Easter Sunday is often one of the most exciting days on the church calendar. Sanctuaries are filled with families, worship is vibrant, and hearts are often more open to the message of Jesus than at any other time of the year.
But what happens after the lilies are taken down and the chairs are packed away?
Too often, the momentum of Easter fades quickly, becoming a decisive moment that never matures into a movement. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With intentionality, your Easter service can launch a new season of growth, connection, and gospel impact in your church.
Here are five strategic steps your church can take now to keep the momentum moving forward:
1. Re-Engage Every Guest
Easter brought new people into your church. The question is—have they heard from you since?
Follow-up doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple text, email, or even a short thank-you video from your pastor can go a long way in making a guest feel noticed and welcomed. If you collected contact information (names, phone numbers, or emails), use it! A personal “thank you” and invitation to return can differentiate between a one-time visit and a returning guest.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Text in Church (https://textinchurch.com) or Gloo Plus (https://www.gloo.us/plus) to automate and personalize follow-up messages.
2. Create a Clear “Next Step”
Most guests are willing to return if they know what to do next. Take the guesswork out of it by clearly promoting a next step for new visitors.
Here are a few effective options:
– Host a “Welcome Lunch” the Sunday after Easter
– Launch a four-week newcomer class that introduces your mission, values, and ministries
– Promote a relevant sermon series that builds on Easter themes (e.g., purpose, peace, freedom, resurrection life)
3. Connect People to Community
Discipleship happens best in relationships. Now is the perfect time to promote small groups, Sunday school classes, or volunteer teams where people can find connection and grow spiritually.
Make it easy for people to sign up, and have leaders ready to welcome them personally. Highlight these opportunities from the platform, online, and through email or text.
4. Celebrate What God Did
People love being part of a church that is alive and making a difference. Share the fruit of your Easter services with your congregation:
– How many guests came?
– How many decisions were made?
– What stories of life change are beginning to unfold?
Share these testimonies through video, social media, and Sunday services. When your church sees God at work, it builds faith and fosters a culture of invitation and celebration.
5. Evaluate and Strategize for the Future
Before the energy fades, gather your team to debrief:
– What worked well this Easter?
– What could we improve next time?
– Where did we see momentum—and how can we build on it?
Document the wins, identify the gaps, and begin planning how to replicate and build upon this experience throughout the year.
Final Thoughts: From Moment to Movement
Easter doesn’t have to be a once-a-year high point. It can be the beginning of a wave of renewal and engagement in your church—if you steward it well.
The early church didn’t stop at the resurrection—they launched a Spirit-empowered movement that changed the world. We’re called to do the same.
At Noonday Association, we’re here to walk with you in that mission. Whether you need help developing a follow-up strategy, training your leaders, or strengthening your discipleship pathways, we are ready to support you.
Let’s turn this Easter moment into a gospel movement.
Need help designing a custom follow-up process for your church? Reach out to Bill Sizemore at [email protected] for a free consultation through the Noonday Association of Churches.
By Bill Sizemore
Church Consultant, Noonday Association of Churches