Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
It’s hard to believe we’re already in the first week of March. It feels like we just packed away the Christmas decorations!
Yet here we are—spring is arriving, the days are getting longer, and churches everywhere are preparing for one of the most significant Sundays of the year: Easter.
Easter is one of the two highest-attended Sundays on the church calendar.
It’s the day when many people who don’t regularly attend church will walk through your doors.
It’s also a time when some who have drifted away feel prompted to return.
That makes Easter more than just another service. It’s an opportunity.
An opportunity to share the hope of the resurrection.
An opportunity to create a welcoming experience.
An opportunity to connect with people who may be open to faith in a new way.
Because of that, churches should approach Easter with prayerful intention and practical preparation.
Below is an expanded Easter Planning Checklist to help your church prepare well and steward this important day.
Easter Planning Checklist
1. Do Some Spring Cleaning
Nothing feels more welcoming than a clean and well-maintained facility.
Take a walk around your church campus as if you were a first-time guest.
Notice what they would notice.
Is the parking lot clean? Are the flower beds tidy? Are windows and doors sparkling?
Create a checklist and tackle:
- Washing windows and glass doors
- Cleaning carpets and floors
- Dusting light fixtures and pews
- Touching up chipped paint
- Organizing cluttered storage areas
- Refreshing landscaping with seasonal flowers
Recruit volunteers for a “Church Work Day.” Many people are willing to help if you simply ask.
A clean, orderly facility communicates care, excellence, and hospitality before a single word is spoken.
First impressions matter.
2. Recruit Additional Volunteers
Most churches experience a significant increase in attendance on Easter Sunday. More people mean more needs.
Now is the time to recruit extra volunteers—especially in areas that will feel the strain:
- Parking lot team
- Greeters and ushers
- Welcome center
- Children’s ministry
- Security team
- Musicians and tech team
Easter is also a great opportunity to involve people who don’t typically serve.
Some members may be hesitant to commit long-term, but are happy to help for a special event.
Children’s ministry deserves special attention. Families visiting for the first time will decide quickly whether they feel comfortable leaving their children.
Make sure you have enough trained volunteers so you never have to turn children away due to ratios or space limitations.
Being over-prepared is better than being understaffed.
3. Create an Intentional Easter Service
Easter should never feel like “business as usual.”
Your planning team should prayerfully craft a service that is engaging, clear, and hopeful. Remember who will be in the room:
- People who are hurting
- People who are skeptical
- People who are spiritually curious
- People returning after a long absence
Preach a message of hope. Speak clearly about the resurrection and what it means for everyday life.
Avoid insider language that may confuse guests unfamiliar with church terminology.
Think intentionally about:
- Music selection
- Transitions between elements
- Visual presentation
- Length of service
- Clear next steps
An Easter service doesn’t need to be flashy—but it should be thoughtful, welcoming, and centered on the transforming power of Christ.
4. Prepare for the Influx of People
Many churches add additional services on Easter Sunday to accommodate growth. Some offer:
- A sunrise service
- A Saturday evening service
- An additional morning service
Adding services creates margin and reduces stress on seating and volunteers.
Consider the 80/20 rule of seating: once 80% of seats are filled, the room feels full to guests.
If your sanctuary holds 300, once 240 seats are occupied, newcomers may struggle to find a comfortable seat.
Add chairs before it feels crowded. Make seating accessible and clearly marked. Train ushers to assist guests quickly and graciously.
No one should experience the awkward moment of wandering the aisle, unsure where to sit.
5. Update Visitor Information Packets
Easter brings visitors—so be ready to connect with them.
Review and refresh your visitor packets or welcome materials. Include:
- A brief history of your church
- Statement of faith
- Ministry opportunities
- Service times
- Upcoming events
- Contact information
You may also include a simple incentive to encourage a return visit, such as:
- A coupon for a free coffee
- A small gift
- An invitation to a newcomers’ gathering
The goal isn’t pressure—it’s connection. Make it easy for visitors to learn more and take the next step.
6. Audit Your Online Presence
Before someone visits your church, they will likely visit your website or social media.
Search for your church online. Type:
- “Your church name + city”
- “Churches in [your city]”
What appears? Is your information accurate? Are service times correct? Is your Google listing updated?
Check reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. If you have no reviews, consider asking faithful members to leave honest feedback. If there are negative reviews, respond graciously and professionally.
Your online presence often creates the first impression long before someone sets foot on your campus.
7. Audit Your Website
A strong online presence should lead people to your website—and that website should answer their questions quickly.
Check that the following are clear and current:
- Service times
- Location and directions
- What to expect
- Children’s ministry details
- Statement of faith
- Contact information
Create a dedicated Easter landing page with:
- Service times
- Special events
- Childcare information
- Parking details
- Any community events or egg hunts
Make it simple. Make it inviting. Make it clear.
Confused visitors rarely become returning visitors.
8. Train Volunteers Intentionally
Volunteers represent your church’s culture.
Hold a special pre-Easter training session to reinforce expectations and equip your teams. Discuss:
- How to greet warmly
- How to help someone who looks lost
- How to answer common visitor questions
- How to handle challenges calmly
Give practical examples. For instance, coach children’s ministry workers on how to reassure a nervous mother leaving her baby for the first time.
A smile, eye contact, and a confident explanation of safety procedures can make all the difference.
One negative interaction can overshadow an otherwise powerful service. Training prevents that.
9. Get the Word Out
Easter is one of the easiest times of year to invite someone to church.
Provide printed invitation cards that members can hand to friends and neighbors. Encourage members to personally invite coworkers and family.
Use social media to share service times and events. Consider a targeted local Facebook ad campaign to reach people in your area who may be searching for a church.
People are already looking. Make it easy for them to find you.
Easter Is Special
Easter represents new life. New beginnings. Fresh starts.
But more importantly, it represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope available to everyone who believes.
For some who walk into your church this Easter, it may be their first time in years. For others, it could be the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.
Preparation may feel logistical and administrative—but it is deeply spiritual work. Creating an environment where people feel welcomed, informed, and valued opens the door for God to work in their hearts.
Spending time now to plan carefully can have an eternal impact.
Let’s steward this opportunity well.
What special things are your church planning this year?
If you are a member of SCM, you can download a copy of the Easter Planning Checklist here. If you are not a member, you can explore our growing library here.
