Easter Sunday is one of the most exciting and hope-filled days on the church calendar. Churches are full, families gather, and hearts are often more open to the gospel than at any other time of the year. But here’s the big question: What happens after the service is over?
For many churches, Easter is a high-attendance Sunday with little follow-through. Visitors come and go—and sadly, some never return—not because they weren’t interested, but because no one followed up.
If we want to make the most of this God-given moment, we must be ready with a plan. Below is a simple, three-step follow-up system that any church—large or small—can implement to care for their Easter guests and increase the chances of helping them connect, grow, and ultimately become disciples.
⸻
Step 1: Get the Digits
Why it matters:
You can’t follow up with someone you didn’t connect with. That’s why it’s essential to create a welcoming, easy method for collecting names and contact information from your guests on Easter Sunday.
How to do it:
• Digital Connect Cards: These can be embedded in your church app, website, or even displayed with a QR code on the screen or printed materials.
• Paper Cards: Placed in bulletins or pews and collected during offering or at the end of service.
• Guest Tables or Welcome Centers: Have friendly volunteers available to personally greet guests and encourage them to fill out a card for a free gift or coffee coupon.
Pro Tip: Keep your forms simple—ask only for the essentials: Name, Phone Number, and Email. You can always follow up later for more.
⸻
Step 2: Text a “Thank You”
Why it matters:
A quick thank-you message shows guests that they were noticed, appreciated, and that their visit mattered. It also opens a line of communication and sets a tone of hospitality and care.
How to do it:
Use a texting platform designed for churches to automate and personalize your message.
Great tools include:
• Planning Center – A powerful all-in-one church management system.
• Gloo Plus – Offers guest connection and outreach tools.
• Text in Church – Made specifically for church guest follow-up with ready-to-use templates.
Message Example:
“Hi [First Name]! Thank you so much for joining us for Easter at [Church Name]. We were so glad to have you with us! If there’s any way we can serve or pray for you, let us know!”
Pro Tip: Schedule this message to go out within 24 hours of their visit. The quicker the better!
⸻
Step 3: Make It Personal
Why it matters:
Digital communication is great—but a personal phone call can go deeper. A simple
conversation can uncover spiritual needs, prayer requests, or questions about the church and
faith.
How to do it:
• Assemble a follow-up team of friendly, spiritually mature volunteers or staff who are willing to make short, intentional calls.
• Provide them with a script or guide (e.g., “Thank you again for joining us—was there anything in the service that stood out to you?” or “How can we pray for you this week?”)
• Equip them to listen well, pray if appropriate, and extend an invitation to a next step (a newcomer lunch, small group, or next Sunday service).
Pro Tip: Track these calls in your church management system and schedule follow-up points as needed.
⸻
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Count the Crowd—Care for the People
Easter is more than an event—it’s a door. And behind that door are real people with real needs, questions, and hearts seeking hope. With a thoughtful follow-up system, you can turn a one-time guest into a lifelong disciple.
As church leaders, let’s not just prepare for Easter Sunday. Let’s prepare for Easter Monday—and the beautiful gospel work that follows.
If you need help crafting your follow-up plan or equipping your team, I’d love to come alongside you.
Cheering you on this Easter,
Bill Sizemore
Church Consultant, Noonday Association of Churches