Easter is more than just a holiday—it’s a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It’s a time of celebration, reflection, and renewal. For churches, Easter Sunday is one of the year's most significant events, drawing both regular attendees and visitors alike. That’s why knowing how to prepare for Easter is so crucial. By putting effort into planning, you can avoid scrambling to get things done last minute. Instead, you can host a successful event where those who come to your church encounter the hope and joy of the resurrection. 

“He is not here, but is risen!”—Luke 24:6

10 Tips for Preparing for Easter

As you know, a lot of work goes into hosting Easter—and, more importantly, doing it well. Fortunately, we’ve compiled some practical tips to help you get ready. By following these tips, you can start preparing for Easter early and ensure it’s your best one yet!

1. Decide on the Service Message

Although you may have other activities planned for Easter, your service is the heart of the event. So, it makes sense to start there. Begin preparing for Easter by settling on the message of the service.

• Choose a theme that resonates with the congregation and aligns with the significance of Easter.

• Craft a message that communicates the central message of the Gospel in a relevant and impactful way.

• Ensure your sermon series leading up to Easter builds anticipation and sets the stage for the main event.

In addition to giving you or the lead pastor time to craft a great sermon, it will also provide guidance for how you frame the service to your community. 

2. Recruit Volunteers

Your team will likely do the majority of the work to prepare for Easter. However, you may need additional support from church members. In that case, it’s worth reaching out to members to encourage them to volunteer.

Start by identifying areas where volunteers are needed, such as greeting, setup, hospitality, and children’s ministry. Then, recruit early to ensure you have ample time to train and schedule volunteers. Make sure to clearly communicate expectations and provide the necessary resources to equip volunteers for success.

3. Create Informational Materials for First-Time Visitors

Most Easter service attendees will be existing members. But as mentioned previously, you’ll also have people trying out your church for the first time. In preparation for the influx of first-time visitors, you should have informational materials to familiarize them with the church.  

• Design welcome packets or brochures that provide information about your church, upcoming events, and ways to get connected.

• Include a map of the church campus and parking instructions to make navigation easier for visitors.

• Personalize the experience by including a handwritten note or invitation to connect with church staff or members.

All of this will go a long way in welcoming visitors, making them feel at home, and encouraging membership. 

4. Order Supplies and Decorations

Depending on what your Easter event will entail, you may need to purchase some supplies, such as decorations, refreshments, etc. So, assess your inventory and make a list of everything you need for Easter Sunday. By ordering these early, you can ensure timely delivery and avoid last-minute rushes. 

5. Develop an Event Page for Registration

Another important step in preparing for Easter is highlighting the event on your website. We recommend creating a dedicated event page for your Easter service (and post-service gathering). That way, you have a place to send those interested in learning more. Plus, you can enable registration to gauge attendance and plan accordingly for seating and logistics.  

On this page, make sure to include these details:

• Service times

• Location

• Childcare availability

• Special instructions for attendees

• Registration form

6. Set up for Live Stream

If you want to invite those outside of your local area to attend your service, you may decide to stream it. It’s a great way to allow those who can’t come in person to hear the sermon and join your congregation in worship. To prepare for an Easter live stream, assess your capabilities and equipment (e.g., camera, lighting, microphones, video platform). Test your setup in advance to ensure a smooth streaming experience for online viewers.

Also, consider creating an online registration option on your event page. 

7. Promote the Service on Social Media

As Easter grows closer, you should promote your service on social media. At a minimum, you should let people know when the event will be and how to attend. But you can go beyond that by sharing posts about the meaning of Easter as well.

• Create engaging content highlighting Easter's significance and inviting people to join your services.

• Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach both church members and the broader community.

• Encourage sharing and engagement by asking questions, sharing testimonies, and posting behind-the-scenes glimpses of preparation.

Tip: As visual content tends to capture people’s attention, go beyond regular text posts with graphics. If you don’t have the time, you can download our FREE Easter graphics package here!

8. Encourage Attendance via Email

Along with social media, use email to notify your community about Easter Sunday. To prepare for Easter, craft compelling email campaigns leading up to the event and include those on your list. Share sneak peeks of what attendees can expect, including special music, guest speakers, or other highlights. Make sure to add a clear call to action, encouraging recipients to RSVP or invite friends and family to join them.

9. Clean and Organize Your Building

Another part of preparing for Easter is cleaning and organizing your building. After all, your church will be the setting for your Easter service, so you need to be sure it’s ready for the event. This is where having volunteers will be beneficial.

Before the event, thoroughly clean the church facilities to ensure they’re welcoming and presentable. Also, arrange seating based on anticipated attendance. Consider adding overflow seating areas or additional service times if needed to accommodate larger crowds.

10. Do a Service/Worship Run-Through

Last but not least, you should prepare for Easter service by doing a run-through. Given the importance of this event, you want to be sure everything goes smoothly. So, it’s well worth practicing the key parts of the service and worship.

• Conduct a rehearsal of the Easter service, including music, transitions, and any special elements.

• Use this time to iron out any logistical or technical issues and ensure everyone knows their role.

• Encourage feedback and collaboration to fine-tune the service for maximum impact.

Make This Easter Meaningful

Preparing for Easter is about more than just checking off tasks—it’s about going above and beyond to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. By following these steps and investing time and effort into planning and preparation, your church can create a memorable and impactful Easter experience for both members and visitors alike. May your preparations be filled with joy, anticipation, and the assurance that God is at work in and through your church this Easter season.

Save time on Easter service promotion by downloading our FREE Easter graphics package!