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11 Keys to an Explosive Easter Service

“Overall, 31% of active churchgoers said they would definitely invite someone they know who does not usually attend a church to accompany them to a church service on Easter weekend this year.”  Barna Group

In light of this research, if you have an average church attendance of 300, I believe that you could easily see 30-50% (100-150) increase at your Easter service.  But what if you put some effort into it?  What if you spent 3 months planning and preparing your congregation for an explosive and transformational Easter this year?  I really believe that healthy churches can double their average attendance on Easter, which will have a residual impact for the rest of the year.

With Easter falling later on the calendar this year, April 8, you have an opportunity to have one of your largest Easter attendances in the history of your church.  Here are a few principles that you can apply in planning to have an Explosive Easter this year.

1.  Believe it can happen.

Leading a congregation can be a lonely and discouraging assignment.  Helping pastors keep their heads in the game is one of the things I do all the time.  It is so easy to get caught up with the negative distractions that ministry brings that we can get our eyes off the thousands of people who are so far from God but really close to us.  Jesus said to His distracted disciples, “Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’?  I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!  They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35)  What do you do as a leader to keep your eyes on the harvest?  What do you need to do to keep your staff, leaders, and church’s eyes on the harvest?  God is at work in your community!  Do you believe it?  Can you see through the eyes of faith the lives of families and neighbors who can be changed by the power of the gospel?

2. Have a record setting mentality.

What has been the largest Easter service in the history of your church?  What is holding you back to see it happen this year?  The previous point deals with your belief in God and His redemptive work in the world.  This point deals with your belief in your church, your team, and God’s work within and through your church. If you don’t think it can happen as a leader, then you and the church are in trouble.  If you don’t believe it, then no one else will.  What is keeping you from setting a new Easter attendance record in the life of your church?