do we need a parking team? Is our signage clear and easy to follow? These are things that will impact your entire year, not just Easter weekend.
3) Are you making it easy for your regular attenders to invite their friends and neighbors? Remember, people bring people. Provide something for your regulars to use as a tool to invite other people. This may be a card, or it may be something special that you are doing over the weekend. Make it easier for someone to tell someone else about your church.
4) Consider giving something away to everyone who attends. Yes, everyone. By giving something to everyone, you are treating everyone the same. Many people who don’t regularly attend church are afraid they will be asked to stand or raise their hand when they do attend. Try to make them feel welcomed, without singling them out.
5) Plan to start a sermon series the next week that will be attractive to people who don’t normally attend church. Talk about relationships, or parenting, or hard times. Choose something that will make people want to come back.
6) Give away the offering! Yes, you read it correctly. Give away the entire offering on that day. Advertise it ahead of time. This helps to ease the complaint that churches just want my money. Pick out a local charity and give them your entire offering. Your people will love it! Your community will love it!
So, there you have it. Try one or all and see what God does! I believe that if you do, it just might be the best Easter weekend your church has ever had.
We want to hear from you. Are there things you’re planning for this Easter? After Easter, let us know what your experience was. Comment here or email us, info@simplifychurch.com.
