Outreach magazine recently asked readers to share some of their best Easter connection ideas. The result: 21 seasoned ideas that have been proven effective. As you read them and begin to brainstorm, be creative and consider how God wants your congregation to reach out to those who don't know him this Easter.
Here are 7 of those 21 ideas~
1. Community humility. We participate in a community-wide Easter service held at a local college stadium. Pastors from various denominations come together to plan, pray, share ideas, and divide the workload and costs. Because of the pastors' humility, the services have had great success in our community. – Trinity Assembly of God, Algood, Tenn.
2. Easter road show. Develop a team that can conduct Easter services – even a children's service and egg hunt – at locations around your community. Housing projects, senior citizens' developments, even trailer parks are good. You'll hit individuals and families who might never have the chance to visit your church and hear the Gospel. – Adapted from SonRise Christian Church, Goose Creek, S.C.
3. Lily gratitude. Instead of spending money on Easter lilies to decorate the church, purchase lilies as a donation to local businesses, hospitals, law enforcement, schools, etc. Attach a small tag from your church: "With appreciation during this Easter season." – Adapted from First Southern Baptist Church, Lawrence, Kan.
4. Resurrection run. We hold a resurrection run motorcycle rally and invite motorcycle enthusiasts from the community to join us. – FAITH Riders Motorcycle Ministries, Cookeville, Tenn.
5. Easter labyrinth. On Easter, we promote a labyrinth experience featuring stations of the cross. Even unbelievers are interested in a spiritual experience that helps them learn about the true significance of Easter. – Adapted from Harbor Trinity Church, Costa Mesa, Calif., and New Generations Church, Albany, Ga.
6. Easter signs. In cities where increasing restrictions are affecting public signage, creative churches are using silk-screened, corrugated plastic yard signs. Planted on the front lawns of church members, the signs invite neighbors to Easter services and events.
7. Love jars. Our ladies outreach group fills canning jars with brownie mix – layered and sealed with a lid covered with seasonal fabric. We make a personal visit to the home of each of our Easter visitors. It's a non-threatening, non-preachy visit that simply says, "We're glad you came ... hope to see you again." – Memorial Baptist Church, Verona, Wis.
