Easter is one of the most significant Sundays of the year. It’s more than just a big attendance day for you; it’s an opportunity to introduce your church to new people and remind your community who you are. Here’s how to create an effective Easter strategy:
1. Know Your Church’s Unique Brand
Your church already has a brand, whether it’s controlled or not. It’s how you’re perceived. What are you known for? You need to identify a thread that is a controlled benefit of your church. When you clarify this, your Easter messaging becomes more authentic and consistent. And will lead to long-term attendance.
2. Define Your Easter Message
What’s the hope or transformation you want to highlight this Easter? Keep your Easter Message title simple, clear, and true to your church’s voice.
3. Create an Easter Theme
Develop an Easter theme, something memorable that aligns with your church’s brand. Use it across your website, social media, and print materials. Everywhere! Even in the church.
4. Update Your Website
Add an Easter landing page with service times, event details, and an easy way to plan a visit. Make sure it reflects your church’s thread, style, and tone. Include 3 or 4 links to other pages on your website.
5. Use Social Media
Create branded Easter posts and encourage members to share them. Schedule a countdown, post invitation videos, and consider boosting posts to reach more people. Make them match your Easter look.
6. Send Email Reminders
Reach out to your congregation and past visitors with short, friendly email reminders leading up to Easter. Maybe try text messaging for a reminder the day before (but don’t overdo it).
7. Equip Your Church to Invite
Provide invite cards and digital graphics that match your Easter theme. Encourage members to personally invite friends and neighbors. Role-play this from the stage or in a social media video. Have fun with it!
8. Prepare for Guests
Train greeters to welcome visitors warmly and emphasize your thread. Use clear signage and offer a next step for guests, like a connection card or welcome gift. Try to get their follow-up information.
9. Plan a Follow-Up Strategy
After Easter, follow up within 48 hours. Send a thank-you email, invite them to an upcoming event (that they would need), and encourage another visit.
10. Evaluate & Improve
After Easter, gather feedback from volunteers and guests. What worked? What didn’t? Use what you learn to make next year even better.
About the author
Mark MacDonald is a communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author, and church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com, empowering thousands of Pastors and churches to become known for something relevant (a communication thread) throughout their ministries, on their church websites, and social media. His church branding book, Be Known for Something, is available at BeKnownBook.com.
