With Easter celebrations just around the corner, Churches are already gearing for creative ways to make the event memorable and meaningful for the faithful. However, Lifeway founder Thom S. Rainer has a few reminders for Churches and church members that while there is nothing wrong with coming up with fresh ideas to celebrate, churchgoers should not forget the meaning of the season and take the opportunity to build more bridges to the new faithful.
Rainer, on his podcast said that that with bigger crowds expected for the celebration of Christ's resurrection, church members can do their part by making small gestures to help the church.
One of the most important things that one must not forget is to pray, first upon arrival and then before one leaves the church, for oneself and for other persons who attended.
Small acts like making way for guests by giving them more convenient seats or parking spaces that are closer to the church, and being friendly to them will also encourage them to be more receptive to God's message.
"Volunteer to serve. As the number of attendees increase, so does the need for volunteers. The parking team, kids ministry, and church greeter ministry are a few of the areas that will need more volunteers to help serve and minister to members and guests," he said.
"You have an opportunity to make a gospel impression on these people with a few simple acts. Indeed, you have an opportunity to make an eternal difference. These are simple acts. They are acts of service. And if you survive doing these acts of kindness and service on Easter, you just might be able to do them on other days of worship as well," he advised.
Because Easter is a major celebration in the church, it is also an opportunity to have special activities.
An article on The Creative Pastor written by Pastor Kendall Conner suggested ways to encourage fun and camaraderie in the Church, among them the hosting of a family photo booth that encourages families to have bonding moments together in a relaxed atmosphere.
The site also suggested putting up a signable wall or display which encourages churchgoers to reflect and answer questions about their faith and their life.
The article also said that mixing up music, sharing stories and sprucing up the usual stage design encourages the youth to participate in church activities and engages churchgoers to delve deeper into the meaning of the celebration since they are doing it together.
"I feel like it's important to point out that not all of these ideas will work in every church environment. Don't let that bring discouragement – rather, gain whatever inspiration you can and go make your Easter Sunday special for your congregation," he said.
