Make It Memorable
Wondering how to add something new to your Easter service this year, but aren’t sure if you can pull off something new? Let’s break down some ways Easter program ideas for small churches can be memorable, without a huge budget.
PROGRAMMING
The best Easter program ideas are the ones that speak to your unique context. When we picture a stand out Easter service, we tend to think of creative elements found in large churches, but the best programming ideas can be used across different contexts. Here are some Easter program ideas for any church to try:
- Dance
- Spoken word
- A drama production
- An original inspirational video
These suggestions could really make your Easter service memorable this year, but it comes with a little work. You can put up flyers at your church or post a talent call on your social media for local artists who would enjoy collaborating to create an incredible Easter experience. It’s likely that artists in your community want to bring their talents and resources to a space just like yours.
We suggest putting on a drama production or musical for the highest amount of engagement. Productions can be an inclusive event for anyone to attend. When it comes to being age inclusive, you can create something for the whole family to enjoy. You may be able to draw themes from recent points of interest your congregation may have this year in order to make the production creative perspective.
ACTIVITIES
Why not incorporate a couple of Easter church activities that’ll excite the families you’re expecting? Potlucks and Easter egg hunts are a safe go-to but does it sometimes feel like these events are done the same way that people have been doing them for ages? Perhaps you can keep the love for food on the agenda this year, but call it a brunch instead of a potluck. You can also swap out a traditional Easter egg hunt for a glow in the dark version by adding glow sticks to treats. Here are a few more Easter ideas for church activities that your guests may find remarkable:
- Easter egg makeover challenge
- Basket-making
- Arts and crafts for kids
- Cookie decoration competition
GIVEAWAYS
Make Easter unforgettable this year by sending your guests home with a little more than what they came for. When you include giveaways in your Easter experience, it makes attendees feel seen and welcomed. Giveaways are also a great way to remind your guests of their visit after they leave. They can even help strike up a good conversation while people use these items at home or work.
Giveaways are a great way for your volunteers to connect with visitors. What would it look like at your church if the greeters had a little something extra to go along with the smiles they give out this Easter?
When it comes to small favors, here are some items that are sure to help visitors remember your Easter program:
- Activity bags for kids.
- Digital download codes for worship songs included in the service.
- Branded gadgets, such as pens, journals or portable chargers — these never go out of style!
- Tickets to local attractions that are specific to your city (zoos, gardens, or museums).
Small gifts like mugs or a bag of sweets are great options, but make them special by creating new designs for these crowd favorites. One way to make a mug special is to customize it to fit your Easter theme. Sweets and candy bars can be spruced up too if you print out customized candy wrappers and place them over the original packaging.
Invite Inspiration
There are so many fun Easter ideas for church, but the message of renewal and grace is the reason it’s one of the most attended Sunday services for churches big and small. Those who plan to attend your church on Easter will never forget the message of restoration and resurrection. How you share that news with them is important. Of all your Easter Sunday service ideas, delivering the message of Jesus is the most important one!
Before the Easter celebration comes to an end, share how interested families or individuals can learn more or get connected to your church community after hearing the news of Jesus. Remember that the most unforgettable part of Easter is the message of hope you prepare.
Our hope is that Easter service at your church would be fun, inspiring, inclusive, and absolutely unforgettable! Consider talking with your staff and volunteers about the ways you can decorate, plan fun activities, and put on a compelling service for your visitors. The best Easter church idea is to let your community know all that Jesus’ resurrection provides.
We created Grow Curriculum — because we know goals aren’t easy to set or achieve without some help. The Grow Curriculum and Annual Strategy (now available for kids, students, or adult small groups) is designed specifically to help you set and achieve your ministry goals and more by giving you all of the tools, teaching material, discipleship activities, volunteer training, family resources, and planning assistance that you need.
